SEAT Alahambra Ecomotive : SPANISH SAVINGS

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If you need a big MPV but want to make a big Eco statement at the same time, then SEAT's Alhambra Ecomotive makes a lot of sense

Though SEAT's Alhambra has been around for some time, it's still being developed to meet a changing market that demands cleaner, more economical large MPV people carriers. Hence this frugal Ecomotive model, based on the standard 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine that most customers choose. It's priced to impress.

Arguably, buying a large MPV People Carrier is the `greenest' motoring statement you can make. After all, a typical seven-seater large MPV can take the place of two cars on the road, yet put out little more smog than one. In fact, if you choose carefully, it can put out less. Manufacturers who have been spending the last year or so putting out eco-versions of their superminis and family hatchbacks are now turning the same technology on their larger offerings. So it was that Volkswagen recently brought us a `BlueMotion' 2.0 TDI diesel version of their Sharan large MPV with emissions of just 159g/km, down from 175g/km for the standard model. The one drawback was an asking price of well over £21,000. If you could get exactly the same car with pretty much the same technology for well over £2,000 less, it might start to make more sense, even if it had to come with a SEAT badge that in theory, might slightly affect the car's whole life residual value. That's the idea behind the SEAT Alhambra Ecomotive we look at here. The Alhambra Ecomotive engine and gearbox combination is vital to its green credentials. The engine is the 2.0-litre TDI unit with 138bhp from the standard Alhambra range and it's an altogether more satisfying installation than the older 1.9-litre TDI unit that's used elsewhere in the Alhambra line-up as well as in SEAT's Leon Ecomotive model. The Alhambra's roadgoing behaviour was at the forefront of its class when it was launched and a series of suspension tweaks for the second generation models improved things still further. The engineers concentrated particularly on improving the ride over poor surfaces - the kind of thing you notice around town - and they largely succeeded without compromising the higher speed handling that makes this car the surprisingly rewarding drive it is. The large MPV has moved on slightly since this model was first launched but the Alhambra is still a more rewarding vehicle to drive than many of its more modern rivals.

"Arguably, buying a large MPV People Carrier is the `greenest' motoring statement you can make.

Outside, the SEAT Alhambra presents an unremarkable large MPV shape with few distinguishing features. Those wanting a bit of flare from their big people carrier may need to look elsewhere. Inside, there's a pleasantly up-market atmosphere, with good quality plastics and switchgear. The usual MPV extras like retractable cupholders, extra map pockets in the doors and a pair of useful lidded cubbyholes on top of the dash are present. The Alhambra doesn't go as far as some more modern products in offering storage solutions and family-friendly extras but many such inclusions are rarely used anyway. The seating is always key in any MPV and the Alhambra employs a system of removable chairs which are very comfortable. Sadly, they're also very heavy, so lugging them in and out is a job not to be undertaken by the weak or faint-hearted. The two front seats on some models can be swivelled round completely to face the rear - which is great for picnics and business meetings if you're stationary and there's only four in the car. Space is generous in the front two rows and the third is adequate. The rear two rows can be slid forwards and backwards to increase leg room or luggage space but with the full complement of passengers on board, there's not much room for luggage. As we've suggested, the asking price for the single Alhambra Ecomotive model on offer of just over £19,000 represents a substantial saving of well over £2,000 on the apparently almost identical Volkswagen Sharan Bluemotion. Just how much are you prepared to pay for a badge. It is £350 more however, than a standard Alhambra Reference 2.0 TDI model, so you'll need to calculate whether the potential fuel savings will account for that difference over your likely mileage. All SEAT Alhambras comes decently equipped with climate-controlled air conditioning, a CD-based stereo, ABS, cruise control, twin front and side airbags, remote control central locking and electric front windows. The ESP Electronic Stability Programme (that will automatically apply the brakes and reduce the throttle to get you out of trouble if you enter a corner too fast) is standard too. On the options list lie prictical items - a fridge for example. The 140 PS 2.0-litre TDI in this Ecomotive model is capable of as much as 57.6 mpg (extra urban), and 47.1 mpg (combined) - significant improvements over the standard car's figures of 49.6 mpg and 42.8 mpg respectively. These figures are achieved thanks to lowered sports suspension (which reduces drag), significant changes to the engine management system to boost economy and the use of low friction 195/60 tyres on 16" steel rims. The fitment, as standard, of a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) to the Alhambra Ecomotive further cleans up exhaust emissions to 159g/km. Depreciation on the Alhambra might not be quite as good as on a Volkswagen but it is similar to what you can expect on other large MPV models. Insurance of group 12 is hardly extortionate. There's not much point in creating eco-friendly family cars, then pricing them out of reach of eco-friendly families. This is clearly something that SEAT appreciates, hence the value for money package applied to this Alhambra. Though the improvements in fuel economy and emissions it offers are neither huge nor ground-breaking, they are collectively significant: every little helps after all. Though the Alhambra has been around for some time and lacks the versatility of some rivals that offer seats able to fold into the floor, it's still a practical proposition for families. Those who don't mind carting the removable seats in and out of the car, want a low asking price and like to do their bit for global warming might like to add this model to their shopping lists.

Facts At A Glance
CAR: SEAT Alhambra Ecomotive
PRICES: £19,145 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 12
CO2 EMISSIONS: 159g/km
PERFORMANCE: Max Speed 121mph / 0-60mph 11.9s
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (urban) 36.2mpg / (extra urban) 57.6mpg/ (combined) 47.1mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front and side airbags, ABS, ESP
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Heightmm 4634/1810/1762 WHO TO SEE: