Seat has expanded the range of its seven-seat
Tarraco SUV with the addition of a new plug-in hybrid powertrain, the first in
the brand’s history. The new electrified powertrain, which until now could only be found
in concepts like the Cupra Formentor, is now present under the bonnet of the
Tarraco, producing a combined 241 hp and 400 Nm of torque. The
plug-in hybrid system combines a 147 hp 1.4-liter TSI engine with a 114 hp
electric motor.
With the help of a 13kWh battery pack, the new Seat
Tarraco PHEV is capable of driving for more than 50 km on electric
power alone while CO2 emissions are expected to be less than 50g/km on the
latest WLTP cycle. 0-100 km/h comes in 7.4 seconds while top speed is
rated at 217 km/h.
Seat’s first plug-in hybrid model will be followed
by five more electric and plug-in hybrid models under the Seat and Cupra
brands, models that are set to launch by early 2021. “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,” said Luca de Meo, President of
Seat.
Together with the new powertrain, Seat is also
introducing a sporty FR trim for the Tarraco range; the exterior is now more
aggressive, thanks to features like the wider wheel arches, FR-specific 19-inch
wheels, a rear spoiler and a front FR grille. The color of the display car is
also new, called Fura Grey.
The interior has been enhanced with a new 9.2-inch
touchscreen display for the infotainment, electric sports bucket seats, a new
steering wheel and plenty of FR badges throughout. Seat will be offering new
optional extras as well, including Trailer Assist and Parking Heater.
The new 2020 Seat Tarraco FR PHEV will celebrate its
public premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September, with production to
start next year.
