Although I’m having a hard time getting excited over it, I have no doubt that the brand’s new flagship model, the Tarraco, will be a huge hit for SEAT.

According to the press release, the new SUV blends all the key attributes of every vehicle in the SEAT range – design and functionality, sportiness and comfort, technology and emotion – but in a form that suits a wider variety of lifestyles.

The new Tarraco is said to be designed for drivers who need the usefulness of a seven-seater and the practicality of a higher driving position but are conscious of a vehicle’s aesthetics and appreciate the Tarraco’s balance between self-confidence, elegance and sportiness.

Basically, as the SUV market continues to expand, SEAT want a part of it, which makes perfect financial sense. Tarraco will play a key role for SEAT when it is introduced at the very beginning of 2019, strengthening the brand and aiding further growth at a time when the company’s sales are rising steadily already. With a trio of SUVs to offer, the opportunities for expansion become much clearer, with Tarraco leading the way.

Of course it will be packed with all the latest gadgets, gizmos and safety spec, but what will it have under the bonnet?

Well, performance, efficiency and reliability are key to the Tarraco’s powertrain line-up with all the engines powering the large SUV benefitting from direct-injection, turbocharging and start-stop technology with outputs of between 150PS and 190PS.

There are two petrol variants: a four-cylinder 1.5 litre TSI unit that produces 150PS and is linked to a six-speed manual transmission powering the front wheels, and a 2.0 litre, 190PS offering mated to a seven-speed DSG gearbox and 4Drive total traction system.

There are two diesel options, both 2.0 litre TDIs, with power outputs of 150PS and 190PS respectively.

The 150PS variant can be connected to either a front-wheel drive, six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG with 4Drive system, but maximum power remains 150PS. The 190PS variant is connected to a seven-speed DSG with 4Drive system.

Overall performance in the two-wheel drive version is gratifying with a top speed of 125mph and a 0-62mph time of 9.8 seconds. Even in all-wheel drive format the Tarraco is still no slouch with a top speed of 123mph and an identical sprint time.

The higher-powered diesel engine is solely available in 4Drive/seven-speed DSG gearbox format. And with 190PS/400Nm at the driver’s disposal it performs splendidly no matter what the driving conditions are or the demands placed on it. Performance is striking with a top speed of 130mph and the ability to reach 62mph in only 8.0 seconds.

As new technologies come online the SEAT Tarraco is engineered to benefit from alternative powertrain technologies, improving efficiency even further in the future. In this regard, by 2020, the Tarraco will benefit from a Plug-in Hybrid version.