Seat Tarraco e-hybrid test: our opinion at the wheel of the plug-in hybrid SUV

By werdt02/05/2022617 Views

The tests of plug-in hybrid cars always end in the same way: “the significant additional cost required compared to the thermal versions will be difficult to make profitable”.

For the Tarraco, the calculator shows a different verdict. Its PHEV version, called 1.4 e-Hybrid, starts from €46,770, while the 150 hp petrol engine with DSG transmission is priced at €40,270, with identical equipment.

But the first is entitled to a bonus of €2,000 (€1,000 from July ¹ , 2021), while the second, much less efficient, is “malused” up to €3,784. The price difference thus falls to 716 €.

It is therefore on the side of the Tarraco diesels that the internal competition seems the most serious, the TDI 150 hp in DSG box being displayed at 43,070 €, to which are added 450 € of ecotax.

However, the TDI is quite incapable of generating performance comparable to that of the e-Hybrid, which houses under its hood a 1.4-liter 150 hp petrol engine associated with an 86 kW electric unit.

The latter also allows you to travel for around 40 “real” kilometers without consuming fuel.

A distance far from constituting a record, but which nevertheless contributes to a significant saving, for those who travel short distances to get to the office, and who will think of charging the Tarraco daily.

Large riders accustomed to long journeys on expressways will however have an interest in going their way: empty battery, the average consumption on the motorway amounted to more than 9 l/100 km during our test.

Essai Seat Tarraco e-hybrid : notre avis au volant du SUV hybride rechargeable

The other advantage of this rechargeable hybrid device benefits well-being, with an attractive operating silence in urban traffic or on the secondary network.

In hybrid mode, the smoothness of the energy transitions also serves comfort, not altered either when the electric range indicates 0 km.

There, the operation identical to that of a non-rechargeable hybrid model makes it possible to maintain reasonable consumption, less than 7 l/100 km on peri-urban journeys.

Sharing its bowels with the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace and Skoda Kodiaq, which are not entitled to a PHEV version, the Tarraco is pleasant to drive and comfortable, despite the 20-inch tire mounts of our test model.

His secret weapon? Controlled damping delivered as standard on our FR finish. Despite this, the Spaniard suffers from a high weight and a transmission to the front wheels only, which suffers from loss of traction on “take-off”, on wet pavement.

But his calm character goes well with his primary function: gently transporting a family.

While it can enjoy seven seats in the thermal version, the Tarraco cannot do the same in e-Hybrid: its 13 kWh capacity battery and its electrical environment, partly located under the boot floor, make it impossible to installation of retractable seats.

The SUV makes up for it with a large trunk (610 litres), adjustable thanks to the sliding bench seat and whose files recline.

But there are no individual seats in the back either. On the other hand, the space on board is very generous and the soberly high-tech presentation benefits from well-thought-out ergonomics and a plethora of equipment, integrating a complete but somewhat complex multimedia interface.

However, the system has shortcut keys to easily find the menus.

And the standard equipment also includes, from the “basic” version called Xcellence (€46,770), “hands-free” access/starting, a digital panel in place of the counters, a 360° camera for parking and a panoramic sunroof. Not petty!

Seat Tarraco 1.4 e-Hybrid 245 hp DSG6 test – our opinion:

If it cannot accommodate 7 seats and only has a limited electric range, the imposing Iberian SUV is recommendable for the comfort it provides, for its rich equipment and for its price, which is rather interesting for a model. plug-in hybrid.

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Specifications (Seat Tarraco 1.4 e-Hybrid 245 hp DSG6 FR)

RANGE PROPOSED (Seat Tarraco) Petrol, 150 hp, from €34,290 to €43,070 Diesel, from 150 to 200 hp, from €37,290 to €46,920 Plug-in hybrid (petrol + electric), 245 hp, from €46,770 at €48,270

SUGGESTED OPTIONS (Seat Tarraco 1.4 e-Hybrid)

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