The SEAT Tarraco is a mid-size crossover SUV manufactured by the Spanish automobile manufacturer SEAT, a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group. Introduced in 2018, the Tarraco represents SEAT’s entry into the highly competitive seven-seater SUV segment. Positioned above the SEAT Ateca in the lineup, the Tarraco was designed to offer a more spacious and family-oriented alternative, primarily targeting the European market. While not officially sold in the United States, understanding the Tarraco provides insight into Volkswagen Group’s global SUV strategy and the features offered in European-market vehicles. This article focuses on the 1.5 EcoTSI EVO (150 Hp) ACT 7-seat variant produced between September 2020 and June 2024.
SEAT Tarraco 1.5 EcoTSI EVO: An Overview
The Tarraco 1.5 EcoTSI EVO is a gasoline-powered version of the SUV, equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine. The “ACT” designation refers to Active Cylinder Technology, a fuel-saving system that can deactivate two cylinders under light load conditions. This model is notable for its combination of fuel efficiency, respectable performance, and seven-passenger capacity, making it a practical choice for families. The Tarraco competes with vehicles like the Skoda Kodiaq, Hyundai Santa Fe, and Kia Sorento in the European market.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Tarraco 1.5 EcoTSI EVO is a 1.5-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine, designated DPCA. This engine produces 150 horsepower at 5000-6000 rpm and 250 Nm (184.39 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1500-3500 rpm. The engine features direct fuel injection and a turbocharger with an intercooler, enhancing both power and efficiency. The Active Cylinder Technology (ACT) contributes to fuel savings by shutting down cylinders two and three during cruising or low-demand situations. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. Performance figures include a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 9.9 seconds and a 0-60 mph time of 9.4 seconds, with a maximum speed of 199 km/h (123.65 mph). The weight-to-power ratio is 10.3 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio is 6.2 kg/Nm.
Design & Features
The SEAT Tarraco is a five-door SUV with a spacious interior designed to accommodate up to seven passengers. The exterior styling is characterized by a bold front grille, sharp headlights, and a muscular profile. The Tarraco’s design language aligns with SEAT’s contemporary aesthetic, emphasizing a sporty and dynamic appearance. Inside, the Tarraco offers a comfortable and well-equipped cabin. Key features include a modern infotainment system, digital instrument cluster, and a range of driver-assistance systems. Safety features, crucial in modern vehicles, include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and multiple airbags. The Tarraco’s versatility is enhanced by its flexible seating configuration, allowing the rear seats to be folded down to increase cargo space. Trunk space ranges from a minimum of 230 liters (8.12 cu. ft.) with all seats in use to a maximum of 700 liters (24.72 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded. The Tarraco’s dimensions are: length 4735 mm (186.42 in.), width 1839 mm (72.4 in.), and height 1674 mm (65.91 in.), with a wheelbase of 2790 mm (109.84 in.).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Seat |
| Model | Tarraco |
| Generation | Tarraco |
| Type (Engine) | 1.5 EcoTSI EVO (150 Hp) ACT 7 Seat |
| Start of production | September, 2020 |
| End of production | June, 2024 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 7 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 199 km/h (123.65 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.3 kg/Hp, 97.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.2 kg/Nm, 162.3 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 150 Hp @ 5000-6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 100.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 1500-3500 rpm (184.39 lb.-ft. @ 1500-3500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | DPCA |
| Engine displacement | 1498 cm3 (91.41 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 74.5 mm (2.93 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 85.9 mm (3.38 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.8 l (5.07 US qt | 4.22 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 8 l (8.45 US qt | 7.04 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1540 kg (3395.12 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2320 kg (5114.72 lbs.) |
| Max load | 780 kg (1719.61 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 230 l (8.12 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 700 l (24.72 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 58 l (15.32 US gal | 12.76 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (8%) | 2000 kg (4409.25 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1800 kg (3968.32 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Length | 4735 mm (186.42 in.) |
| Width | 1839 mm (72.4 in.) |
| Height | 1674 mm (65.91 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2790 mm (109.84 in.) |
| Front track | 1585 mm (62.4 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1574 mm (61.97 in.) |
| Front overhang | 926 mm (36.46 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 1019 mm (40.12 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.9 m (39.04 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 314×30 mm |
| Rear brakes | Disc, 300×12 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 215/65 R17 99V; 235/55 R18 100V; 235/50 R19 99V; 255/45 R19 100V; 235/45 R20 100V; 255/40 R20 101V |
| Wheel rims size | 7J x 17; 7J x 18; 7J x 19; 8.5J x 19; 8J x 20; 8.5J x 20 |
The SEAT Tarraco 1.5 EcoTSI EVO represents a well-rounded offering in the mid-size SUV segment, particularly for European consumers seeking a practical, efficient, and spacious vehicle. While not available in the US market, it exemplifies the engineering and design capabilities of the Volkswagen Group and provides a glimpse into the features and technologies offered in its global lineup.
