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SEAT launches flagship Tarraco SUV

SEAT says its biggest product offensive reaches its climax with the introduction of the brand’s new flagship model, the Tarraco. The company says the new vehicle will bring higher margins to the company, growing its portfolio and increasing its competitiveness, allowing it to cover 80 per cent of vehicle segments in the European market.

The Tarraco will be introduced at the beginning of 2019. It was designed and developed at SEAT’s facilities in Martorell and will be produced in Wolfsburg (Germany), marking the third instalment in the company’s SUV product offensive.

Named after the Mediterranean city of Tarragona – a historic, cultural centre with awe-inspiring architecture but a spirit that is young and adventurous – the name Tarraco was chosen by a popular vote. More than 146,000 SEAT enthusiasts participated in the final phase of the #SEATseekingName competition.

Tarraco benefits from a choice of two petrol engines and two diesel units. SEAT says the Tarraco is also future-proofed and ready to take alternative powertrain technologies.

“SEAT is experiencing its biggest product offensive in recent times. The introduction of the SEAT Tarraco, our very first large SUV, forms part of our €3.3 billion investment between 2015 and 2019 in the company’s future and the range of vehicles we offer,” said President of SEAT, Luca de Meo, “It not only completes our family of SUVs, but brings a new vigour to the segment and will help bring new customers to the SEAT family.”

The Tarraco SUV is 4,735mm long, 1,839mm wide and 1,658mm tall.

“The new Tarraco gives a strong impression when you see it for the first time because of its excellent proportions and elegant, yet sporty design. It delivers a feeling of proudness thanks to its assertive front end, a front end that gives you a hint to what future SEATs will look like,” said Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos, Director of Design at SEAT. “And, as we do in every vehicle we develop, we put a huge amount of our love and passion into the Tarraco’s detailing, following our philosophy: if it looks right, it is right.”

Colour options include Dark Camouflage, Oryx White, Reflex Silver, Atlantic Blue, Indium Grey, Urano Grey and Deep Black.

All of the engines powering the Tarraco benefit from direct-injection, turbocharging and start-stop technology with outputs of between 150PS and 190PS, and all meeting latest emissions standards.

There are two petrol variants: a four-cylinder 1.5 litre TSI unit that produces 148 bhp and is linked to a six-speed manual transmission powering the front wheels, and a 2.0 litre, 187 bhp offering mated to a seven-speed DSG gearbox and 4Drive total traction system.

There are two diesel options, both 2.0 litre TDIs, with power outputs of 148 bhp and 187 bhp respectively. Bore and stroke are identical at 81mm and 95.5mm but the compression ratio differs: the 148 bhp unit uses a 16.2 ratio while the 187 bhp engine is 15.5.

The 148 bhp variant can be connected to either a front-wheel drive, six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG with 4Drive system, but maximum power remains 148 bhp at 3,500-4,000rpm and maximum torque of 251 ft lb is available from 1,750rpm and 3,000rpm. The 187 bhp variant is connected to a seven-speed DSG with 4Drive system, and the maximum power remains 187 bhp at 3,500-4,000rpm and maximum torque of 296 ft lb is available between 1,750 and 3,250 rpm.

The higher-powered diesel engine is solely available in 4Drive/seven-speed DSG gearbox format. Top speed is 130mph and the car reaches 62mph in 8.0 seconds.

As new technologies come online the SEAT Tarraco is engineered to benefit from alternative powertrain technologies, improving efficiency even further in the future. In this regard, by 2020, the Tarraco will benefit from a Plug-in Hybrid version.

Pre-sales of the New SEAT Tarraco will start in December and the car will make its entry to the market at the very beginning of 2019.

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