SEAT'S biggest SUV, the Tarraco, will get a new plug-in hybrid power train and a more sporty trim level next year.

Visitors to this year's Frankfurt motor show will get the first view of the new Tarraco PHEV next month along with the new FR trim - but the car's availability in the UK is still some way off. The Spanish company will only say that production will start "during the course of 2020."

The company says the new plug-in hybrid is a demonstration of its' strategy towards electrification, which will include six electric and plug-in hybrid SEAT and Cupra models until the beginning of 2021.

The Tarraco PHEV's hybrid powertrain system comprises a 1.4 litre petrol engine, 85 kW electric motor and a 13 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, giving drivers the adaptability of multiple driving modes.

With a total power output of 242bhp and 400Nm of torque it will be the most powerful model in the Tarraco range with a top speed of 135mph and acceleration from 0-60mph in less than 7.4 seconds.

SEAT claims a range of more than 50km in pure-electric mode for with CO emissions of below 50g/km on the official WLTP test cycle, although the company stresses that the figures are provisional and may be subject to revision.

The Frankfurt show car will be kitted out in the new sporting FR trim with wider wheel arches, a sporty rear spoiler and FR-specific 19" alloy wheels. Inside, there's a new generation infotainment and navigation system with 9.2 inch screen, electric sports bucket seats with memory function for the driver and a new sports steering wheel with the FR logo.