SEAT Tarraco e-Hybrid PHEV will join range in 2021

• 30 miles of electric range
• Smartphone app allows connectivity and cabin preconditioning
• Available in FR and Xcellence trim levels

The SEAT Tarraco range is getting a new plug-in hybrid model next year, called the e-Hybrid. Prices haven’t been confirmed but deliveries will start in the second half of 2021. As the plug-in hybrid will only be offered in high-spec FR and Xcellence trims, we’d expect it to start from around £40,000.

There’s a growing number of plug-in hybrid family-size SUVs, so the SEAT Tarraco e-Hybrid will rival equivalent versions of the Ford Kuga, Peugeot 3008 and the MG HS.

The e-Hybrid powertrain consists of a 1.4-litre petrol engine, an electric motor and a 13kWh battery. It’s the same setup you’ll find in cars like the Volkswagen Golf GTE, Skoda Octavia vRS iV and the Cupra Formentor, and will be the most powerful powertrain available in the Tarraco, producing 242bhp.

You’ll be able to travel up to 30 miles on electric power from a fully charged battery and recharging takes around 3.5 hours from a 3.6kW wallbox. It’ll have the lowest quoted CO2 output and the highest official fuel economy figure in the Tarraco range, so it’ll appeal to business users keen to reduce their Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax bill.

As is the case with many electrified cars, you can use an accompanying smartphone app to set the cabin temperature before you get in the car. The SEAT Connect app will offer plenty of other online features, such as the ability to remotely lock/unlock your car and send route details from your phone to the car’s sat nav.

With the batteries stored under the boot floor, the Tarraco e-Hybrid will only be sold as a five-seater. It’ll be the only Tarraco not to offer seven seats as standard but the boot should still be a good size.

Want to skip hybrids altogether? Check out our guide to the best electric SUVs on sale now.