THE Tarraco is SEAT's largest SUV which completed the company's crossover line-up back in 2018.

And make no mistake, it's a big vehicle, with seven seats when needed and a huge boot when they're folded down.

I started investigating it expecting to find that it had sold mainly in diesel form to make the most of the better economy.

But much to my surprise, I think the petrol to diesel ratio on the secondhand market is about even or maybe slightly favours the petrol models.

As with most seven seaters, the rearmost seats are only for occasional use and then mainly for children, but the other seats can easily accommodate five, with plenty of shoulder room for three in the middle row.

There are four wheel drive versions in the line-up with SEAT's electronic 4Drive system, but all are at the top of the range and come with the VW Group's excellent DSG twin clutch auto gearbox as standard.

There are four petrol power outputs available and two diesels, all of which are shared with numerous models throughout the VW, Skoda and Audi ranges.

The petrol range opens with a 150bhp 1.5TSI and this can reach 60 miles an hour from rest in 9.6 seconds while managing a best of 40 miles per gallon.

Then comes the first of two 2.0-litre models and it boasts 190bhp. With standard 4WD and auto box it can get to 60 in 7.6 seconds and is good for a best of 34mpg.

Top performer is the second 2.0-litre, which comes with no less than 245bhp. That's enough for zero to 60 in a blistering 6.1 seconds and yet it's still rated at 32mpg.

The single petrol/electric ‘eHybrid' has a 1.4TSI engine plus electric motor and together they also make 245bhp. But greater weight means a sprint time of 7.3 seconds even though it is good for 40mpg and has very low emissions. It can also cover about 30 miles on electric power alone.

The two diesels use the same 2.0 TDI engine. First there is a 150bhp version that reaches 60 in 9.9 seconds and is capable of 50mpg, and then comes a 200bhp model with 4WD and auto ‘box that clears the sprint in 7.6 and is rated at 42mpg.

Large SUVs are not usually known for a rewarding driving experience but for practicality and space.

The Tarraco however, has the excellent VW group power steering system that gives loads of feel through the corners and suspension that takes the curves with surprising agility.

There's not as much roll as one might expect, and grip is very impressive. This is a car that likes to be driven and responds eagerly to being pressed.

The seats hold occupants in place well through the corners and despite fairly firm suspension bumps and lumps are absorbed with ease.

Wind and road noise are well suppressed and this, together with the level of comfort, helps make the big SEAT a refined and relaxing long-distance cruiser.

All versions are well equipped coming with lane departure warning, emergency braking and SEAT's digital cockpit, which includes a 10.25-inch multi-mode instrument panel and an eight-inch central display screen.

Navigation is standard on all but the entry level model and every Tarraco is fully smartphone compatible with Apple CarPLay and Android Auto part of the infotainment package.

Upper models come with automatic parking, adaptive cruise control and an electric tailgate as standard, while all have a multi-mode drive selector allowing the car's dynamics to switch from Eco, to Normal, Sport or the driver's choice..

Pay about £15,900 for a 19/19-reg SE TDI 150bhp, or £22,700 for a '21 21-reg FR 2.0TSI with 4WD and auto.