The New SEAT Tarraco Review

[Jimbobcook]

I'm back reviewing after doing the review for my beloved Cupra R...

As before this is a simple man's review with no massive tech knowledge so anything you see that seems a little flash is possibly from Google. I'm open for any questions you may have.

Also note that I'm not a professional photographer so the pictures I have are taken from my OnePlus 3T phone and with the amount of lights above there maybe quite a few shadows on pictures etc.

I was very fortunate to be asked to join the SEAT UK press team on their trip to see the unveiling of the new Tarraco in Spain, the location was a nice little arena with a couple of hundred people in attendance.

After some mingling we got a nice big video showing of bits of the car and we were invited in to the rear of the arena to sit down, we had a few speakers before we actually saw the car.

I got a very poor video of the entrance of said car if you'd like to see it please click on this fine link I have provided

Here's a few pictures of the 2 examples they brought out both models were the Excellence model with one 5 seater (grey) and the 7 seater (blue)

Now to go over a few bits from a car user point of view...

Exterior styling

Obviously we had all seen the computer engineered photos and the camouflage version of the tarraco before this press release and I wasn't sure if I would like it or not, I can safely say that in person the car alot better looking!

The front of the car is a lot flatter than what we've accustomed to and for some that may look a little pug like but they have added some nice touches like the little bits of bodywork that go over the front of the lights which gives the front a meaner look.

The LED lights have slightly changed shape but nothing too drastic whilst keeping the triangle look that previous models have. I also had to keep telling myself this isn't a 265bhp pocket rocket like I'm used to driving so being harsh on the lack of sporty features was hard work.

The wheels are a nice 20 inches which seemed to fit the arches quite well, I even liked the shape of the rims considering this isn't even the FR model which we didn't get to see.

One thing I did notice is that they may be a pain in the butt to clean with them little slots.

The rear of the car was all new to me after not really paying a massive amount of attention to other SUV's in the SEAT range.
Note the car has an LED that goes in between both light clusters, whilst this was mentioned in the presentation I didn't see it in action when the car braked during its entrance so I'm sure that's something to come and will make people happy if they can code it to do something awesome using OBDeleven etc.
The boot has automatic opening for the lazy people inside us so you no longer need to put them bigger gas struts in to push it up.
One thing that did bother me was the Tarroco name badge is to the left and not centre mass like im used to but looking further into it there doesn't seem to be much space for it once the number plate is on. That's only a small issue for me but I'm glad they didn't move the reg to the left to achieve it.

 

[Jimbobcook]

Interior

For me personally I find the interior more appealing than the exterior so here's a few pictures with some of my thoughts for each bit.

Now I'm a tall guy (6ft 3) so when I enter someone else's car I expect my knees to be part of the seat in front, this is something I just accept... With the Tarraco I could sit in the front seat with a few inches to spare before hitting thee old pegs and still sit behind myself in the back. This is nice for me and I guess the extra 12 inches over the Ateca has been used in places that people wanted.

Working in IT I am a big fan of bezel less monitors so to see a rear view mirror without that shoddy plastic round the outside was a great little touch, i'm not sure if because it's like this that we have any LED's behind it showing compass direction etc that we used to see in Volvo's but I doubt it.

Being sat in the front seems to be a nice place everything seems like it has a place, it almost seems a little too German with angles and everything being in the right place... One thing I didn't like was what felt like plastic wood effect that is shown below under the air vent, not sure who thought of that but i'm not a fan.

One of the big things about getting a car is if the Coffee cup will fit in the holes... In this car... no problem, in fact it may be too big but who's complaining? As you can also see the key is pretty standard.

This model had the full panoramic roof which looks good but my would it be a pain to keep clean if you wanted to see anything out of it and know what it was.... The controls for it where as easy as it gets with just a button to go either way. Once open it has the same little fabric guard at the front to help you from all the rubbish that may pop in the car whilst driving.

As mentioned above this is the control system for the roof and other standard equipment, unfortunately I cannot confirm if this car has LED drop lights as I forgot to check but if I find out I can update this review. Also not in this picture is the SOS button just missed off from the top of the image for emergency calls if you have an accident.

