<?xml version="1.0" encoding="ISO-8859-1" ?>
<rss version="2.0" xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/">
<channel>
<title><![CDATA[Yahoo! rss_cars : SEAT]]></title>
<link>http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/news-reviews/seat.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[SEAT]]></description>
<language>ukiedata</language>
<lastBuildDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:32:52 GMT</lastBuildDate>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[SEAT Ibiza, Spanish Polo]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car Enthusiast - Can't quite stretch to a VW Polo? Then get this smart-looking Spanish version.]]></description>
<link>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/04112009/36/seat-ibiza-spanish-polo-118.html</link>
<guid>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/04112009/36/seat-ibiza-spanish-polo-118.html</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:32:52 GMT</pubDate>
<media:thumbnail height="105" url="http://l.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com/ng/sh/carenthu/20091104/16/2452104064-seat-ibiza-s.jpg" width="150"/>
<media:content url="http://l.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com/ng/sh/carenthu/20091104/16/2452104064-seat-ibiza.jpg" expression="full" width="640" height="448" medium="image" type="image/jpeg"/>
<enclosure url="http://l.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com/ng/sh/carenthu/20091104/16/2452104064-seat-ibiza.jpg" length="168577" type="image/jpeg"/>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[SEAT Leon FR]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car Enthusiast - SEAT has given the Leon a facelift, promising both a sharper drive and more comfort from the sporty versions. Has it worked?]]></description>
<link>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/29102009/36/seat-leon-fr-0.html</link>
<guid>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/29102009/36/seat-leon-fr-0.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:41:29 GMT</pubDate>
<media:thumbnail height="141" url="http://l.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com/ng/sh/carenthu/20091029/10/1622344664-seat-leon-fr-s.jpg" width="217"/>
<media:content url="http://l.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com/ng/sh/carenthu/20091029/10/1622344664-seat-leon-fr.jpg" expression="full" width="640" height="416" medium="image" type="image/jpeg"/>
<enclosure url="http://l.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com/ng/sh/carenthu/20091029/10/1622344664-seat-leon-fr.jpg" length="177155" type="image/jpeg"/>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Radical three-seat city car layout unveiled]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car Enthusiast - The designer of the McLaren F1 has revealed the flexible new interior of his city car.]]></description>
<link>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/04092009/36/radical-three-seat-city-car-layout-unveiled-0.html</link>
<guid>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/04092009/36/radical-three-seat-city-car-layout-unveiled-0.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 04 Sep 2009 09:00:30 GMT</pubDate>
<media:thumbnail height="150" url="http://l.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com/ng/sh/carenthu/20090904/08/615549780-radical-three-seat-city-car-layout-unveiled-s.jpg" width="217"/>
<media:content url="http://l.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com/ng/sh/carenthu/20090904/08/615549780-radical-three-seat-city-car-layout-unveiled.jpg" expression="full" width="640" height="443" medium="image" type="image/jpeg"/>
<enclosure url="http://l.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com/ng/sh/carenthu/20090904/08/615549780-radical-three-seat-city-car-layout-unveiled.jpg" length="151228" type="image/jpeg"/>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[SEAT Leon 2.0 TDI Sport: final report]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car Enthusiast - The Leon has gone back to SEAT. It was a sad day, but there's a spanking new Swede to lift our mood - and bank balance.]]></description>
<link>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/28082009/36/seat-leon-2-0-tdi-sport-final-report-0.html</link>
<guid>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/28082009/36/seat-leon-2-0-tdi-sport-final-report-0.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 28 Aug 2009 08:32:37 GMT</pubDate>
<media:thumbnail height="162" url="http://l.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com/ng/sh/carenthu/20090828/07/4209353279-seat-leon-2-0-tdi-sport-final-report-s.jpg" width="216"/>
<media:content url="http://l.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com/ng/sh/carenthu/20090828/07/4209353279-seat-leon-2-0-tdi-sport-final-report.jpg" expression="full" width="640" height="480" medium="image" type="image/jpeg"/>
<enclosure url="http://l.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com/ng/sh/carenthu/20090828/07/4209353279-seat-leon-2-0-tdi-sport-final-report.jpg" length="270206" type="image/jpeg"/>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[SEAT Ibiza Ecomotive]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car Enthusiast - Super economical SEAT Ibiza Ecomotive proves you don't have to make sacrifices to be green.]]></description>
<link>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/21082009/36/seat-ibiza-ecomotive-0.html</link>
<guid>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/21082009/36/seat-ibiza-ecomotive-0.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 2009 15:21:13 GMT</pubDate>
<media:thumbnail height="151" url="http://l.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com/ng/sh/carenthu/20090821/14/831330516-seat-ibiza-ecomotive-s.jpg" width="216"/>
