SEAT hots up Tarraco with introduction of sportier FR variant

Published on 1 December, 2020

The Tarraco range starts from €38,260 RRP and the Tarraco FR starts from €45,605 RRP

Overview

The SEAT Tarraco FR expands the large SUV’s range to include a vehicle that builds on all the benefits of the original but with a new, sportier, more dynamic dimension to its personality. A range of exterior enhancements, including the trim-specific grille with FR logo, highlight’s the vehicle’s change of character, while wider, black wheel arching mouldings, black roof rails and window frames with side mirrors painted in Cosmo Grey enhance the changes. At the rear of the Tarraco a new sporty spoiler, coast-to-coast lighting, an exclusive rear diffusor and rear logo in a handwritten style add to its allure.

The FR trim also brings with it the latest generation of infotainment system helping occupants stay connected and up-to-date no matter where the road takes them. It’s an area of the vehicle that gains increasing importance as our lives become more digital focused.

The chassis is matched perfectly to the range of engines available. The line-up now includes a new TDI engine of 200PS, in addition to the current range of engines available on the Tarraco. Diesel remains core to the Tarraco, and the FR benefits from two 2.0-litre TDI units with 150PS (110kW) and 200PS (147kW) power outputs respectively. The Tarraco range starts from €38,260 RRP with the FR range starting from €45,605 RRP.

Exterior and interior design

The design approach builds on the foundation set by the Tarraco from launch. With its bigger dimensions, the design team was inspired to bring balance between the vehicle’s greater proportions ,the SEAT Tarraco is the largest SUV of the range at  4,728mm long, 1,839mm wide and 1,658mm tall, and a need to focus its aesthetic character. But with the introduction of the FR model the need to project lightness and agility grew even further.

The strong interior design remains, the feeling of space, safety and a level of high quality, but these attributes have all been built on and improved.

When you step inside the SEAT Tarraco FR you are welcomed by a different ambience compared to other vehicles in the line-up. After taking your place in the driver’s electric Bucket Seat with memory function, you see the leather sports steering wheel that bears the FR logo, leather gear selector and aluminium pedals at your feet, which together help add energy to the vehicle’s feel.

The SEAT Tarraco also benefits from a new touch module (standard in all trims) for all climate control functions (including functions such as seat heater). In addition to touch buttons, illuminated touch sliders are used for fan and temperature control.

SEAT’s advanced Digital Cockpit provides the final element to the cabin’s dedicated focus on the driver, providing all the information and data needed, and which can be configured to suit the driver, or the type of journey being undertaken.

Digitalisation and Connectivity

While the interior space is sculpted to heighten comfort and driver focus, greater emphasis has also been placed on providing an improved digital experience and the ability to connect to the digital world. The SEAT Tarraco FR integrates the latest generation infotainment system including a new navigation system with a larger 9.2’’ screen, optimising driver feedback and passenger connectivity.

The larger Connect System with its clearer display provides a more intuitive user experience, not just because of the layout of the system’s controls, but also because it adds natural voice control to simplify user interaction.

The Full Link system enables access to users’ digital lives no matter what device they have, Android Auto or Apple CarPlay (using a wireless connection based on Bluetooth or WLAN). The technology allows users to connect their mobile devices to the vehicle’s infotainment system, bringing their digital eco-system into the vehicle.

And thanks to the Online Connectivity Unit with an embedded SIM, this means that drivers will never lose connection to the digital world. In future developments, the system will allow users to access the latest apps which can be updated at any time as the eco-system expands, meaning the number of in-car and online services will grow through the life of the vehicle.

Powertrains and chassis

The SEAT Tarraco FR uses a range of new and optimised powertrains, both petrol (TSI) and diesel (TDI), producing the performance expected for a vehicle carrying the FR badge, but balancing the need to lower emissions.

As well as traditional engines, the large SUV also brings plug-in hybrid technology to the segment, combining combustion and electrification to deliver a thrilling drive while aiding SEAT’s shift to a more sustainable approach to mobility.

Diesel

Diesel remains core to the Tarraco and the FR benefits from two 2.0-litre TDI units with 150PS (110kW) and 200PS (147kW) power outputs respectively. The line-up includes a 2.0l engine linked to either a six-speed manual gearbox or seven-speed automatic DSG transmission with a power output of 150PS (110kW).

A new and more powerful 2.0 TDI 200PS (147kW) engine with 400Nm of torque (previously: 2.0 TDI 190PS/140kW) is also available, and is mated to a new seven-speed automatic DSG dual-clutch transmission (DQ381), exclusively available with 4Drive.

Petrol

The 1.5 litre TSI engine pushes out 150PS (110kW)/250Nm and can be linked to either a new six-speed manual gearbox or seven-speed automatic DSG transmission.

Plug-in hybrid

In mid-2021, the SEAT Tarraco will also include an advanced plug-in hybrid variant offering a reassuring level of performance while minimising the vehicle’s wider impact on the environment. Mating a 1.4 litre TSI petrol engine electric motor, 13kWh lithium-ion battery pack and six-speed DSG transmission, the setup produces 245PS (180kW) of power and 400Nm of torque.

The plug-in hybrid version also allows drivers to use electric only mode, giving a range of around 50km using just the energy stored in the vehicle’s battery – perfect for increased efficiency, or to travel around city streets.

Safety and convenience

The brand’s largest SUV integrates a range of new advanced driver assistance systems and convenience features that allow it to remain secure, stable and comfortable no matter how demanding the driving environment.

Systems including Pre-Crash Assist, Predictive Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Travel Assist, Emergency Assist and Side and Exit Assist, work together to protect the vehicle and its occupants.

Additional systems such as Lane Assist and Front Assist, which includes bicycle and pedestrian detection,  are standard and can be supplemented with technologies including Blind Spot Detection, Traffic Sign Recognition and Traffic Jam Assist.

Pre-Crash Assist is a system designed to prepare the vehicle and occupants for  a potential collision. The onboard systems work together, front seatbelts are pretensioned, windows and sunroofs are closed and warning lights are activated in order to mitigate the consequences of an accident.

Predictive Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) can position the large SUV using GPS data delivered from the navigation system, allowing it to correct its speed depending on the road layout ahead – bends, roundabouts, junctions, speed limits and built-up areas. And using input from the front mounted camera and traffic sign recognition, it can adjust vehicle speed when limits change.

Niall Phillips, Brand Director at SEAT Ireland commented, “We are very excited to welcome the New SEAT Tarraco FR to Ireland. The Tarraco was the first seven-seater SUV we launched to the market back in 2019 and has been a great success for us and was awarded Ireland’s Large SUV of the Year 2020.  The new Tarraco FR brings a level of sportiness in its design and its focus is on an improved digital experience.

The launch of the Tarraco FR marks another innovative moment in the overall evolution of SEAT. It’s great to be able to offer our customers even more variety of high-quality vehicles and very attractive offers with 0% PCP across the entire Tarraco range and a 3-year service plan for only €9.99 per month”.

Anthony Murphy

I just kept turning up and eventually they let me drive some shiny new cars.