From a summary point of view the interior looks great, even the screen seems to be more stable as I see in some new cars that the screen seems like an after thought and almost like you shoudl have to disconnect it and take it with you. The screen size is 10 inches but there will be a smaller sized screen for the models down the list.

 

[Jimbobcook]

Interior Tech

After sitting in the car for a few minutes I noticed that the car is packed with loads of goodies, obviously this being one of the top models it should have goodies, but more importantly they are not too in your face with bits hidden or well blended in.

The steering wheel is pretty normal with the usual buttons for skip track etc, but something that for me personally doesn't work are the roller selection things (not sure on technical name) they just don't work as well for being specific as a button.

We see the DSG paddles behind which still in my option need the extensions attached for them to look better, we also see the buttons for changing screens on the now full digital dash, unfortunately I didn't get a chance to play around with these.

The main area in the centre console looks like everything has a location and not just jumbled up with too many buttons trying to do everything, a big win over my current MK2 Leon is that this has 2 USB ports along with an AUX cable option if you so wish with plenty of space to place any plugged in items just in front of the ports. Heated seats for both front seats and dual climate control are also a nice to have.

I had a quick chance to test out the sound system which uses Beats audio, the sound quality was good but the sub in the boot didn't seem to give much punch when playing the bass heavy tracks (Beastie boys was the track in question)

Around the Gear stick we see a nice addition now we have full 4 wheel drive, we can select what sort of terrain we wish to traverse which makes me feel like this car has a nice expensive feel to it. This car also spoils us with full 360 degree parking help which shows a top down view of the car when trying to get into spaces.

In the back of the car we have Air con and heated seats for both rear seats (not middle) and another USB port and 12V.

 

[Jimbobcook]

Info System

This is the first car i've been in where it has the full digital dash so I was quite keen to see how it differs from the more natural analogue look I am currently used to, first thing to notice is that the screen is changeable and looks very clear from either of the front seats.

The main info screen shows up at an impressive 10 inches which is the biggest i've seen in a car, the screen is very sensitive to touch so it's easy to move around without having to punch it, as the screen is larger the the classic 4-6 inches they can space out icons so even fat fingered people can easily press what they want.

I looked at the sync ability using Android Auto and calling upon Google which worked very well, I managed to get some screen shots of the versions and info from the unit in case anyone wishes to know what it was running.

 

[Jimbobcook]

Boot

After looking at the 5 and 7 seater versions it's clear that the boot space is vast and does hold a good shape that would easily fit most day to day items (prams, Dog cages etc). the design on the 7 seater rear seats was easy to use and would be very handy if you have an extra 2 little people to tag along.

The boot also has a nice feature of what I class as the Snob boot, a nice mechanised opening and closure of the boot at a push of a button either on the fob or from the bottom of the boot lid.

This is the 5 Seater Boot

This is the 7 Seater boot with the chairs up

I did find the entry for the rear seats was a little tough for a man of my height but as I do not fit in the rear seats at all I think these are primarily for children.

 

[Jimbobcook]

Engine

Unfortunately I only got pictures of the TSI engine but i'm sure you get the idea, everything looks nice a tidy

Still using the old school metal pole to hold up the bonnet instead of gas struts :-(

So the engines of choice are as follows

TSI comes in 1.5l with 148bhp (6 speed manual 2 wheel drive) and a 2.0 with a nice 190bhp (7 Speed DSG 4 wheel drive)

Diesel engines comes with 2 variants of the 2.0l engine with 148bhp with either the 6 speed manual front wheel drive or the DSG with 4 wheel drive, they will also do the DSG 4 wheel drive with 190bhp.

Coming soon after will be a plug in hybrid with a very interesting 210bhp and 400nm of torque.

Also still to come will be the FR model but unsure if that's chassis modifications or power as well.

 

[Jimbobcook]

Final thoughts

After spending only 10 minutes in the car it's tough to make a judgement call if you like it or not but the time I did have was very positive, here are a few pros and cons

Pros
- Nice size boot
- Digital Dash
- 10 inch display
- Comfy seats
- Easy foldable seats
- Full LED lights
- Gesture control
- Snob boot opening
- Beats audio
- 20 inch wheels

Cons
- 7 seater rear 2 seats only have very small amount of leg room
- Maybe under powered engines for the size of the car

I think if the price is right this could have a very good hold of the market now SUV's have flourished.