<media:content url="http://l.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com/ng/sh/carenthu/20090821/14/831330516-seat-ibiza-ecomotive.jpg" expression="full" width="640" height="448" medium="image" type="image/jpeg"/>
<enclosure url="http://l.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com/ng/sh/carenthu/20090821/14/831330516-seat-ibiza-ecomotive.jpg" length="195414" type="image/jpeg"/>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[SEAT Exeo]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car Enthusiast - Although the SEAT Exeo is based on an Audi A4, think of it as a rival for the sub-premium brands such as Ford, Honda and Vauxhall.]]></description>
<link>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/19082009/36/seat-exeo-0.html</link>
<guid>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/19082009/36/seat-exeo-0.html</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 19 Aug 2009 11:00:57 GMT</pubDate>
<media:thumbnail height="151" url="http://l.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com/ng/sh/carenthu/20090819/10/119130327-seat-exeo-s.jpg" width="216"/>
<media:content url="http://l.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com/ng/sh/carenthu/20090819/10/119130327-seat-exeo.jpg" expression="full" width="640" height="448" medium="image" type="image/jpeg"/>
<enclosure url="http://l.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com/ng/sh/carenthu/20090819/10/119130327-seat-exeo.jpg" length="135552" type="image/jpeg"/>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[SEAT Leon : ARE YOU SEAT'ED COMFORTABLY?]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - SEAT's Leon Has The Hot Hatch Looks But Does It Measure Up From A Practical Perspective? June Neary Finds Outâ€¦SEAT are actively fashioning a sporty image for their products. The brand's positioning within the sprawling Volkswagen Group empire means that it's tasked with appealing to a younger, more image-conscious clientele than the cost-cutting Skoda marque and the upmarket offerings from Volkswagen and, ultimately, Audi. The Leon is SEAT's family hatchback and as such, it's central to this grand scheme. The fast Cupra models do battle with the likes of Renault's Megane Renaultsport, Vauxhall's Astra VXR and, in a slightly friendlier way, with their Volkswagen's Golf GTI sister vehicles but most of the Leon sales aren't made to boy or girl racers. Despite its hot hatch pretensions, the Leon's core market is family buyers who favour the more mundane and sensible models in the line-up. This is much more like it. Although I have been known to take a shine to the odd high-powered super hatch in my time, the rickety ride, hefty fuel bills and stratospheric insurance premiums mean you've really got to want that extra 50bhp. Most people will be looking considerably further down the Leon line-up at models like the 1.6-litre S that was dropped-off outside my house one sunny morning. On first impressions, there's very little not to like. SEAT are making big play of the prominent swage line that curves from the lower edge of the elliptical headlamps, round the front wheelarch and down the car's flanks, where it peters out. It features widely on other models across their range, it's distinctive and it adds a cohesive flow to the styling. There's hardly a straight line on the Leon and it's highly unlikely to be mistaken for any its family hatch rivals. You couldn't call it boring and I like it.In the context of the finely sculpted exterior, the Leon's interior ambiance may come across as being a little on the dull side. There's always the suspicion with SEAT products that the quality of the materials has been deliberately toned down a notch in order to preserve the superiority of the equivalent Volkswagen model. That same impression is in evidence here but things have been improved with the latest facelift and if we remember that we're examining a fairly lowly S derivative, things really aren't too bad. The standard of fit and finish is beyond reproach in the Leon and appraising yourself of the well laid-out controls is the work of just a few seconds. There's an integrated stereo with three round dials above that control the ventilation system. The design is neat and there's plenty of storage from the deep door pockets, glove box and cubbies between the seats. Only some tough feeling plastics and the lack of any design flair to match the car's bodywork are of serious disappointment. When this much care has been taken to give a car a swoopily, dynamic exterior, it's often the case that interior practicality suffers. With the Leon, however, space is a big strong point. There's loads of headroom in the cabin and travelling five-up with three across the back seat shouldn't present undue problems. The boot is also fairly spacious, although rivals do offer more capacity here and the loading aperture isn't ideally shaped for lifting in larger items. There are over 340 litres to play with and capacity extends to an impressive 1,166 litres if you fold the back seats down. One drawback is rear visibility but the latest cars have a larger rear window to help on this score.Despite being equipped with one of the least powerful engines in the range, my Leon proved an engaging drive. It does much more than you would expect to live up to the sporty SEAT brand image with a firm ride that's just supple enough on longer trips. The car's body control in corners is excellent and it really spurs the driver on - perhaps more so than the passengers would sometimes like. The gearchange has a nice punchy, short-throw action that also adds to the sporty feel and the driving position is low, so you feel nestled into the car while at the wheel. The 1.6-litre engine is refined but doesn't set the heart racing in the