Seat Tarraco 2.0 TDI 150 2019 UK first drive

Like any car manufacturer keen on the idea of making a profit these days, Seat hasn’t dillied or dallied in its efforts to bring a full family of SUV-shaped models to market. The mid-size Seat Ateca came first, and quickly proved that crossover hatchbacks could actually be reasonably entertaining to drive. Then came the smaller Seat Arona, which wasn’t so hot on the road, but was plenty stylish and decently practical.

The vehicle you see before you is the Seat Tarraco. It’s the third and largest sibling to join Martorell’s growing SUV line-up, and it’s now arrived in the UK with a £28,335 starting price and seven seats as standard across the range.

It’s a handsome, yet familiar-looking thing, isn’t it? Squint and it bears more than a passing resemblance to the Skoda Kodiaq. But then again, that’s hardly surprising; it’s not like VW Group members haven’t got previous form in making vehicles that are all a bit samey. Ah, the joys of platform sharing. Anyway, the Tarraco looks sharp, and Seat says it hints at how their future models will look. The new Leon should be smart, then.

In the UK, the Tarraco range starts at SE, moving up through SE Technology, XCellence and XCellence Lux. More athletically-styled FR and FR Sport models will arrive at a later date. The engine line-up, meanwhile, consists of a 148bhp 1.5-litre petrol; a 187bhp 2.0-litre petrol; and a 2.0-litre diesel with either 148bhp or 187bhp. The 148bhp petrol is front-driven and paired with a six-speed manual ’box, while the 148bhp diesel can have either a six-speed manual and front-wheel drive, or a seven-speed DSG and four-wheel drive. All 187bhp variants send their power to both axles via the automatic transmission.

While the 1.5-litre petrol engine is expected to be the best-seller here in Britain, Seat didn’t have any out on the launch for us to try. It says the 148bhp diesel should be second in terms of popularity, though, so we drove that instead. In our SE Technology spec test car, it sent its power to the front wheels through a six-speed manual.

And even though it wasn’t the top-tier XCellence Lux model, the Tarraco’s cabin still offers just enough in the way of premium appeal. The fabric upholstery used throughout is tasteful, while the 10.25in digital cockpit and 8in infotainment system with sat-nav, DAB radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto make for an impressive gadgetry roster.

It’s spacious, too; taller adults will find they aren’t short on space in the second row, though the third row is best left for children. A 700-litre boot (with the third row stowed) should come in handy, too. That said, the seven-seat Skoda Kodiaq manages to feel even roomier still, although its boot is smaller at 630 litres.