SEAT Tarraco SUV - MPG, running costs & CO2
Tarraco fuel consumption and emissions are competitive but not class-leading
Until SEAT introduces a plug-in hybrid Tarraco, the brand's biggest SUV doesn't really stand out from the crowd when it comes to running costs. However, the petrol and diesel engines are competitive against rivals.
SEAT Tarraco MPG & CO2
The 148bhp 2.0-litre diesel returns up to 48.7mpg with front-wheel drive and a manual gearbox. CO2 emissions of 151g/km place it in a high BiK band for company-car drivers. Adding 4Drive and SEAT's DSG automatic to the same engine sees fuel economy drop to 43.5mpg and CO2 climb to 171g/km, placing it in the top 37% BiK band. An automatic 2.0-litre TDI with front-wheel drive is available in mainland Europe, so may also arrive in the UK with slightly lower running costs.
The more powerful 187bhp version of the same engine with 4Drive and a DSG automatic returns up to 42.2mpg and emits 176g/km. This combination is only available from FR trim onwards.
Although those private drivers who routinely cover more than about 12,000 miles per year might find diesel advantageous, the 148bhp 1.5-litre petrol engine is likely to prove adequate if you make a lot of short or urban journeys, and it has an overall fuel economy figure of up to 39.2mpg. A more powerful 2.0-litre petrol is also offered, but this is thirstier, returning up to 31.7mpg and firmly in the top BiK band thanks to its 200g/km emissions.
Insurance
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has placed the Tarraco in insurance groups from 19 to 30, with the 1.5-litre petrol automatic being cheapest to insure. These are slightly higher than the closely related Skoda Kodiaq. The Skoda starts in insurance group 17 for the 1.5-litre petrol, rising to 23 for the 187bhp 2.0-litre diesel in Sportline trim.
Servicing
SEAT's service recommendations, much like those of Volkswagen, take into account the type of driving owners are expecting. Anybody who covers 10,000 miles or less and makes a lot of short journeys, is recommended to service their SEAT on an annual basis. However, if you drive mainly on motorways, it's recommended that you visit the workshop at intervals no more than 20,000 miles. Fixed-price service plans can be arranged to take care of routine services, whichever bracket you fall into.
Warranty
Every SEAT sold in the UK benefits from a three-year/ 60,000-mile warranty, which is similar in duration and mileage to that provided by Volkswagen and SEAT. It's no match for the five-year/unlimited mileage warranty that Hyundai offers, and can't compete with the seven year/100,000-policy provided by Kia. An extended warranty can be bought when the factory warranty expires.
