SEAT

Alhambra

This stylish multi-purpose vehicle boasts versatility, good looks and great performance – what more could you want? With a host of awards under its belt, the seven-seater SEAT Alhambra is available with a choice of engine sizes and trim levels.

Test Drive

SEAT Alhambra SE Lux 2.0 TDI 184PS

Mention the name ‘people movers’ and thoughts of big, bulky and pretty ugly monstrosities spring to mind, but it doesn’t have to be that way as proven by the SEAT Alhambra.

Whilst many models in the segment lack any flair or imagination, the SEAT manages to perfectly combine practicality and versatility with impressive driving dynamics and smart stylish design traits.

The Alhambra is a full-sized seven seater named after an historical monument in Granada, Spain and it is available with a wide choice of engines and five richly-equipped trim levels called S, SE, Connect, SE Lux and FR Line.

The test car was powered by a 2.0-litre 184PS diesel engine mated to a 6-speed DSG automatic transmission and was in the SE Lux grade priced at £34,840 (£39,105 with optional extras fitted).

It goes without saying that large MPVs have a precise target audience and the Alhambra certainly does all the practical things very well. The sliding rear doors result in easy access to child seats for example and are very useful when blocked in at a supermarket car park. In addition, the seating configurations are very simple to alter with the option of folding the second and third rows flat to increase the storage capacity, which ranges from 267 to 2,297 litres.

The third row is really only suitable for children, but the second row is ideal for adults of all shapes and sizes with bundles of leg and headroom on offer. This second row consists of three individual seats that can slide backwards and forwards and even recline if required.

The Alhambra is in its second generation, but recently underwent a major revamp for 2016. It has a fresh new look with a restyled front grille, modified LED lighting, a glossy B-pillar and new wheel designs. The interior has also been given a makeover with smart upmarket upholstery, new eye-catching instrument clusters and a revised steering wheel.

The test car also featured the likes of 18-inch alloys, a panoramic sunroof, park assist, roof rails, a folding tow-bar with electronic release, bi-xenon headlights, electric seats with memory settings and even a massage function for the driver.

All the on-board technology is very modern as is the car’s general layout, and there are creature comforts galore to be explored, such as the excellent infotainment system with colour touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, an eight-speaker sound system and Full Link (a £150 option) that includes compatibility with Mirror Link, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

And when it comes to performance and handling, the Alhambra also impresses. Despite its larger-than-life size the car can sprint to 62mph from a standing start in 8.9 seconds and maxes out at 135mph. Perhaps more impressively though, it can deliver combined fuel economy of 53.3mpg with carbon emissions of 139g/km along the way.

In and around town, the Alhambra is deceptively agile and easy to manoeuvre and all the parking aids are a great help too when squeezing into tight parking spaces. The upright driving position results in excellent all-round visibility which is imperative on a vehicle that will frequently be used to transport children and often spotted on the dreaded school run.

Then out on the faster roads and motorways, the acceleration through the automatic gearbox was both smooth and responsive with ample power on tap at all times. The option of steering wheel-mounted paddles is a nice touch too and allows the driver to take a little more control if so desired.

Admittedly there is quite a lot of engine and wind surface noise when the car is pushed hard, but in all honesty, that is the norm for a vehicle of the Alhambra’s design and dimensions and is a small price to pay for all the versatility it offers.

The vehicle is also fitted with a comprehensive range of safety specifications and the test model also featured a multi-function camera system (£760 extra) which added the likes of automatic headlights, lane assist and road sign recognition.

All in all, the latest SEAT Alhambra is a fabulous all-rounder for anyone looking for a large family vehicle that is exceptionally practical, but doesn’t want to compromise when it comes to styling, performance, economy, technology or street cred on the school run!

Test drive

SEAT Alhambra SE Lux 2.0 TDI 170PS DSG

When it comes to flexibility and versatility then SEAT’s family-sized multi-purpose vehicle – the Alhambra – simply has it all.

With enough room to accommodate seven people comfortably and the option to fold seats flat to the floor to increase load capacity, this vehicle is ideal for anyone who lives an unpredictable lifestyle.

