New Seat Taracco: UK prices announced for seven-seat SUV

“We used the same philosophy as the Ateca: using the latest technology on a proven VW Group platform and trying to offer one step more to the customer,” said Schawe. “We tried to give the Tarraco the Seat character in terms of driving dynamics, reducing the weight you feel when driving it. It fits into the family DNA.”

The Tarraco will be launched with four direct injection turbocharged engines: two petrol and two diesel. The entry-level petrol is a four-cylinder 1.5-litre TSI unit with a six-speed manual gearbox and front- wheel drive. The high-spec 187bhp 2.0-litre petrol comes with a seven-speed automatic and four-wheel drive. Both diesels are 2.0-litre TDIs.

They produce 148bhp (with a choice of front- or four-wheel drive) and 178bhp (with four-wheel drive).

Seat has confirmed that a plug-in hybrid version will be launched within the next two years. That model will offer a total powertrain performance of 207bhp and 295lb ft of torque, with an electric-only range of 31 miles and a CO2 output of less than 50g/km.

The DCC system provides a variety of drive modes, including one that automatically adjusts to conditions, while the Tarraco runs on MacPherson front struts and multi-link rear suspension.

A range of driver assistance systems will be available, including lane assist, traffic jam assist, road sign recognition and blind spot detection. It also features pre-crash assist and rollover detection systems.

While the Tarraco completes Seat’s SUV line-up, design boss Alejandro Mesonero said it “gives you a hint” of the firm’s future design direction. The Tarraco features a redesigned front grille, and a revamped version of Seat’s triangular LED headlights and narrow rear LED lights, standard on Xcellence and Style trims. Mesonero added the Tarraco was designed to "give a strong first impression."

The interior design has also been revamped, with a new dashboard style based around a horizontal line effect designed to emphasise the Tarraco's width. It also features 10.25in Digital Cockpit and an optional 8.0in infotainment screen, which has been positioned to give a 'floating' effect. The Tarraco is also the first Seat to feature gesture control technology. The interior also features LED lighting.

The Tarraco will launch with two trim options, although the exact specifications of these are yet to be set for the UK market. A sportier FR model will follow.

The Tarraco is 4735mm long and 1658mm tall and will be available with either five or seven seats. It has a wheelbase of 2.8 metres, with a luggage capacity of up to 760 litres (in five-seat form), which increases to 2000 litres with the rear seats down. It will be built at VW’s Wolfsburg factory. Prices have yet to be disclosed but are expected to start from around £25,000.

De Meo said the Tarraco would help Seat's globalisation due to its appeal in markets "from South America to China". The Volkswagen Group has recently agreed a joint venture in China with JAC in which Seat will be the lead brand.