Seat adds plug-in hybrid to Tarraco range

Seat is adding a plug-in hybrid powertrain to the Tarraco line-up and the sporty FR trim.

With a 13kWh battery pack, the Tarraco PHEV will offer an all-electric range of more than 30 miles and CO2 below 50g/km.

Seat sold a record 369,500 vehicles in the first seven months of the year, with 55,200 vehicles sold in July alone, a 7.8% increase over 2018.

The Tarraco is contributing to increase the company’s presence globally, and the introduction of both the FR trim and plug-in hybrid technology will be key components in achieving its targets, said Seat.

Luca de Meo, Seat president, explained:“The Tarraco plug-in hybrid perfectly illustrates our move towards a more sustainable mobility, yet maintaining the dynamism and fun-to-drive, typical of any SEAT.

“The Tarraco will be one of the few options with a plug-in hybrid powertrain on the large SUV segment, and we believe that it has a great potential.”

The plug-in hybrid powertrain system comprises of a 1.4 litre TSI 110 kW petrol engine, 85 kW electric motor and a 13 kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

Total output for the system is 245PS (180kW)/400Nm giving the plug-in hybrid Tarraco a top speed of 135mph and the ability to reach 62mph in 7.4 seconds.

Meanwhile, Seat says introducing the FR trim to the Tarraco will enhance the large SUVs desirability yet further, and bring new levels of sportiness to its character.

The exterior design has been enhanced, with wider wheel arches, a sporty rear spoiler and FR-specific 19” alloy wheels, with an option to have machined 20” wheels available.

New options include trailer assist – which makes towing considerably easier, and reduce the likelihood users will encounter difficulties when parking, and the Parking Heater, a system that allow you to warm the engine and vehicle faster in extremely cold weather.

Inside, there’s a new navigation system with 9.2 inch screen, while front occupants now benefit from electric sports bucket seats with memory function (for the driver side).

In addition, there are aluminium pedals and a new sports steering wheel with FR logo.

The introduction of the FR trim and advanced plug-in hybrid powertrain, according to Seat, positions the Tarraco as one of the sportiest, most efficient models in the large SUV segment.

Start of production of the FR trim and of the PHEV version will take place during the course of 2020.

The Tarraco FR PHEV will make its world debut at this year’s IAA Frankfurt International Motor Show.