Be looking forward to the FR spec

Thanks to the SEAT UK Press team to letting me tag along

For lots more technical data please see the following post

https://www.seatcupra.net/index.php/2018/09/18/new-seat-tarraco-pictures-and-video/

Here are 3 more videos I took remember that I did this using a mobile phone lol I will be more prepared if I do something like this again

Hope this has made sense and maybe help someone at some point...

 

[AndrewJB]

Some guy wearing my trousers in some of them shots haha. Nice one mate! good to meet you.

 

[Jimbobcook]

Great day had by all I think, nice to put a face to a name.

Cheers

 

[Tell]

Thanks for another review.

Some question...

A. Not sure whether there is 12v socket in the boot. They have put one in rear but I haven't found anything about one being in the boot. They held off on this on the Ateca first of all then they have offered it as an additional.

B. 10" screen was this the centre display. Some discussion here of why only 8" on offer. So is there a 10" offering as well or typo.

C. Is digital dash standard or is that an extra ?. Not clear from release material.

D. Is that the metallic grey - I think so rather than the solid colour one.

E. Alcantara Seats

Are these to be made available in the UK or is leather to be enforced. Veggies etc prefer Alcantara and leather gets too hot in the summer months and is just unpleasant although it does wipe down. Haven't read anything about leather seats yet.

Now onto my observation .

I reckon the panoramic roof may be the standard Ateca one since in the pictures you see it stops short of the back. Going to check the parts catalogue of the Kodiaq v Ateca and see .

I drive an Ateca and that mirror you like looks identical to me as mine with Panoramic roof - if so I'll photograph it. The rest on the layout is the same except it doesnt have the emergency button. Hence my theory it's the same Panoramic roof except the emergency button at the end. The roof has it's uses. Bet the down light spot lights are missed out as well as per Panoramic roof Ateca's. Ok the controls the same, mirror a little edge on a 2016 Ateca.

Any news on whether Seat UK are going to offer Mapcare and stop being silly. I'll have a standard one if they don't offer it on the navigation plus. The map serial number is the latest Mib2 High release in the photo. Mib2 and Mib2.5 use the same map uploads.

The virtual pedal use very useful when laden, it cuts out one additional loading / unloading journey to the car, getting bag etc wet on the ground whilst pressing the button or whacking closed etc. I find it very useful and if you have dodgy arms it's handy then on power button / virtual pedal.

The centre light bar is for show - mentioned in the German review. I expect there are no lights in it and unless it's pre wired then the Odbeleven / VCDS people may have some fun if the appropriate controls are brought out which depends on where that arrangement is used on other VAG cars - pass on that. Note rear indicators do point when flashing so Audi-ish.

The graphics on the Seat website of the 7 seater slide bar shows where the missing cubic feet go on the 7 v 5 seater.... It's on the kids arm rest. Least I think that's where it went. Can cope with that, 7 seater only in UK

I'm hoping the Tarraco will be like the Kodiaq & Allspace, and provide the missing front passenger leg room that went when I changed from an Altea. I found it in the Nissan Xtrail as well which is in the next size up SUV. For the mid-sized VAG SUV the Tiguan rails and positioning to give rear passengers the same legroom as front ones screws up the front passenger leg space in SUV form verses MPV. One of Honest John's useful notes that SUVs have less space than MPV cars and be careful .

I'd watermark the photos since that other board nicks photographs from this site... nicked my Silverstone Ateca ones in 2016 posted here.

 

[Jimbobcook]

Thanks for another review.

Some question...

A. Not sure whether there is 12v socket in the boot. They have put one in rear but I haven't found anything about one being in the boot. They held off on this on the Ateca first of all then they have offered it as an additional.

B. 10" screen was this the centre display. Some discussion here of why only 8" on offer. So is there a 10" offering as well or typo.

