Exceeding the 85% rule.

85% is a recommendation, not a rule.

Only you will know how confident and competent a tower you are and how the car handles.

I'm not at all familiar with the car but, providing all the weights are within the legal range (and that particular caravan is a hefty lump), I suggest you try it and see. You can always change the car later if necessary. 

 

With a minimum kerbweight of only 1770kgs  for the car, it does seem a big ask to tow a caravan of 1950 MTPLM.

Definitely not one I would ever consider, I much prefer to have a relaxing tow with plenty of weight in reserve.

I’ve just worked out that if 1950kg is 200-ish kg over 85%, then 100% of kerb weight will be around 2000kg🤷🏻‍♂️.

Assuming, the above is incorrect and your 1770 is the true figure, Mikey, I'd buy a Disco. We know the max towing weight isn't a true indicator of towing ability.

 

Tinners, I was using this website for the info, it may be wrong but it won't be too far off. 

https://www.buyacar.co.uk/seat/tarraco/tarraco-estate/2-0-tdi-190-xcellence-5dr-dsg-4drive-88047/deal-3371322

 

Just found this website which gives a slightly higher figure. It is interesting what weight of caravan they used in the test drive.

https://www.practicalcaravan.com/reviews/seat-tarraco

 

 

The MTPLM of that caravan is 1526kg. It’s a single axle and I note the PC review suggests the Sante Fe or Sorento are heavier for towing a hefty twin axle van.

I dare say the Seat is theoretically capable of towing the weight of the OP's proposed caravan but, and it’s a big but, there’s a world of difference between towing something like a heavy flat bed trailer and a large slab sided white box. Something else to consider is the towball weight limit of the car which, according to the review, is 80kg.

https://www.practicalcaravan.com/reviews/seat-tarraco

 

I would follow Tinwheeler's suggestion and give it a try. As he says, only you will know how confident and competent a tower you are. There are many who have been towing for years at 100%, and feel quite happy doing so. Conversely, there are others who stay within the 85%, but nevertheless don't feel totally comfortable with their match. Even if you find someone who has the same car/caravan combination, their style of driving may be different to yours so one can't always rely on third party opinions. Besides, more often than not, published kerbweights are way below the actual kerbweight (differences of up to 150kg are not unknown) so conditions are likely to be more favourable than expected.

With respect, giving the advice "to try it and you'll be alright" is like giving a chainsaw user the advice "you don't need ballistic trousers, you'll be OK". Most of the time you'll get away with it but one day  ...... 

Errr, that's a misquote.

You been on the cooking sherry?😄

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Is there a car insurance issue if the caravan is heavier than the kerb weight?