And, unlike some people carriers, it actually looks pretty good too with its eye-catching design, roof rails, tinted windows, body coloured door mirrors, body-coloured door handles, panoramic glass sunroof, smart light clusters and 17-inch alloys.

Push button power sliding rear doors and the electrically operated tailgate make access much simpler and the full size seats are another bonus – the back row seats in many large MPVs are so small they are not worth having.

The interior oozes class with heated leather front seats, which can be electrically adjusted 12 ways to find the perfect driving position.

And there are plenty of top notch features on-board too, such as three-zone climate control, automatic rain sensing wipers, automatic headlights, satellite navigation, an eight-speaker CD radio sound system with MP3 compatibility, start/stop system, a five-inch colour touchscreen, rear view camera, cruise control and plenty more besides.

So the Alhambra looks great, can carry a five-a-side footie team with kit and has loads of top notch gadgetry built in, but how well does it perform? Once again, SEAT has come up trumps. Despite its size, the Alhambra is deceptively nimble and road holding is equally impressive with no roll motion whatsoever.

Acceleration through the automatic transmission is both smooth and responsive and the 2.0-litre diesel engine produces ample power both in and around town and out on the open road.

The excellent all-round visibility is another plus factor especially in busy city centres with traffic and pedestrians appearing from all angles. And the front and rear parking sensors are certainly a ‘must-have’ when parking such a lengthy vehicle.

On the downside, I did find the instrumentation causes some reflective glare in the driver’s window when driving late at night, but that was the only flaw I could criticise.

The test model was fitted with Park Assist at a cost of £295, which helps find a suitable parking space and steers the vehicle safely into the gap. The driver simply accelerates and brakes.

As far as any downsides to the Alhambra, I did find the engine noise a little loud at times and if I were to be really picky the vehicle was shoved around a bit in high winds, but it was no more susceptible to gusts than most cars travelling the same stretch of road.

The Alhambra comes fitted with an impressive list of safety features, including anti-lock brakes, electronic stability programme, electronic brake assist, auto hold control, a tyre pressure monitoring system, numerous airbags and much more.

All in all, the SEAT Alhambra is a super all-rounder that is perfect for the active family who like to be prepared for the unexpected.

Test Drive

SEAT Alhambra 1.9 TDi PD SX 5dr

Versatility really is paramount when it comes to describing the attractive and incredibly spacious SEAT Alhambra.

Despite its high sides and larger-than-life appearance this vehicle actually handles very comprehensively too – quite an achievement for vehicle that can accommodate a seven-a-side footie team plus all their kit.

It has been recognised amongst the experts as one of the best equipped multi-purpose vehicles on the market today, and after a week-long test drive, I can honestly say those plaudits are totally justified.

The list of quality features on this vehicle – the SX model – simply cannot fail to impress both in their plentitude and excellence.

For example, the Alhambra boasts an excellent remote control DVD system which comes complete with two sets of infrared headsets, heated front seats with lumbar adjustment, an automatic dimming rear view mirror, parking sensors and plenty more besides.

All the dials, controls and levers are ideally positioned for ease of use and the high-seated driving position means the driver and all occupants are treated to excellent all-round visibility.

This is a real bonus in busy, congested city centres, where despite its size, the Alhambra is deceptively nimble and agile when manoeuvring in tight spaces.

And those parking sensors are a real asset too.

Out on the open road, the 1.9-litre engine delivered plenty of power and although I did find the vehicle a little sluggish at times, this is not exactly a car for the boy racer. It has a clearly defined market and that’s the active family who enjoy an outdoor lifestyle, but don’t want to miss out on life’s little luxuries in the process.

The Alhambra is kitted out with a host of safety features including anti-lock brakes, child locks and numerous airbags, plus a very effective security package to keep any uninvited attention at bay.

In the past I have driven a number of MPVs which were nothing more than sophisticated vans with windows. The Alhambra certainly proves that is still plenty of room for creature comforts, quality performance and excellent comfort levels in that category.