SUVs used to be known for their utilitarian nature, but over the years they have largely become more targeted towards family life, and with a greater emphasis on luxury.
But the issue with luxury is that it comes at a price, and when it comes to models from the traditional premium firms – Audi, BMW, Mercedes – their large seven-seat models can easily cost in excess of £50,000 for an entry-level option.
However if you don’t want to spend that kind of money, Seat’s Taracco makes for a great alternative, with prices starting from just £28,335.
Loads of standard equipment
Despite undercutting more premium rivals considerably, the Taracco doesn’t scrimp on equipment. Even the ‘entry level’ SE versions come with a large touchscreen, three-zone climate control, a fully digital Cockpit and LED headlights.
Even though Seat dubs it the ‘essential’ model, it still feels quite premium with its solid level standard equipment. And as you go further up the trim levels, it gets even more plush. Xcellence models, for example, come with adaptive cruise control, keyless entry and start and a reversing camera.
Plenty of luxurious features
If you fancy straying a bit more upmarket, the Xcellence Lux models feel truly premium.
Thanks to features such as heated front and rear seats, self-parking capability, leather sports seats and electric front seats, it feels just as premium as models costing over £20,000 more than the Taracco. A full 360-degree camera also makes parking a doddle.
Few optional extras
Premium manufacturers are known for their array of expensive optional extras to sell to customers when they purchasing a car, but what happens if you didn’t need to spend any extra on options?
That’s Seat’s policy, which is adopted across the range, and means that buyers can simply choose the trim level that works for them – rather than have to look at the options list. The few options available are a panoramic sunroof and a space saver.