SEAT Alhambra Range
If you were to take the packaging of a Ford Galaxy and the design quality of a VW Sharan, you'd have quite an MPV People Carrier, particularly if you could sell it with more equipment for less money. Such has always been the appeal of SEAT's Alhambra.
You don't have to look at one for very long to realise that badgework and cosmetics apart, it's identical in design to Ford and VWs two market leaders, produced by the same jointly-owned company, rolling down the same Portugese production lines. And since Ford and VW stumped up the money to create what is dynamically, the finest car in its sector, it's SEAT's good fortune (as part of the VW Group) to have inherited a class-leader. The current second generation model holds much the same appeal as the old - though arguably, has more of its own personality, thanks to the adoption of the 'nostril' front grille. Black framing around the clear-lensed front headlamps is the only other cosmetic difference over the Spanish car's VW and Ford counterparts.
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Other features include the 5-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission that enables you to flick up and down the gearbox manually should you so wish. And VW's excellent 2.0-litre 140bhp TDI turbodiesel engine, a unit with abundant mid-range urge that remains extremely economical. Other powerplants are much as before: which means the 115bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine and the punchy 115bhp 1.9-litre TDI diesel. All manual models have a slick six-speed gearbox.
Inside, the rather plasticky feel of the original model has been replaced by a more up-market atmosphere, with better quality plastics, a new steering wheel and nicer switchgear that leaves room for the obligatory optional satellite navigation system. More practical improvements include retractable cupholders, extra map pockets in the doors and a pair of useful lidded cubbyholes on top of the dash. This plusher atmosphere is important, for cheap and cheerful MPV customers are increasingly opting for mini-MPVs like Renault's Scenic. Large models like the Alhambra must increasingly compete with executive cars. Just as well then, that it's decently equipped, across two trim levels titled Reference and Stylance over a price range that runs between £16,422 to £21,867. All models get air conditioning, a CD-based stereo, ABS, twin front airbags, remote control central locking and electric front windows. Plusher versions get side airbags, combination leather/alcantara upholstery and electronic climate control that you can operate front and rear. There are also options like ESP (an 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) or, more practically, a fridge.
On the road, you have a car that not only costs around the same as a mid-range family estate but also measures in at about the same length, taking up no more space on the tarmac. Behind the wheel, it's exactly like a medium range estate - only better, thanks to that high-seated driving position and the glassy cabin. The biggest surprises, however, are reserved for the handling. This MPV doesn't roll, pitch or wallow like many of its rivals. Nor do you need a period of acclimatisation before you can drive it quickly, as you would, for example, with a fashionable four-wheel drive. The Alhambra takes its name from the ancient palace in Granada that dates back to the 12th century and plays a central part in Spain's early history. This place was apparently vast - an indication, SEAT believes, of the capacity of its People Carrier though unlike some boxier rivals, in can offer you only seven, rather than eight seats. As an MPV buyer, you'll be looking for flexibility as well as sheer space. So youll find, as before, that all of the seats can be folded down or unclipped and removed completely. In fact, the only difference this time round is that the removable chairs themselves have been redesigned, so should feel a lot more comfortable. Sadly, they're no lighter, so lugging them in and out remains 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. It's annoying however, that you still can't do the same with the middle set so that occupants behind the driver can face each other and talk on longer journeys. If the Galaxy/Sharan/Alhambra design is arguably the market's best large MPV, it's hard to argue that this is not the best value interpretation of it. And if that's the case, then this must be a very good car indeed.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: SEAT Alhambra range
PRICES: £16,265-£21,867 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 11-16
CO2 EMISSIONS: 176-233g/km
PERFORMANCE: [2.0 petrol] Max Speed 110mph / 0-60mph 15.0s
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [2.0 petrol] (urban) 23.7mpg / (constant 56mph) 41.5mpg/ (constant 75mph) 32.1mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front airbags, ABS
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height, 182/84/69"
