2021 SEAT Tarraco gets new 242bhp petrol engine

• New flagship 2.0-litre petrol engine produces 242bhp
• 0-62mph in 6.2 seconds
• Available to order with starting price of £39,400

The SEAT Tarraco range has been expanded for 2021 with the introduction of a new flagship 2.0-litre petrol model. It’s on sale now with a starting price of £39,400.

This new turbocharged 2.0-litre engine is shared with other VW Group cars, including the Skoda Octavia vRS and Volkswagen Golf GTI hot hatches. It produces 242bhp and gets a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive as standard. 

SEAT says this new powertrain offers a significant performance boost for the Tarraco, getting the car from 0-62mph in 6.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 142mph. On paper, its official fuel economy figure of 32.8mpg is reasonable for a car of this type, and CO2 emissions start from 192g/km depending on the trim and alloy wheel size.

This flagship engine is only available across the four highest trim level versions of the Tarraco lineup, starting with the plushly equipped XCellence model. This gets LED headlights, 19-inch alloy wheels and chrome exterior trim. Inside, Alcantara-trimmed sports seats are standard, along with technology such as adaptive cruise control, park assist and a rear view camera. 

The XCellence Lux model costs £41,160 and has 20-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, electrical adjustment for the driver's seat and heating for the front and rear seats. An upgraded reversing camera is also included. 

Prices for the FR trim start from £40,615. It gets 19-inch alloy wheels, a sporty bodykit and rear spoiler, rear privacy glass, black contrasting bodywork trim and a twin-exit exhaust. Inside, cloth-trimmed sports seats are fitted. The FR Sport trim is the most expensive starting from £42,365. It has 20-inch alloy wheels, front and rear seat heating, leather upholstery and a parking camera. 

Read our in-depth review of the SEAT Tarraco or our picks for the best large SUVs you can buy today.