SEAT's new Tarraco large SUV

Published on 26 September, 2018

It's a sign of things to come

Overview

WHEN the new SEAT Tarraco large SUV goes on sale in Ireland in February, it will become the flagship of the Spanish company's range in a segment where it didn't have any presence just two years ago.

In brand rivalry terms within the VW Group, the Tarraco will be the SEAT contender, along with the Skoda Kodiaq and the Allspace version of Volkswagen's Tiguan.

The Tarraco will also have to take customers of the Mitsubishi Outlander, Nissan X-Trail, Kia, Hyundai's Sorento and Santa Fe, Peugeot 5008, the upcoming Citroen C5 Aircross and the Opel Grandland X.

So what will the Tarraco offer? Probably, at least, a perception of value. A positive vibe reflected across SEAT's range is that is a trendier brand than its more conservative owner. Its buyers are 10 years younger than the industry average.

Its market-share growth should continue with too. There's a new Leon in around 18 months, but ultimately there will be the demise of the Mii city car. An extension of the Cupra sporty variants into the SUV range is also coming.

The Tarraco has just been revealed in Spain. It previews stronger design language from SEAT in future models, including a larger grille and full LED lighting front and rear.

An FR sporty version and a PHEV hybrid with 210hp will be along later.

The Tarraco will come with two petrols, a 150hp 1.5 and a 190hp 2.0. There will also be two 2.0 diesels (150hp and 190hp).

Transmissions will be 6spd manuals and 7spd dual clutch, and there will be front and all-wheel drive.

Importantly there will be five and seven-seat options, with the latter expected to be the big seller.

No prices or grade specifications until December.

Seat will not be bringing in a 'loss leader' bare bones entry-level version.

That's probably sensible, because in the reality of consumer habits, nobody ever buys that basic car. So, for Ireland there will be just two grades.