acceleration stakes. For that, you'll have to upgrade to one of the other power options. It gives you a 0-60mph time of 10.2s and a 114mph top speed but more salient to the car's target market will be average fuel economy of over 38mpg.Around £13,500 will get you behind the wheel of a SEAT Leon 1.6-litre S. It'll have air-conditioning, a CD stereo, electric front windows, remote central locking and electric wing mirrors. In terms of safety, there's ABS with brakeforce distribution, loads of airbags and ISOFIX child seat mountings. Take into account the eye-catching styling and the enjoyable driving experience along with the practical interior and it's hard to conclude that the Leon is anything but decent value for money.I could live with one very easily and most family buyers could too. Don't be put off by the Leon's sporty persona: beneath that innovative styling is a practical, well thought out interior. It is sporty but the qualities that make the high-powered models a real hoot to drive also come through in the lower-spec derivatives. Whichever Leon you choose, you'll be getting a solid family hatch all-rounder with the ability to turn heads and put a smile on its driver's face.]]></description>
<link>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews/car-and-driving/seat-leon-36.html</link>
<guid>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews/car-and-driving/seat-leon-36.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 2009 01:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<media:thumbnail height="86" url="http://l.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com/ng/sh/carndriv/20090820/20/525326602.jpg" width="129"/>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[SEAT Ibiza Bocanegra : SUPER BOC]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - SEAT's saves top spot in its Ibiza range for the Bocanegra. Steve Walker reports.A little bit of individuality can go a long way in a hot hatchback. Fans of these ballistic runabouts are constantly trying to out do each other with a bigger spoiler, a more lurid paint job or a higher power output, so it makes sense for manufacturers involved in this market to innovate off-the-peg ways for their customers to draw attention to themselves. SEAT's Ibiza Bocanegra is precisely that. It's the car for people who find the normal 177bhp SEAT Ibiza Cupra too low key. There are no mechanical differences but the Boc looks to power ahead in the style stakes.If you buy this car, people will ask you what Bocanegra means. They may then go on to query how it became attached to the hottest version of SEAT's supermini. Well, here's the gen. In 1975, SEAT launched the 1200 Sport. It was based on Fiat underpinnings, as all SEAT models were back then, but with bodywork sourced from NSU in Germany. Significantly, it's widely credited as being the first unique SEAT-designed model. The distinguishing feature of this 2+2 coupe was a plastic nose section that looked like it had been masked-off with black tape. This gave rise to the Bocanegra nickname that would become associated with the 1200 Sport. Bocanegra means `black mouth' in Spanish. Car manufacturers like to remind us of past glories and without too much heritage to call upon, SEAT reprised the Bocanegra name for a 2008 concept car. That model had a characteristic blacked out front-end similar to the 1200 Sport's and it went down a storm at the Geneva motorshow. Now SEAT customers can get their hands on something very similar in the shape of the Ibiza Bocanegra. The previous generation versions of the Ibiza Cupra had a 1.8-litre turbocharged engine, so fitting a 1.4-litre turbo unit to the latest cars might look like a retrograde step to some. In reality, this 1.4 is a highly advanced piece of kit that has already surfaced in a number of other Volkswagen Group products. Badged TSI, as SEAT's turbocharged petrols tend to be these days, it's actually turbocharged and supercharged, helping it to a maximum power output of 177bhp. That's roughly the same total as the old 1.8T engine managed in the old Ibiza Cupra and while the Bocanegra's 0-60mph sprint time is 0.1s slower than that car's at 7.2s, the supercharger boosts its low range torque to far superior levels. More noteworthy still is the fact that the Ibiza Bocanegra has the excellent DSG twin-clutch paddle-shift gearbox as standard."The Bocanegra package comes in at £700 over and above the price of a standard Ibiza Cupra"The 1.4 TSI twin-charge engine works on the principle that even modern turbochargers take a while to get into their stride and inserts a supercharger into the mix that can boost performance at low engine speeds while that happens. With turbo and supercharger working in tandem, maximum torque is produced over a much wider section of the rev range, giving the car greater flexibility. In a compact front-wheel-drive car like the Ibiza Bocanegra, the engine has added benefits in the shape of its light weight. This reduces the forces acting on the front wheels while they're working at important jobs like deploying the power and steering. From the moment the curvy lines of the Ibiza Sport Coupe three-door were unveiled, hopes were high regarding what the Cupra derivative would look like and in the event, SEAT has left little room for disappointment. The standard Cupra specification is striking in itself but Bocanegra takes things a stage further. The car lives up to its name with a `black mouth' created by blacked-out sections of the bumper and grille surround and black honeycomb mesh over the air-vents. There are more black inserts at the rear, surrounding the enormous centrally-mounted exhaust. The interior of the Bocanegra continues on the racy lines of the outside with sports seats carrying an embroidered `B' logo and upgraded trim materials that look a bit like carbon