2021 (21) SEAT Tarraco 1.5 EcoTSI Xcellence Lux 5dr DSG

By Jonathan Crouch

Introduction

Need a family SUV with seven seats? Bored by what's on offer from the 2019-2024 period? Perhaps you'll like SEAT's offering, the Tarraco. You get Volkswagen Group engineering, sharp styling, plenty of interior space and, the Iberian maker hopes, a dash of Spanish flair.

History

Just how important is it for a mid-range 'D'-segment 7-seat family SUV to be 'sporty'. Not very, according to the key protagonists in this segment. Back in 2019 SEAT disagreed and positioned this car, the Tarraco, as a slightly more responsive choice for folk who wanted to feel that they were driving more than just a crossover-cultured bus after they'd dropped the kids off at school. Of course, the Spanish maker needed something to set this contender a little apart from the mechanically almost identical Volkswagen Group models that shared its MQB-A platform, the Skoda Kodiaq and the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace. Back in 2019, SEAT was quite new in the SUV genre and the Tarraco sat at the head of the company's crossover triumvirate that by then already included the little Ibiza-based Arona and the slightly larger Leon-structured Ateca. The Tarraco was the biggest car the brand had yet made and was only be offered in our market with 7 seats. Wondering about the name? You probably weren't but SEAT scratched its head long and hard about it, eventually putting the question out to a social media vote. Over 146,000 people responded, with the 'Tarraco' badge chosen referencing the young, vibrant city of Tarragona. Which fits with the great play that SEAT made about this car's 'Spanishness'. Actually it was built in Wolfsburg alongside the Skoda and Volkswagen models that shared its platform. So there was a little Latin spirit combined with a dash of Teutonic sense and sensibility - a combination which had served SEAT well in the past. An eHybrid PHEV version was announced in 2021 but hardly any were imported here. The Tarraco sold until 2024 and wasn't replaced.

What You Get

This Tarraco had to closely follow the design template already established by the other Volkswagen Group SUV 'D'-segment models it shared its Wolfsburg factory with, the Skoda Kodiaq and the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace. Which left very little room for splashes of Iberian expression. The Tarraco stands 1.67m tall and is 4.73m long, which makes it 34mm longer than its cousin, the VW Tiguan Allspace and 38mm longer than its other VW Group cousin the Skoda Kodiaq. At the wheel, clever design makes the car feel like it's going to be easy to manoeuvre. Through the wheel, you glimpse a 10.2-inch 'Digital Cockpit' screen which offers lots of configurable options, ranging from virtual dials through to full-width navigation mapping, with almost endless data display options in between. There's an 8-inch centre-dash monitor which deals with the usual informational, telephone, navigation and entertainment options, plus there's voice control and SEAT's incorporated 'Full Link' connectivity which allows you to connect in your smartphone via 'Apple CarPlay' or 'Android Auto'. In short, very little has been forgotten, which makes up for the fact that despite all the technology, it doesn't feel especially up-market inside unless you've stumped up for a particularly ritzy trim level. This second row bench features all the versatility you'd want from this kind of seven-seat SUV, so the backrest reclines for greater comfort on long journeys and the 60:40-split seat base slides back and forth too. In the third row, you're quickly reminded that this is an SUV, not an MPV. If you regularly carried 7 passengers and you'd swapped into one of these after owning, say, an old SEAT Alhambra People Carrier, you certainly wouldn't be happy - and it'll be immediately obvious why. Overall though, the space back here isn't really any more restricted than it would be in any other mid-sized SUV of this kind - and uncomplaining adults joining you for short journeys will probably be quite glad of it. Out back, if all three seating rows are in use, you'll have 230-litres of luggage space. With the rearmost seats folded into the floor, there's potentially 700-litres of space on offer with the middle row pushed right forward. With the second row folded, 1,775-litres of space is freed up.

What to Look For

We came across quite a few very satisfied Tarraco owners but inevitably, there were a number of issues. We came across a few issues with the DSG auto gearbox. Another owner reported faulty electric and various faulty sensors, plus problems with the GPS system. Apart from that, check for the usual things - interior child damage, scratched alloys etc. It's unlikely that any Tarraco models will have been serious used off road but check the underside of 4MOTION variants just in case. And of course insist on a fully stamped-up service history.

Replacement Parts

(approx based on a 2020 Tarraco 2.0 TDI 150PS ex VAT) An air filter will be priced in the £8 to £31 bracket, an oil filter will sit in the £6 to £14 bracket and a pollen filter will cost in the £6 to £28 bracket. The brake discs we came across sat in the £95 to £242 bracket, with pricier-branded discs costing up to £357. Rear discs are in the £80-£140 bracket. Front brake pads are in the £38 to £88 bracket for a set. Rear pads are in the £26-£50 bracket. A starter motor is in the £103-£222 bracket; a thermostat is £15-£33. A radiator is in the £194-£246 bracket.

On the Road

SEAT decided that this Tarraco should be set up fractionally firmer and ride 20mm lower than its Skoda Kodiaq and Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace production stablemates. As a result, it feels slightly more agile through the bends than a large, high set family car like this normally would. And occasionally gets a little more upset over poorer surfaces than an SUV of this kind might usually do. It's all a bit predictable really and neither issue is likely to be a game changer towards wanting or discarding this contender from your wish list. There's no particular fun to be had in throwing this car about but if you ever do, you'll find that it resists body roll effectively and should keep the sick bags at the bay at the back until you reach the kind of highway environment where this SEAT can show off its refined cruising demeanour. Engine-wise, most Tarraco buyers will be choosing between a pair of 150PS turbo units, either a 1.5-litre TSI EVO petrol powerplant or the 2.0-litre TDI base diesel variant that most original buyers chose. You'll need the diesel if you want a version fitted with the package that gives you DSG auto transmission and SEAT's '4 Drive' 4WD system. A few customers might also want to consider the two more powerful engine options that SEAT offered in the mainstream line-up. There's a gutsier 190PS version of the 2.0-litre diesel, or if you prefer, a 2.0 TSI petrol powerplant, also putting out 190PS. Both of these have to be had with the DSG / 4 Drive package that gives this car extra traction in slippery conditions like snow. And limited off road prowess on surfaces like sand. Or maybe muddy carparks or lighter field tracks.

Overall

Some cars set out to be different. This wasn't one of them. It couldn't be really, so closely was it based on its Skoda and Volkswagen Group cousins. SEAT was instead content to add just a dash of extra Iberian flavour to an achingly competent existing recipe. So the Tarraco looks a bit sportier thanks in part to a lower ride height that means it drives slightly more engagingly too. It didn't really offer anything very different to other family 7-seat SUVs on the market in its period, but it's an engaging alternative that in many ways is difficult to fault. Overall, there's plenty to like here for larger families wanting a well equipped practical 7-seat mid-sized SUV with a slightly sportier demeanour.