WITH the success of its Arona and Ateca models it was only a matter of time before SEAT launched a bigger SUV to appeal to a different section of the market.

Enter the Tarraco, a very large seven-seater boasting an enormous amount of passenger and luggage space but also bristling with technology.

And if you opt for one of the higher spec models like the Xcellence First Edition Plus, as driven here, you get an exceptional amount of kit on board to make your motoring more comfortable.

This includes everything from a giant glass sunroof stretching the whole length of the car to heated seats front and back not to mention a powered tailgate and a car with the ability to park itself.

The Tarraco is the ideal family car because it offers so much flexibility for passengers. There are even aircraft style picnic trays on the backs of the front seats.

In everyday usage the chances are most drivers will rarely use all seven seats so the two at the rear - more suited to children because of the restricted legroom - can be folded into the floor.

This not only boosts the luggage space from 230 litres to 700 litres but also gives the three travellers in the middle row of seats enough space to really stretch their legs.

And if you really need a vast carrying capacity folding down all the seats will give you a van-like 1,775 litres.

At this level the Tarraco is really well equipped. In the centre of the dashboard there's an eight inch touch screen for both the satellite navigation system and accessing numerous on-board features as well as acting as your eyes for reversing thanks to a rear view camera.

And immediately in front of the driver is a large digital cockpit display which can be altered to suit individual requirements. You can even select the shape of the dials you want as well as opting to have navigation instructions visible between them.

The same flexibility applies to the wide choice of driving modes available at the turn of a dial. Opt for eco, normal, sport or individual settings as well as the chance to dial up off-road to bring into play the car's very capable four-wheel-drive system.

Powered by a 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine boasting 190bhp this Tarraco has plenty of get up and go despite its vast size. It will hit 62 miles per hour in a very sharp eight seconds on its way to a top speed of 130 mph.

At the same time it's pretty frugal too. SEAT clams an average of around 37.7mpg but over 400 miles of motoring I managed to average 43.7mpg.

This was helped by the car's coasting feature which cuts the drive - similar to putting the vehicle into neutral - when you lift off the accelerator. Although on my model the system seemed to operate on a somewhat irregular basis.

The high stance of the Tarraco gives you good all round vision but - unlike some large SUVs - doesn't detract from its handling. In fact in true SEAT style there's a very sporting feel to it allowing you to corner at speed without paying the penalty.