Seat is one of the newcomers to the SUV game, but their lineup already includes three models the subcompact Arona, the compact Ateca and the mid-size Tarraco.
All are based on Volkswagen Group platforms; the latter shares its underpinnings with the Tiguan Allspace and Skoda Kodiaq and, apart from them, goes against the likes of the Peugeot 5008, among others.
Aimed at large families or those who need the extra boot space offered by such a ride, the Tarraco ticks many boxes for practicality, space and equipment. It boasts 700 liters (24.7 cu-ft) of boot space behind the second row that’s expandable up to 1,775 liters (62.7 cu-ft). Tall passengers will find that the front and rear seats are quite spacious, whereas the third-row is most suitable for kids.
Also Watch: The Tarraco Is A Restyled Skoda Kodiaq With Seat Badges – And That’s A Good Thing
All four trim levels offered in the UK are nicely specced, with the base SE getting standard 17-inch wheels, 3-zone climate control, automatic windscreen wipers and folding side mirrors. The SE Technology is where the best value for money is, as it adds larger 18-inch wheels, tinted rear windows and navigation with 3D map display. The XCellence brings chrome exterior details, 19-inch wheels, cloth and Alcantara front sport seats and a few other extras, whereas the XCellence Lux adds 20-inch wheels, leather trim and Winter Pack. Automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist and driver drowsiness monitor are standard in all across the board.
The engine lineup currently counts two petrol and two diesel units and starts with the 150 PS (148 hp / 110 kW) 1.5 TSI. The 2.0 TDI, in its 150 PS (148 hp / 110 kW) tune, is the mid-range offering and its 190 PS (187 hp / 140 kW) version is limited to the XCellence grades, as is the 190 PS (187 hp / 140 kW) 2.0 TSI petrol four. All-wheel drive is only available with the two diesel burners and the higher-output petrol.
Despite the rather firm suspension compared to its two cousins from Volkswagen and Skoda, the Tarraco is surprisingly comfortable, though you should avoid the 20-inch wheels to make sure it stays that way. The steering is very precise and encourages drivers to attack corners at higher speeds. Soundproofing is good as well, so Seat’s mid-size SUV is a great long-distance cruiser.
Now, how much will you have to pay to get your own Tarraco? That would be £28,550 ($35,538/€32,203) for the base SE TSI in the UK, £30,025 ($37,374/€33,867) for the 2.0 TDI 150, or £33,215 ($41,345/€37,465) for the AWD variant, with a DSG gearbox. The SE Technology starts at £29,580 ($36,820/€33,365) and for the range-topping XCellence Lux, with the more powerful diesel, AWD and DSG, you’ll have to cough up £38,305 ($47,681/€43,206).