fibre. These are welcome additions in the Ibiza as in the standard models, its cabin doesn't really have the wow-factor of the exterior lines, despite being very well put together. This isn't one of the roomier superminis around that the moment but the Ibiza three-door does leave the practical stuff to the five-door car, so it's free to focus on looking good. In practice, there's space for a couple of rear seat occupants on short journeys and the boot is reasonable but not spectacular in size. The Bocanegra package comes in at £700 over and above the price of a standard Ibiza Cupra. As we've said, it's mechanically identical so whether you deem it worth shelling out for or not depends on whether you like the `black mouth' styling or not. It's a significant sum to pay for some styling upgrades on a £16,000 hot hatch but if a bloke down the road has got the Cupra, the satisfaction of one-upping him might make it seem worthwhile. SEAT is rightly proud of the twin-charger engine in the Ibiza Cupra but that is by no means the extent of the car's technological innovations. Standard fit on all models is the XDS electronic differential system which uses the stability control functionality to mimic the action of a mechanical limited slip differential. Even more impressive, however, is the fitment of the DSG twin-clutch automatic gearbox as standard. This is a highly unorthodox move in a hot hatch but the DSG system with its wheel-mounted paddle shifters is about as slick as automatics get. Factor in this technology and the Bocanegra looks like decent value compared to rivals but the Cupra is still likely to be a more popular pick. Further advantages of the 1.4 TSI engine's small capacity come at the pumps where the Ibiza Bocanegra can return over 44mpg. It's unlikely that you'll see these kinds of returns if you use the car's performance potential on a regular basis but it's good to know that economical progress is a possibility. Emissions of 148g/km are also very competitive for the class. If you tell people you drive a SEAT Ibiza Bocanegra, it's unlikely it will mean much to them. The reference to a mid 70's SEAT coupe, known as the `black mouth' because it looked like it had been dipped nose first in a tar pit, will be lost on everyone bar a few anoraks. It all makes the idea of paying £700 for a series of hot styling upgrades on the already smouldering Ibiza Cupra seem questionable. Ultimately, people who love the Bocanegra look will buy it and they'll get a reassuringly high-tech hot hatchback into the bargain.Facts At A Glance CAR: SEAT Ibiza Bocanegra PRICE: £16,695 - on the road INSURANCE GROUP: 15 [est] CO2 EMISSIONS: 148g/km PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 7.2s / top speed 140mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: (combined) 44mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front and side airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners, ABS, ESP WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/width/heightmm 4034/1693/1428]]></description>
<link>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews/car-and-driving/seat-ibiza-bocanegra-1006425.html</link>
<guid>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews/car-and-driving/seat-ibiza-bocanegra-1006425.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 24 Jul 2009 16:51:00 GMT</pubDate>
<media:thumbnail height="86" url="http://l.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com/ng/sh/carndriv/20090820/13/2517588293.jpg" width="129"/>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[SEAT Altea : ALT.VERSATILITY]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - Graduating From The Non-Frumpy School Of Mini-MPV Design, SEAT's Altea Will Apeal To Style Conscious Buyers.As much as I love the more practical aspects of most mini-MPV style cars, I just can't seem to get past the dull styling. You either get lumbered with something that looks like a tin loaf or a car that has been designed with a setsquare. The one car that did really appeal to me - Fiat's Multipla - has been emasculated of late so there's not a great deal that generates much excitement. That was until SEAT's Altea came along. SEAT prefer to call the Altea a Multi Sports Vehicle but don't let the marketing weenies pull the wool over your eyes. Here's a car with Ford's Focus C-MAX and Honda's FR-V fairly and squarely in its sights. With its unconventional styling and squat stance, the Altea is a long way removed from the apologetic dullards that cluster at the school gates. Instead it looks acceptably sporty. Finished in red it really looks the part and I was quite looking forward to putting it through its paces. The latest models can be spotted by their reshaped headlights and revised grille with a smaller SEAT badge.The Altea unashamedly offers five spacious seats rather than seven cramped ones but weighs in with some innovative thinking. The side profile has the same 33:66 glass to metal ratio that features on so many sports cars and gives the Altea a far higher waisted and more dynamic look than, say, a Volkswagen Touran. Inside, there are more than thirty places to stow and stash goodies, including a super-sized glove compartment, big storage bins on all four doors, drawers under the front seat and even a storage area under the boot floor. Even the parcel shelf has a storage cubby incorporated within. The trim and build quality has been improved on the current cars and now does a better job of reflecting the exciting looks of the outside. The latest models can be spotted by their sleeker headlights and reshaped grille with a smaller SEAT badge at its centre. The Altea's greatest party trick is definitely the windscreen wipers - spot them if you can. Clue: they're hidden in the A-pillars. The two-tiered boot has a capacity of over 400 litres in the standard