Cars

SEAT wants to try large SUV with Tarraco

By Sagar

Posted on October 20, 2018

VW Group’s Spanish brand SEAT is sort of a low-key member of the family. It’s not present in a lot of markets compared to the other brands in the Group. Not completely sure if that’ll change, however, the company wants new customers to the brand.

Which is why the Tarraco was showcased at the 2018 Paris Motor Show and it has just entered the production as well at Volkswagen’s Wolfsburg plant. It is named after the Mediterranean city of Tarragona. The Tarraco is the brand’s first large SUV and competes in the mid-size segment. It is built on VW Group’s MQB platform (MQB-A) which also underpins the Kodiaq.

According to SEAT, the Tarraco sports the brand’s new design language and gives a glimpse of the design direction for future models. At the front, the SUV sports full LED headlamps and retains the brand’s triangular signature.

The side profile isn’t all that interesting besides the 20-inch machined alloy wheels. At the rear, there is LED lighting with dynamic turn signals. As is the trend these days, the taillamps are connected via a narrow strip. However, the designers have added fake exhaust tips which look rather tacky.

The interiors have that typical VW Group flair and everything looks neat and well put together. Features include a 10.25-inch digital cockpit, an 8-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system, electric driver’s seat with memory, and wireless charging. On Xcellence and Style trims, the SUV uses 100% LED technology as standard for both exterior and interior.

Available in 5- or 7-seater configurations; the former offers 760 litres of standard luggage capacity or 1,920 litres with the rear seats folded; the latter has 700 litres on offer with 3rd row down or 1,775 litres with 2nd and 3rd row down.

Driving assistance and safety systems include Lane Assist and Front Assist with bicycle and pedestrian detection as standard in Europe. Systems such as Blind Spot Detection, Traffic Sign Recognition, Traffic Jam Assist, ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control), Light Assist and Emergency Assist are available as options. The Tarraco also includes Emergency Call, Pre-crash Assist and Rollover Detection.

Powertrains
Moving on to the business end of the story, the Tarraco has two petrol engines on offer, the 150 hp 1.5-litre 4-cylinder TSI linked to a 6-speed manual transmission powering the front wheels, and a 190 hp 2.0-litre unit, mated to a 7-speed DSG gearbox transmitting power to all-four wheels (4Drive).

There is also a 2.0-litre TDI on offer, with power outputs of 150 hp and 190 hp. The 150 hp variant can be connected to either a front-wheel drive, 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG with 4Drive system. The higher powered version is solely available in 4Drive/7-speed DSG gearbox. At a later date, the Tarraco will also be available in alternative powertrains.

There are different drive modes available too. The vehicle has Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) for a sporty driving experience. While the driver can select the settings they prefer, apparently, the system can also adapt automatically, modifying the ride depending on the road surface and driving style.