Car review – Seat Tarraco eHybrid
Saved by the TCO
The Tarraco eHybrid is Seat's second plug-in hybrid car. It combines the functionality of the regular Tarraco with the tax-efficient powertrain from the VW Golf and Passat GTE.
Familiar components
Under the bonnet of Seat's electrified large crossover indeed lies a familiar powertrain: it is a 150hp 1.4 TSI petrol engine that drives the front wheels with the help of a 115hp electric motor. Together they produce 245hp and 400Nm.
E-power is supplied by a 13kWh battery that officially guarantees an electric driving range of 49 kilometres. We systematically squeezed about 40 kilometres out of the battery, which is average for this vehicle class.
Exemplary efficiency, flat performance
On paper, the power figures promise excellent performance, such as a 0-100 time of just 7,5 seconds, but in practice this 1,868kg SUV doesn't give the impression of being super-fast. The Tarraco eHybrid deploys its power progressively, not aggressively.
Its power efficiency was a pleasant surprise, though. Seat announces 1.6 to 2.1 l/100 km (36 to 47 g/km) and although that's purely theoretical, we still achieved an average of 3.2 l/100 km and 13.2 kWh/100 km. Of course, that figure is entirely dependent on the driver's charging and driving behaviour.
Charging the battery can be done with up to 3.6kW (wallbox or charge point), which is not exceptional. About four hours is what the battery needs to top up in optimal conditions. With a normal socket it takes at least 1.5 hours longer.
Plenty of room for five
The interior space is still remarkable, especially in the rear. There you sit regally on a back seat of which the backrest can be adjusted to a more upright or a more inclined position, according to your needs.
The trunk is also very practical, with a capacity that ranges from 610 to almost 1,700 litres and an underfloor storage compartment. While the normal Tarraco is available as a seven-seater, the eHybrid can only offer five seats as a result of the battery integration.
Not a price cruncher
The eHybrid is positioned high in the Tarraco line-up, as it is only available in Xcellence or sporty FR trim. That means you have to spend at least € 47,750 including VAT, which is a lot for a Seat.
However, it does offer an extensive standard equipment and benefits from favourable tax conditions and a potentially low fuel consumption, which makes it an interesting deal for those who don't just look at the lease price but also at the Total Cost of Ownership.