model, which rises to 532 litres in the stretched XL bodyshape. In this variant, you can extend that to 635 litres without folding the rear seats if you slide them forward - or you can fold the rear bench and access 1,604 litres. Park up in Kensington and you could rent it out as a studio flat. Whichever bodystyle you go for, the rear bench is a 60/40 split affair with a fold down armrest incorporating cupholders.As befits SEAT's position within the sportier Audi side of Volkswagen's empire, the Altea's seats are supportive and the steering is meaty, the multi-adjustable wheel making it easy to find a decent driving position. The Altea rides on the same platform as a MkV VW Golf and also features the Agile Chassis Concept originally developed for the high performance Leon Cupra R. In other words, it's very good to drive, with surprisingly little body roll, despite its relatively high body and seating position. Six engines are available in the Altea; three petrol and three diesel. The petrol engines comprise an 84bhp 1.4-litre, a 101bhp 1.6-litre and a peppier 1.4-litre TSI turbocharged option with 123bhp. Diesel buyers choose between the 1.9-litre powerplant in 89bhp or 103bhp forms, the 138bhp 2.0-litre diesel unit and a 168bhp 2.0-litre TDI which uses common-rail fuel injection technology. The DSG twin-clutch gearbox is available as an option on selected models and includes steering wheel paddle shifters, to add that motorsport element that's usually missing from the school run.SEAT have found that the 1.6-litre petrol engine and the entry-level diesel have shifted the biggest numbers in the UK. Tested back to back however, we think that most buyers would probably prefer the 105bhp 1.9-litre diesel which offers bags more torque and therefore superior real world performance. The trim levels range from S to S Emocion, SE and Sport.The Altea is a car with very few vices. I think SEAT could have expended a little more effort in making the interior as adventurous as the exterior styling but other than that there's little cause for complaint.]]></description>
<link>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews/car-and-driving/seat-altea-37.html</link>
<guid>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews/car-and-driving/seat-altea-37.html</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 18 Jul 2009 01:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<media:thumbnail height="86" url="http://l.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com/ng/sh/carndriv/20090820/20/225199802.jpg" width="129"/>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[SEAT Alhambra Range : MAKING A CASE FOR SPACE]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - SEAT's Alhambra continues to offer much for the money for buyers or large MPVs. Jonathan Crouch checks it outSEAT's Alhambra is a well-built large MPV with car-like driving dynamics and a spacious interior. It's been around for some time now and aspects of the package are starting to show their age but the solid basics still shine through. If you're after innovation and modern design, the Alhambra may not be for you but as a quality, affordable seven-seat vehicle it's still a surprisingly strong contender. Choose the 2.0-litre TDI engine.There was a time when if you simply had to run a vehicle with room for seven, your choices were strictly limited. You either bought some kind of rough and ready van-based minibus or plumped for one of the select band of large MPVs like SEAT's Alhambra. Today, the choices for rugby sevens teams or parents of quintuplets has widened substantially with a whole range of MPVs and 4x4s sporting the requisite capacity. Is the long serving Alhambra still up to the job of winning sales? The SEAT Alhambra was launched as part of a triumvirate that also included the Ford Galaxy and Volkswagen's Sharan. All three models shared the same design and engineering. This suited the SEAT very well. As the most affordable option in the group, it gained sales from buyers happy to put up with the slightly less mainstream badge on the nose. Today, while the Sharan soldiers on, Ford has gone it alone with a brand new Galaxy. Like the Sharan, the Alhambra is no spring chicken, so is it still worth a look? In keeping with the sporty image that SEAT likes to peddle these days, the Alhambra actually drives very well. Once behind the wheel, you can easily shuffle the fact that this is a full-size seven-seat MPV to the back of you mind as the car's firm suspension helps it resist the kind of leaning and pitching that gives the game away in rival products. The main advantage of this relative composure is not the opportunity it presents to fling the Alhambra through a set of corners for fun but that at a modest pace, your passengers will always be comfortable. The engine range, like the rest of the product, is getting on in years but the impressive VW-sourced 2.0-litre 140bhp TDI turbodiesel engine still has plenty of life in it. The other option is a 115bhp 1.9-litre TDI diesel. The manual models have a slick six-speed gearbox but the 1.9-litre TDI is accompanied by a tiptronic automatic."You'll buy a SEAT Alhambra if you're not easily impressed by the gimmicky design touches on the more modern alternatives and you like the SEAT's simple no-nonsense approachâ€¦."In the Alhambra, 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. To drive, it's very similar to medium range estate - only better, thanks to that high-seated driving position and the glassy cabin. Performance isn't breath-taking and you'll be looking at a 15s 0-60mph sprint unless you opt for the 2.0-litre TDI which can do the business in 12.2s. I'd upgrade to this 2.0-litre TDI option if at all possible. 