Be aware that we are about to see a rash of new hybrids hitting the new car scene in coming months. The logic for it lies in an industry that has been fossil-fuelled for virtually its entire 125 years of existence. To ask carmakers to make an instant swap to electricity would not just be over-costly but could lead to the winding-up of several brands. Hybridisation is a sensible, convenient and dependable bridge towards full electrification that will help in environmental terms, until the point at which electricity generation does not rely on fossil fuels.
As part of the greater VW Group, Seat has been a little late to the SUV party and its Taracco (Seat’s version of the Skoda Kodiaq) could be swamped easily by its in-house rivals, let alone an already hectic new SUV scene. However, Seat expresses a sportier and more youthful image, which does help it to develop its business spread and brand loyalty is growing, slowly but surely (it is already 7.8% up on last year’s total volume).
Designed and developed at Seat’s facilities in Martorell, Spain, the Tarraco is actually being produced in Wolfsburg (Germany), at the heart of the VW Group. With the introduction of the plug-in hybrid powertrain, it will gain added levels of efficiency, to make it a very sustainable alternative choice.
In fact, its powertrain is based on VW’s popular 147bhp petrol-turbo engine connected to an 85kW electric motor that charges a 13kWh lithium-ion battery pack. It provides drivers with a series of switchable driving modes. The plug-in hybrid aspect allows users to drive in pure-electric mode for around 32 miles, should they need the range, in the process reducing tailpipe emissions to zero, or the combination of petrol engine and electric motor will provide significantly increased performance.
For Seat, the technology enhances its efficiency profile, without the need to make sacrifices in either dynamics, or comfort levels. The total output for the system is 242bhp, with a healthy 295lbs ft of torque, which will be great for the car’s towing potential. Tarraco’s top speed will nudge 140mph, while the customary 0-60mph benchmark will be covered in just over 7.0s. However, the most important statistic lies in its dramatically reduced CO2 emissions expected to be below 50g/km on the official WLTP test cycle, returning around 47mpg.
To be sold initially as a one-trim model, the FR specification will provide bolstered, electrically-operated seating, intriguing new materials (including a Neoprene-look upholstery and art craft leather), digital instrumentation, wider wheel-arches and standard 19.0-inch diameter alloy wheels (20.0-inch optional). In addition to Trailer Assist, the new model also features Parking Heater that allows the engine to be pre-warmed in colder weather conditions. Seat will start taking orders for the new model in early-2020, with deliveries commencing in early-summer.
