First Drive: SEAT Tarraco

The new SEAT Tarraco SUV

Fancy getting muddy in style? We check out Seats all new seven seat Tarraco writes Geraldine Herbert.

What is it? Sitting on top of the SEAT SUV family the Tarraco is a big brother to the Ateca and Arona. With seven-seat SUV plans to tempt buyers away from a host of rivals including the Mitsubishi Outlander, Nissan X-Trail, Kia’s Sorento, Hyundai’s Santa Fe, the Peugeot 5008, the Citroen C5 Aircross and Opel’s Grandland X. The biggest SUV of the family is also available as a five-seat option.

Is it a looker? With smart proportions, sporty lines and an imposing front grilled looking good on the school run and on the odd off-road jaunt  has never been easier.

What about the interior? Inside it is simple to find a comfy driver’s spot and the cabin feels classy. There’s plenty of room for five adult and all their associated accouterments. Space and storage are good throughout and there is easily enough room to swallow the entire toy collection of even the most doted-on only child.

Under the bonnet? Engine choices include two petrol and two diesel and if you opt for the clever four-wheel drive system it seamlessly shifts power to different wheels depending on the conditions.

And on the road? We tested the 1.5 petrol Tarrocco that offers plenty of grunt while little or no wind and engine noise creeps into the cabin so it’s refined and smooth. It is nicely sporty for a seven-seater but watch out for the bumps it got a firm ride.

How safe is it? You won’t have to fret about safety, as apart from the usual full set of airbags, emergency brake assist and stability control there are also Front Assist with city emergency braking, pedestrian protection and bicycle detection, Lane Assist and Speed limiter.

The cabin is comfortable and spacious

Will it break the bank? There are two trim levels to choose from SE and Xcellence, and prices start at €34,700. All Tarroccos get Full LED headlights, SEAT Digital Cockpit 8″ screen with Full Link and Rain and light sensors. Trade up to Xcellence to add 19″ Exclusive machined alloy wheels and Electric tailgate with a virtual pedal.

Why you will like it? Good performance, stylish looks, and a practical interior make the Tarrocco a very appealing package.

What it says about you?  You’ve got a great eye for a bargain and want to stand out from the crowd, but not too much

3 words to describe the Seat Tarracco; Stylish; Sporty; Sophisticated

Model RRP OTRP
Tarraco 1.5TSI 150HP SE (5 SEATS) 34,700 35,450
Tarraco 2.0TDI 150HP SE (5 SEATS) 37,250 38,000
Tarraco 1.5TSI 150HP XC (5 SEATS) 39,885 40,635
Tarraco 2.0TDI 150HP XC (5 SEATS) 42,430 43,180
Tarraco 1.5TSI 150HP SE (7 SEATS) 35,700 36,450
Tarraco 2.0TDI 150HP SE (7 SEATS) 38,250 39,000
Tarraco 1.5TSI 150HP XC (7 SEATS) 40,885 41,635
Tarraco 2.0TDI 150HP XC (7 SEATS) 43,430 44,180

Geraldine Herbert
14th February 2019

Author: Geraldine Herbert

Motoring Editor and Columnist for the Sunday Independent and editor of wheelsforwomen. Geraldine is also a regular contributor to Good Housekeeping (UK), EuroNews and to RTÉ, Newstalk, TodayFM, BBC Radio and Vigin Media. You can follow Geraldine on Twitter at @GerHerbert1

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