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 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. The SEAT Alhambra comes decently equipped, across three trim levels titled S, Ecomotive and Stylance over a price range that for most buyers will be somewhere between £18,000 and £20,000. All models get climate-controlled air conditioning, cruise control, the ESP stability programme, 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 practical options like a fridge. A spot of haggling can seriously reduce your initial outlay on an Alhambra but once you've signed on the dotted line, you're at the mercy of its running costs. Thankfully, they're fairly manageable. It boils down to 37mpg from the 1.9 TDI automatic or 42mpg from the 2.0-litre TDI manual with 175g/km emissions. You can reduce that to 159g/km if you go for the 2.0TDI Ecomotive version which manages 47.1mpg on the combined cycle. Depreciation on the Alhambra is similar to what you can expect on other large MPV models and insurance of group 11 for the petrol and group 12 for the diesels is hardly extortionate. The SEAT Alhambra has been continually developed over a lengthy lifecycle and is genuinely tough to criticise in its latest state. Yes, there are newer large people carriers you could consider but don't ignore this one if you get offered the right deal. It's well sorted, it's well designed and it's well priced - which has to count for something. You'll buy a SEAT Alhambra if you're not easily impressed by the gimmicky design touches on the more modern alternatives and you like the SEAT's simple no-nonsense approach. The model's age should mean that discounts will be forthcoming but despite its advancing years, there are few rivals that drive better.Facts At A Glance CAR: SEAT Alhambra range PRICES: £18,990-£22,090 - on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 11-12 CO2 EMISSIONS: 159-175g/km PERFORMANCE: [2.0 TDI] Max Speed 119mph / 0-60mph 12.2s FUEL CONSUMPTION: [2.0 TDI] (urban) 34mpg / (extra urban) 49mpg/ (combined) 42mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front and side airbags, ABS, ESP WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Heightmm 4634/1810/1762]]></description>
<link>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews/car-and-driving/seat-alhambra-range-1002404.html</link>
<guid>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews/car-and-driving/seat-alhambra-range-1002404.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:43:00 GMT</pubDate>
<media:thumbnail height="86" url="http://l.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com/ng/sh/carndriv/20090820/16/1190474117.jpg" width="129"/>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[SEAT Ibiza FR : FR FROM THE CRAZY CROWD]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
<link>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews/car-and-driving/seat-ibiza-fr-1006418.html</link>
<guid>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews/car-and-driving/seat-ibiza-fr-1006418.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 16 Jul 2009 11:08:00 GMT</pubDate>
<media:thumbnail height="86" url="http://l.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com/ng/sh/carndriv/20090820/18/4010823842.jpg" width="129"/>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[SEAT Leon Sport: month 5]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car Enthusiast - Our time with the Leon is almost up. We'll be sorry to see it go - but our chiropractors won't.]]></description>
<link>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/09072009/36/seat-leon-sport-month-5-0.html</link>
<guid>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/09072009/36/seat-leon-sport-month-5-0.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 09 Jul 2009 12:43:22 GMT</pubDate>
<media:thumbnail height="162" url="http://l.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com/ng/sh/carenthu/20090709/11/3895716939-seat-leon-sport-month-5-s.jpg" width="216"/>
<media:content url="http://l.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com/ng/sh/carenthu/20090709/11/3895716939-seat-leon-sport-month-5.jpg" expression="full" width="640" height="480" medium="image" type="image/jpeg"/>
<enclosure url="http://l.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com/ng/sh/carenthu/20090709/11/3895716939-seat-leon-sport-month-5.jpg" length="226529" type="image/jpeg"/>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[SEAT Ibiza Cupra]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car Enthusiast - SEAT's hot hatch gets too grown up for its own good.]]></description>
<link>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/07072009/36/seat-ibiza-cupra-0.html</link>
<guid>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/07072009/36/seat-ibiza-cupra-0.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 07 Jul 2009 10:19:52 GMT</pubDate>
<media:thumbnail height="144" url="http://l.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com/ng/sh/carenthu/20090707/09/117419091-seat-ibiza-cupra-s.jpg" width="216"/>
<media:content url="http://l.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com/ng/sh/carenthu/20090707/09/117419091-seat-ibiza-cupra.jpg" expression="full" width="640" height="426" medium="image" type="image/jpeg"/>
<enclosure url="http://l.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com/ng/sh/carenthu/20090707/09/117419091-seat-ibiza-cupra.jpg" length="200002" type="image/jpeg"/>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[SEAT Altea XL Range : SO LONG, SEAT]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
<link>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews/car-and-driving/seat-altea-xl-range-1005346.html</link>
<guid>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews/car-and-driving/seat-altea-xl-range-1005346.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:10:00 GMT</pubDate>