C. Is digital dash standard or is that an extra ?. Not clear from release material.

D. Is that the metallic grey - I think so rather than the solid colour one.

E. Alcantara Seats

Are these to be made available in the UK or is leather to be enforced. Veggies etc prefer Alcantara and leather gets too hot in the summer months and is just unpleasant although it does wipe down. Haven't read anything about leather seats yet.

Now onto my observation .

I reckon the panoramic roof may be the standard Ateca one since in the pictures you see it stops short of the back. Going to check the parts catalogue of the Kodiaq v Ateca and see .

I drive an Ateca and that mirror you like looks identical to me as mine with Panoramic roof - if so I'll photograph it. The rest on the layout is the same except it doesnt have the emergency button. Hence my theory it's the same Panoramic roof except the emergency button at the end. The roof has it's uses. Bet the down light spot lights are missed out as well as per Panoramic roof Ateca's. Ok the controls the same, mirror a little edge on a 2016 Ateca.

Any news on whether Seat UK are going to offer Mapcare and stop being silly. I'll have a standard one if they don't offer it on the navigation plus. The map serial number is the latest Mib2 High release in the photo. Mib2 and Mib2.5 use the same map uploads.

The virtual pedal use very useful when laden, it cuts out one additional loading / unloading journey to the car, getting bag etc wet on the ground whilst pressing the button or whacking closed etc. I find it very useful and if you have dodgy arms it's handy then on power button / virtual pedal.

The centre light bar is for show - mentioned in the German review. I expect there are no lights in it and unless it's pre wired then the Odbeleven / VCDS people may have some fun if the appropriate controls are brought out which depends on where that arrangement is used on other VAG cars - pass on that. Note rear indicators do point when flashing so Audi-ish.

The graphics on the Seat website of the 7 seater slide bar shows where the missing cubic feet go on the 7 v 5 seater.... It's on the kids arm rest. Least I think that's where it went. Can cope with that, 7 seater only in UK

I'm hoping the Tarraco will be like the Kodiaq & Allspace, and provide the missing front passenger leg room that went when I changed from an Altea. I found it in the Nissan Xtrail as well which is in the next size up SUV. For the mid-sized VAG SUV the Tiguan rails and positioning to give rear passengers the same legroom as front ones screws up the front passenger leg space in SUV form verses MPV. One of Honest John's useful notes that SUVs have less space than MPV cars and be careful .

I'd watermark the photos since that other board nicks photographs from this site... nicked my Silverstone Ateca ones in 2016 posted here.

Thanks for putting the effort in to reply, I will try and get you some answers. It may take a few days but I will try.

 

[Tell]

Actually I'm starting to go off the Tarraco now after reading this and seeing recent specs of the Ateca and Arona

https://www.fleetnews.co.uk/news/ma...oves-options-to-simplify-model-range-for-wltp

If it's not got the top level VW gear in it, I'm thinking why bother, stick with my fully specified 2016 Ateca Xcellence with all the stuff you cant order now !. They have cut the Navigation Plus from the Ateca offering, dropped Traffic Sign Recognition etc. I'd get the legroom but less gadgets.

We'll see what they offer to make it worthwhile but not looking hopefull unless it's like the 2016 Ateca launch where you pick what you want then it's trimmed back two years later.

 

[AndrewJB]

Cupra Ateca is only available in 3 levels

 

[Tell]

Cupra Ateca is only available in 3 levels

This seems to be a problem. Cupra's were suppose to juice up the offering but if the offer isnt juicy enough in the first place it becomes tainted. So you could wait two more years for something and it's still not there. We'll see when they provide the Tarraco spec and check with other Seat markets on what's been lobbed off for the UK.

Looking at the Seat Cupra spec Navigation Plus is in all three specs. A marketing thing I sense now. It also mentions without Mapcare in the brochure. A first for Seat UK to mention Mapcare. Can't find the price list so can't check whether Mapcare is an option. Given I've just got my unit unlocked planning to stay put I reckon. Diesels won't be in at the first launch of the Tarraco so I'm told, now pushed back by a month. Bet you can get all the gizmos on the Kodiaq. Will be interesting to see what the offer looks like in the German market compared with the UK.