Spain’s SEAT Debuts Tarraco Large SUV

SEAT enters the large SUV market, debuting the Tarraco with both 5- and 7-seat options and showing the Spanish automaker’s new design direction.

The Tarraco, which will enter the market at the start of 2019 as the new flagship of the Volkswagen Group-owned brand, had its name chosen by popular vote by more than 140,000 enthusiasts.

The SUV debuted in the Spanish Mediterranean city it’s named after – Tarragona, a historic cultural center. Pre-sales of the Tarraco start in December.

The vehicle, 186.4 ins. (4,735 mm) long and 65.3 ins. (1,658 mm) tall, was designed and developed at SEAT facilities in Barcelona and is being produced in Wolfsburg, Germany.

SEAT President Luca de Meo says the Tarraco forms part of the automaker’s €3.3 billion ($3.9 billion) investment between 2015 and 2019 in the range of vehicles it offers.

The key is the latest technology from VW Group and the MQB-A long-wheelbase architecture that underpins the SUV.

All powertrain options have direct injection, turbocharging and start-stop technology.

Two gasoline variants will be available: a 1.5L TSI 4-cyl. producing 150 hp and linked to a 6-speed manual transmission powering the front wheels, and a 190-hp 2.0L mated to a 7-speed direct-shift gearbox and 4Drive total traction system.

There are two diesels, both 2.0L TDIs, with power outputs of 150 and 190 hp. The 150-hp variant can be connected to either a front-wheel-drive 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG with 4Drive. The higher-powered version is available only with a 4Drive/7-speed DSG.

The Tarraco will be given alternative powertrain technologies at a later date.

Safety systems include lane assist and front assist including bicycle and pedestrian detection as standard in Europe. Systems such as blindspot detection, traffic-sign recognition, traffic-jam assist, adaptive cruise control, light assist and emergency assist are available as options.

The Tarraco also includes emergency calling, pre-crash assist and rollover detection.

An 8-in. (20.3-cm) floating HMI screen provides access to a suite of connectivity options.

The front design hints at SEAT’s new design language, with a more prominent grille giving the SUV greater presence and character. Full LED headlights retain the automaker’s triangular signature but are set further into the body, giving a more focused appearance.