<media:thumbnail height="86" url="http://l.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com/ng/sh/carndriv/20090820/13/3645786758.jpg" width="129"/>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[SEAT Altea Range : A WELCOME ALTERNATIVE]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
<link>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews/car-and-driving/seat-altea-range-1004030.html</link>
<guid>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews/car-and-driving/seat-altea-range-1004030.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:05:00 GMT</pubDate>
<media:thumbnail height="86" url="http://l.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com/ng/sh/carndriv/20090820/12/1456587159.jpg" width="129"/>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[SEAT Altea Freetrack 4 : TRACTION STATIONS]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
<link>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews/car-and-driving/seat-altea-freetrack-4-1005721.html</link>
<guid>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews/car-and-driving/seat-altea-freetrack-4-1005721.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:01:00 GMT</pubDate>
<media:thumbnail height="86" url="http://l.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com/ng/sh/carndriv/20090820/15/3055207005.jpg" width="129"/>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[SEAT Ibiza Cupra : UP FOR THE CUP?]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
<link>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews/car-and-driving/seat-ibiza-cupra-1006390.html</link>
<guid>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews/car-and-driving/seat-ibiza-cupra-1006390.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2009 16:31:00 GMT</pubDate>
<media:thumbnail height="86" url="http://l.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com/ng/sh/carndriv/20090820/16/1725802039.jpg" width="129"/>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[SEAT Ibiza Sportscoupe Range : SPORTING CHANCE]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
<link>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews/car-and-driving/seat-ibiza-sportscoupe-range-1006064.html</link>
<guid>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews/car-and-driving/seat-ibiza-sportscoupe-range-1006064.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2009 16:17:00 GMT</pubDate>
<media:thumbnail height="86" url="http://l.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com/ng/sh/carndriv/20090820/12/9166406.jpg" width="129"/>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[SEAT Ibiza 5dr Range : IBIZA UNCOVERED]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
<link>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews/car-and-driving/seat-ibiza-5dr-range-1005973.html</link>
<guid>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews/car-and-driving/seat-ibiza-5dr-range-1005973.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2009 15:58:00 GMT</pubDate>
<media:thumbnail height="86" url="http://l.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com/ng/sh/carndriv/20090820/16/978115876.jpg" width="129"/>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[SEAT Ibiza : SEAT SUNSHINE]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
<link>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews/car-and-driving/seat-ibiza-163.html</link>
<guid>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews/car-and-driving/seat-ibiza-163.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2009 01:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<media:thumbnail height="86" url="http://l.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com/ng/sh/carndriv/20090820/20/4121599578.jpg" width="129"/>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Citroen C4 Picasso 5 Seat Range : PIC OF THE PACK?]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
<link>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews/car-and-driving/citroen-c4-picasso-5-seat-range-1005398.html</link>
<guid>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews/car-and-driving/citroen-c4-picasso-5-seat-range-1005398.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 19 Jun 2009 13:49:00 GMT</pubDate>
<media:thumbnail height="86" url="http://l.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com/ng/sh/carndriv/20090820/14/1131195736.jpg" width="129"/>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[SEAT Leon TDI Range : THE LEON KING?]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
<link>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews/car-and-driving/seat-leon-tdi-range-1004747.html</link>
<guid>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews/car-and-driving/seat-leon-tdi-range-1004747.html</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 17 Jun 2009 15:03:00 GMT</pubDate>
<media:thumbnail height="86" url="http://l.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com/ng/sh/carndriv/20090820/16/4086754393.jpg" width="129"/>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[SEAT Leon : THE LOOK OF LEON]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
<link>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews/car-and-driving/seat-leon-1004746.html</link>
<guid>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews/car-and-driving/seat-leon-1004746.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 05 Jun 2009 17:19:00 GMT</pubDate>
<media:thumbnail height="86" url="http://l.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com/ng/sh/carndriv/20090820/18/281878361.jpg" width="129"/>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[SEAT Exeo ST]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car Enthusiast - SEAT is taking on the lucrative fleet market with the new Exeo - but you can't do that without an estate model. So here it is.]]></description>
