Seat’s new Tarraco SUV is a further addition to the Volkswagen Group’s widely expanded SUV offering. This new SUV is competing head on with related Volkswagen Group models including the popular Volkswagen Tiguan and the Skoda Kodiaq. In this sense, Seat describes the Tarraco as a disruptive force in the segment and expects that its new and biggest SUV option will compete with the Volkswagen and Skoda offerings, among others.

Against this background, it’s useful to look at the Seat Tarraco offering against the in-house competition in the first instance. So while I drove the top-of-the-range Xcellence model with its powerful 190bhp engine and DSG automatic gearbox, I have made much of my comparisons with the more popular and more affordable 150bhp version.

Externally, there is so much similarity between the Tarraco and the Volkswagen Tiguan with the side and rear profiles being almost identical. The front grille section is the stand-out difference and some might even say that the Seat design is more attractive, while the alloy wheels are also distinctive.

Behind the Tarraco wheel, the VW feel is noticeable. The dash layout is similar to that of the Tiguan, but different from the Kodiaq in that the infotainment screen is free-floating rather than built into the centre of the dash. Seat chose a full circle steering wheel for the Tarraco while the others have opted for a flat-end steering wheel.

The dash layout for the Seat Tarraco SUV is modern and stylish.

Move south of the dash and the heater controls are identical. The centre control with gear level is mildly different, but the fact that the Tarraco is built in the same German factory as the Tiguan means that commonality of parts is inevitable.

The engine performance is very similar to that of the Tiguan, in that there can be no real surprises, it’s a Volkswagen 2.0 litre turbo-diesel engine that by now is well proven in terms of power, torque and economy. What’s a little surprising is that the economy figures are not the same.

Seat reports a slightly poorer economy figure in a like-for-like comparison. The top model that I drove with its DSG automatic gearbox was less kind in terms of economy and delivered a figure of 13.5km/litre (7.4l/100km or 38mpg). I achieved close to this new worldwide harmonised light vehicles test procedure (WLTP) rating figure, which gave me a range of 845km on a full 60-litre capacity tank and that’s impressive.

Expect up to 30% more economy from the lower-power 150bhp version and that makes it a reasonably economical SUV to drive. You’ll sacrifice a little in terms of performance, but it will be well worth it in terms of economy.

The Tarraco seating is similar to that of the Tiguan, with a similar seven-seat configuration. The rear-most two seats are easily folded to give extra storage room. The boot space is equal to that of the Tiguan at 700 litres and that’s bigger than the Skoda Kodiaq option.

The Tarraco of choice remains the 150bhp diesel engine option and Seat offers just two choices with starting prices from €38,000 for the entry-level SE versions. The DSG automatic gearbox choice with Seat’s 4Drive four-wheel-drive system adds another €4,000 to the price.

The real question for potential Seat Tarraco buyers is which version of this new Volkswagen Group SUV to buy. The technology under the bonnet is equivalent across the Seat, Skoda and Volkswagen brands, with just minor styling differences. This makes the performance and expectations in terms of solid feel, driving style and economy a real rather a virtual match.

The Tarraco safety package is also impressive with three Isofix couplings, one in the front passenger seat as well as two in the mid-row. The car comes with the VW Group’s e-call emergency call system, along with the full package of safety assist and stability control systems. It has good towing ability at 2t with a braked trailer.

Is the Volkswagen offering in the shape of the Tiguan, the dominant one in terms of brand value? For many Irish drivers it still is, so while not always a practical view, the reality is that the Seat Tarraco needs to be priced to reflect this. And it’s not.