Should I buy an SUV?
Recent years have seen a significant rise in the popularity of SUVs. In the US, sales of mainstream and luxury SUVs more than doubled between 2010 and 2018. In fact, they rose 5% and 7% respectively in 2017, despite overall vehicle sales decreasing by 2%.
It’s a trend reflected on the other side of the Atlantic too. In 2018, SUV sales helped brands such as Volkswagen Group and SEAT increase their overall vehicle sales by 13% and 19%.
The upward trend would suggest buying an SUV is a good decision. So why are SUVs so popular?
The benefits and advantages of an SUV
Enjoy more space
With flexible interior space for passengers or cargo, you can take seven people per trip. This removes the need for multiple trips or vehicles and makes best use of your resources.
Improve fuel efficiency
Most SUVs will give you excellent mileage. In fact, many can achieve over 30 miles per gallon, while retaining the space and other benefits associated with an SUV.
Go off-road
You may not need to go off-road often. But when you do, a few small things make a big difference. SUVs have greater ground clearance and more robust suspension than many other cars. They also enjoy underbody protection and hill descent control.
See more of the road
It may sound trivial, but a higher ride position goes a long way. Not only can you see further ahead, you can often see over other traffic and better anticipate hazards.
The new SEAT Tarraco
Spanish automobile manufacturer SEAT unveiled its new seven-seater SUV last year in Tarragona, a city known as Tarraco in ancient times. The company’s new flagship vehicle, the Tarraco completes a trio of SUVs, alongside the Arona and the Ateca.
“The introduction of the Tarraco forms part of our €3.3 billion [£2.93 billion] investment between 2015 and 2019 in the company’s future and the range of vehicles we offer,” commented SEAT boss Luca de Meo. “It completes our family of SUVs, to suit every customer’s need”.
SEAT’s vision appears to align with its execution. The firm secured the prestigious Fleet Manufacturer of the Year award at January’s Great British Fleet Event 2019. As SEAT UK Head of Fleet & Business Sales Peter McDonald said, “To win such an esteemed award is an honour. We must thank the Fleet World team and judges for recognising what has been a tremendous year for us.”
As the final SUV in SEAT’s trio, the Tarraco is the manufacturer’s biggest yet. The portfolio offering positions SEAT as a quality single-supplier solution for many fleets.
With seven seats as standard, a digital cockpit, full LED lights and a sub-130g/km CO2 average, the Tarraco’s total cost of ownership is particularly competitive.
It is available for business customers to take four-day test drives, along with its entire business range. The 4-Day Test Drive Programme lets company car drivers experience SEAT’s latest cars as they undertake work and leisure activities and understand their unique benefits.
The SEAT Tarraco also falls within SEAT’s new online car-configurator process easymove. The three-step platform makes purchasing a new vehicle more straightforward for business owners.
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