<link>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/05062009/36/seat-exeo-st-0.html</link>
<guid>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/05062009/36/seat-exeo-st-0.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 05 Jun 2009 12:09:55 GMT</pubDate>
<media:thumbnail height="144" url="http://l.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com/ng/sh/carenthu/20090605/11/3029092159-seat-exeo-st-s.jpg" width="216"/>
<media:content url="http://l.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com/ng/sh/carenthu/20090605/11/3029092159-seat-exeo-st.jpg" expression="full" width="640" height="426" medium="image" type="image/jpeg"/>
<enclosure url="http://l.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com/ng/sh/carenthu/20090605/11/3029092159-seat-exeo-st.jpg" length="333720" type="image/jpeg"/>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[SEAT Ibiza ECOmotive : GREEN MACHINE]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
<link>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews/car-and-driving/seat-ibiza-ecomotive-1005795.html</link>
<guid>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews/car-and-driving/seat-ibiza-ecomotive-1005795.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 26 May 2009 11:41:00 GMT</pubDate>
<media:thumbnail height="86" url="http://l.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com/ng/sh/carndriv/20090820/14/2693776333.jpg" width="129"/>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[SEAT Leon Sport: month 4]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car Enthusiast - Business as usual for the trustworthy Leon, but it's time for a few minor foibles.]]></description>
<link>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/20052009/36/seat-leon-sport-month-4-0.html</link>
<guid>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/20052009/36/seat-leon-sport-month-4-0.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2009 00:36:57 GMT</pubDate>
<media:thumbnail height="162" url="http://l.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com/ng/sh/carenthu/20090520/23/4170578848-seat-leon-sport-month-4-s.jpg" width="216"/>
<media:content url="http://l.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com/ng/sh/carenthu/20090520/23/4170578848-seat-leon-sport-month-4.jpg" expression="full" width="640" height="480" medium="image" type="image/jpeg"/>
<enclosure url="http://l.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com/ng/sh/carenthu/20090520/23/4170578848-seat-leon-sport-month-4.jpg" length="293982" type="image/jpeg"/>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[SEAT Ibiza 1.6 TDI : UNCOMMON ECONOMY]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
<link>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews/car-and-driving/seat-ibiza-1.6-tdi-1006352.html</link>
<guid>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews/car-and-driving/seat-ibiza-1.6-tdi-1006352.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 15 May 2009 15:47:00 GMT</pubDate>
<media:thumbnail height="86" url="http://l.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com/ng/sh/carndriv/20090820/17/1518015524.jpg" width="129"/>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[SEAT Bocanegra breaks cover]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car Enthusiast - The Barcelona Motor Show saw the SEAT Bocanegra debut - a flagship Ibiza based on the forthcoming Cupra.]]></description>
<link>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/07052009/36/seat-bocanegra-breaks-cover-0.html</link>
<guid>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/07052009/36/seat-bocanegra-breaks-cover-0.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2009 14:36:53 GMT</pubDate>
<media:thumbnail height="150" url="http://l.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com/ng/sh/carenthu/20090507/13/1877851509-seat-bocanegra-breaks-cover-s.jpg" width="216"/>
<media:content url="http://l.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com/ng/sh/carenthu/20090507/13/1877851509-seat-bocanegra-breaks-cover.jpg" expression="full" width="640" height="444" medium="image" type="image/jpeg"/>
<enclosure url="http://l.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com/ng/sh/carenthu/20090507/13/1877851509-seat-bocanegra-breaks-cover.jpg" length="120803" type="image/jpeg"/>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[SEAT Ibiza 1.6 Sport 16v Range : SPORTY BUT SENSIBLE]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
<link>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews/car-and-driving/seat-ibiza-1.6-sport-16v-range-1006030.html</link>
<guid>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews/car-and-driving/seat-ibiza-1.6-sport-16v-range-1006030.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 24 Apr 2009 12:22:00 GMT</pubDate>
<media:thumbnail height="86" url="http://l.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com/ng/sh/carndriv/20090820/17/193987289.jpg" width="129"/>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[SEAT Leon FR 2.0 TDI : FR FROM HOME?]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
<link>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews/car-and-driving/seat-leon-fr-2.0-tdi-1005244.html</link>
<guid>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews/car-and-driving/seat-leon-fr-2.0-tdi-1005244.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2009 17:12:00 GMT</pubDate>
<media:thumbnail height="86" url="http://l.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com/ng/sh/carndriv/20090820/13/3161528538.jpg" width="129"/>
</item>
</channel>
</rss>
<!-- 1257690003 --><!-- p1.auto.ird.yahoo.com uncompressed/chunked Sun Nov  8 14:20:02 GMT 2009 -->
