By Breda Corrigan
Named after the Mediterranean city of Tarragona (Catalonia, Spain), the terrific SEAT Tarraco became the Spanish car manufacturer’s flagship SUV when it was launched in 2019. SEAT has now added to its SE and Xcellence trim levels with the introduction of a sportier FR variant, which augments the 7-seat SUV’s sportiness with an exclusive exterior and interior look.
Dynamic Personality;
The SEAT Tarraco FR builds on all the benefits of the original but with a new, sportier, more dynamic dimension to its personality. A range of exterior enhancements, including the trim-specific grille with FR logo, highlights the vehicle’s change of character, while wider, black wheelarch mouldings, black roof rails and window frames with side mirrors painted in Cosmo Grey enhance the changes. At the rear of the Tarraco a new sporty spoiler, coast-to-coast lighting, an exclusive rear diffusor, and rear logo in a handwritten style adds to its allure. The FR trim also brings with it the latest generation of infotainment systems, helping occupants to stay connected and up-to-date no matter where their journey takes them.
Powertrain Options;
The SEAT Tarraco FR uses a range of new and optimised powertrains, both petrol (TSI) and diesel (TDI), producing the performance expected for a vehicle carrying the sporty FR badge, but balancing the need to lower emissions. As well as traditional engines, the Tarraco SUV also brings plug-in hybrid technology to the segment, combining combustion and electrification to deliver a thrilling driving experience while aiding SEAT’s shift to a more sustainable approach to mobility. The Tarraco FR benefits from two 2.0-litre TDI units with 150PS and 200PS power outputs respectively. The 150PS unit is available with either a six-speed manual gearbox or seven-speed automatic (DSG) transmission, with the 200PS unit available exclusively with SEAT’s acclaimed 4Drive (four wheel-drive) and DSG transmission. A 1.5-litre petrol (TSI) engine with 150PS comes with a choice of manual or DSG transmissions, while a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain consists of a 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine mated to an electric motor which is powered by a 13kWh lithium-ion battery pack, and is driven by way of a six-speed DSG transmission to produce 245PS and 400Nm of torque.
Super Spacious, Super Safe;
The reassuringly rugged Tarraco features a raised ride height, a rising shoulder line, and a gently tapering roofline that all provide the large SUV with its attractive profile. It is the combination of elevated ground clearance and generous proportions that result in such a spacious cabin and, with up to seven seats available, varying combinations of passenger and luggage space is available. The SEAT Tarraco integrates a range of new advanced driver assistance systems and convenience features that allow it to remain secure, stable and comfortable no matter how demanding the driving environment. Systems include Pre-Crash Assist, Predictive Adaptive Cruise Control, Travel Assist, Emergency Assist, and Side & Exit Assist, which work together to protect the vehicle and its occupants. Additional systems such as Lane Assist and Front Assist, which includes bicycle and pedestrian detection, are standard and can be supplemented with technologies like Blind Spot Detection, Traffic Sign Recognition and Traffic Jam Assist.
Test Car;
My test car was a SEAT Tarraco FR 2.0-litre TDI 150PS DSG 7-seat SUV, which looked superb in its striking Orix White Premium metallic paint with contrasting 20” Supreme alloy wheels and dark tinted windows. Other notable standard FR equipment includes a digital cockpit, full LED lights, keyless entry & start, Drive profile selection, rear view camera, front & rear parking sensors, Park Assist, tow-bar pre-installation, sporty front bucket seats, electric driver seat with memory, tiredness recognition, e-call (emergency call system), ISOFix seat mountings front & rear, 3-zone climatronic air-conditioning, 9.2” navigation system, Bluetooth (phone & media), SEAT CONNECT, DAB Radio, Full Link (Android Auto & Apple CarPlay), voice control, heated front seats, headed rear outside seats and heated washer nozzles.
On The Road;
Producing 150PS (148bhp) and 340Nm of torque, the turbo-diesel engine in my test car had ample pulling power for a fully-laden large SUV, while enabling the Tarraco to sprint from 0-100km/h in just 9.8-seconds, with fuel consumption as low as 6.3l/100km (up to 45mpg) on a combined driving cycle. The Tarraco FR feels really good in corners and rides well over all surfaces, with only a limited level of body roll when cornering. For a large seven-seat SUV, the Tarraco is remarkably composed on the move, with responsive steering which provides great confidence when changing lanes on a motorway, or driving through bends on a back road. You can select from four different driving modes – Normal, Sport, Eco or Individual – so the responsiveness of the Tarraco can be adapted to suit your mood or driving style. On the inside, the Tarraco feels every inch a product of the Volkswagen Group, although it’s subtly different to its smaller SUV siblings – the Arona and Ateca. At 4,735mm long, 1,839mm wide, and 1,674mm tall, the Tarraco is similar in size to the Skoda Kodiaq (with which it shares its platform), so excellent passenger space is on offer in the front and second row seats, while the third row seats are really best suited to children. There are plenty of storage options, too, including door bins wide enough to house a large bottle of water, a storage bin beneath the centre armrest, and two large cup-holders. The amount of headroom is excellent throughout the cabin, while three sets of Isofix mounts across the rear seats will be useful for families. The second row of seats split 40/20/40, which means you can fold the middle seat down when carrying long items, but still make use of the outermost seats. In the Tarraco, you get 700-litres of cargo space with the third row of seats folded down, but this extends to a massive 2,005-litres when you fold down the second row of seats.
Verdict & Pricing;
Overall, the SEAT Tarraco FR is truly great to drive, while its stylish good looks and smart interior are sure to impress even the most discerning of families looking for a large SUV for their family and leisure activities. With SEAT Ireland currently offering 3.9% PCP Finance, a €2,000 Online Discount Voucher and a 3 Year Service Plan for just €9.99 per month, there really never has been a better time to get behind the wheel of the terrific SEAT Tarraco. Pricing for the SEAT Tarraco range starts at €38,890, or from €389 per month (T’s & C’s apply).
