SEAT has released more details for the Tarraco, the flagship SUV in its model range that’s set to arrive in UK showrooms early next year. Fitted with five- or seven-seats, the Tarraco will sit above the Ateca and Arona, and has a lot in common with the Skoda Kodiaq and Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace. Designed and developed in Martorell, just outside Barcelona, it is being built in Wolfsburg, Germany.
SEAT TARRACO TAKES ON SANTA FE
The Tarraco hints at a subtle design change for SEAT, with a broad new grille spanning the gap between slim full-LED headlights. The LED theme is continued to the exterior, which features sharp and sculpted body lines, along with SUV styling cues like black wheelarches, roof rails and large wheels. Dynamic rear indicators will also be offered, with a snazzy sweeping effect.
Interior space is emphasised by a broad and horizontal dashboard, with an eightinch ‘floating’ screen hovering above the centre console and a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit within the instrument binnacle. SE, SE Technology and Xcellence trim levels are expected, with the possibility of FR versions, too, with top editions of the infotainment system featuring gesture control for the first time in a SEAT. A sharp dashboard design does appear to have come at the cost of some practicality, though, with the upper glovebox of the Skoda Kodiaq not visible in the Tarraco. Convenience-boosting driver aids will feature heavily, from blind-spot warnings to traffic-sign recognition, and even adaptive cruise control that can drive the car autonomously in heavy traffic.
Front- and four-wheel drive will be offered in the 148bhp 2.0-litre TDI iteration, coupled with a six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox. A 187bhp version of the same engine gets 4Drive and DSG as standard, and it’s possible a sportier Tarraco could share the 237bhp diesel engine from the upcoming Kodiaq vRS. SEAT has also said the Tarraco will benefit from Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) that can alter the driving experience and firm up the suspension settings.
