The SEAT Tarraco is a mid-size crossover SUV manufactured by the Spanish automobile manufacturer SEAT from 2019 to 2020. Positioned as the brand’s flagship SUV, the Tarraco was designed to compete in the highly popular family SUV segment, offering seven-passenger seating and a focus on practicality and technology. While SEAT vehicles are not officially sold in the United States, the Tarraco represents a significant model for the brand in the European market, sharing its platform with the Skoda Kodiaq and Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace. The 1.5 TSI (150 Hp) ACT DSG 7 Seat variant, detailed here, was a key offering within the Tarraco lineup, combining a turbocharged gasoline engine with a dual-clutch transmission and cylinder deactivation technology for improved efficiency.
SEAT Tarraco 1.5 TSI: An Overview
The Tarraco marked SEAT’s entry into the larger SUV segment, aiming to provide a more spacious and versatile option than the smaller Ateca. The vehicle was named after the city of Tarragona in Catalonia, Spain. The 1.5 TSI engine option was designed to balance performance with fuel economy, making it an attractive choice for families seeking a practical and efficient SUV. The “ACT” designation refers to Active Cylinder Technology, a system that shuts down cylinders under light load to reduce fuel consumption. The “DSG” indicates the use of a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, known for its quick and smooth gear changes.
Engine & Performance
The SEAT Tarraco 1.5 TSI is powered by a 1.5-liter, inline-four cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine. 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 an intercooler to enhance performance and efficiency. The power-to-weight ratio is 10.6 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 6.4 kg/Nm. This translates to a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 9.5 seconds and a top speed of 198 km/h (123.03 mph). The engine’s Active Cylinder Technology (ACT) allows it to deactivate two cylinders under certain driving conditions, further improving fuel economy. The seven-speed DSG transmission provides quick and precise gear changes, contributing to a responsive driving experience. Fuel consumption figures, measured using the WLTP cycle, range from 7.1 to 7.8 liters per 100 kilometers (33.1 to 30.2 US mpg), with CO2 emissions between 162 and 178 g/km.
Design & Features
The SEAT Tarraco is a five-door SUV with a spacious interior designed to accommodate up to seven passengers. The exterior design features a bold front grille, sharp headlights, and a muscular profile. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4735 mm (186.42 in) in length, 1839 mm (72.4 in) in width, and 1674 mm (65.91 in) in height, with a wheelbase of 2790 mm (109.84 in). The Tarraco offers a generous amount of cargo space, ranging from 230 liters (8.12 cu. ft.) with all seats in place to 700 liters (24.72 cu. ft.) with the third-row seats folded down. Standard features include ABS, electric power steering, and a range of safety systems. The Tarraco also boasts a modern infotainment system and comfortable interior appointments. The kerb weight of the vehicle is 1590 kg (3505.35 lbs), with a maximum permissible weight of 2370 kg (5224.96 lbs). It is capable of towing up to 2000 kg (4409.25 lbs) with brakes.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | SEAT |
| Model | Tarraco |
| Type (Engine) | 1.5 TSI (150 Hp) ACT DSG 7 Seat |
| Start of production | 2019 |
| End of production | September, 2020 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 7 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Combined fuel consumption (WLTP) | 7.1-7.8 l/100 km (33.1 – 30.2 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions (WLTP) | 162-178 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 198 km/h (123.03 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 DG |
| Power | 150 Hp @ 5000-6000 rpm |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 1500-3500 rpm (184.39 lb.-ft.) |
| 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 |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.3 l (4.54 US qt | 3.78 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 8 l (8.45 US qt | 7.04 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1590 kg (3505.35 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2370 kg (5224.96 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) |
| Length | 4735 mm (186.42 in.) |
| Width | 1839 mm (72.4 in.) |
| Height | 1674 mm (65.91 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2790 mm (109.84 in.) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 7 gears, automatic transmission DSG |
The SEAT Tarraco 1.5 TSI offered a compelling package for European families seeking a spacious, efficient, and well-equipped SUV. While not available in the US market, it represents a significant product for SEAT, demonstrating the brand’s commitment to innovation and practicality within the competitive SUV segment.
