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Midweek roadtest : SEAT Alhambra
publication date: Nov 10, 2010
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author/source: David Miles
Like its Volkswagen
Sharan MPV stablemate, the new SEAT Alhambra is all-new and replaces the
previous generation version which was on sale for 15 years, but with mid-life
updates of course.
New
from the wheels up the Alhambra is a full size MPV people carrier with seven
seats and a wide variety of seating and load carrying combination thanks to the
clever EasyFold seating system.
Now
large MPVs have taken a bit of a sales hit in recent years as owners or company
car users downsize because of high tax and running costs. But the introduction of a new generation of
fuel efficient top end models such as the Ford Galaxy/S-Max, Renault Espace,
Peugeot 5008, VW Sharan and now Alhambra will give the sector a sales lift
especially as family holidays in the UK, ‘staycations', are in fashion.SEAT
expect to sell around 2,500 of these vehicles in the UK in a full year matching
its peak year of sales in 2001.
The new Alhambra offers much more than the
previous one, more space, far superior handling, better looks but also more
costly.
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The
starting price is £22,330 and ranges up to a shade over £30,000 but that top
price has to be finally confirmed as our test models were the first in the
country. The old range consisted of
1.9/2.0-litre TDI engine options and cost £20,370 to £23,705.
On
price, SEAT say their new Alhambra undercuts the sister new VW Sharan by an
average £1,000 across the range and has a higher level of specification.
Today's
Alhambra engine line-up is a little wider with a 1.4-litre TSI , four cylinder,
petrol unit with its forced supercharger/turbocharger system with an impressive
148bhp of power and 176lb ft of torque from 1,500rpm.
Fuel
economy is officially 39.2mpg and emissions 167g/km so VED road tax is £250 for
the First Year rate and then £180 a year.
This model is the least expensive version in the range so will sell on
purchase price to people who cover relatively small annual mileages.
|  | SEAT
estimate about 10 per cent of Alhambra customers will choose this engine
option.
In
addition there are two 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine options; the main selling 138bhp
unit and a 168bhp version. The 168bhp
diesel and the petrol 1.4 TSI, are badged Ecomotive but the 138bhp turbodiesel
model is badged E Ecomotive because, with just emissions of 146g/km of CO2, it
is the cleanest model in the range.
The
price for this version, which will be the highest seller, is £25,270. There is
the choice of six speed manual or six-speed twin clutch auto transmissions. |
All
models have five doors, the rear side ones slide open and closed and on the top
specification version these are power operated.
As before there are three trim and equipment levels, S, SE and SE
Lux.
All versions have as standard
Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity, three zone climate control, one touch
electrically operated front and rear side windows, powered and heated door
mirrors, front and rear parking sensors, alloy wheels, twin halogen headlights
with electric height and reach control, height and reach adjustable
multi-function steering wheel, a good sound system with eight speakers, anti
lock braking and stability control, seven airbags, remote central locking,
alarm and immobiliser.
If
a customer wants cruise control then the SE version adds that function and lots
of family-friendly extra storage compartments, pockets and tray tables and
integrated sunblinds in the side rear doors.
|  | The
Alhambra's arrow shaped front exterior and sleek side profile is eye-catching
and looks really smart and well proportioned.
The SE Lux has powered side
sliding doors and powered rear tailgate, panoramic glass sunroof, sports style
heated front seats, black leather upholstery, satnav and media system and rear
view camera plus much more. This
version is aimed at the business chauffeur market.
SE version will be most popular with family
and company car drivers and the S specification will be just what the taxi
trade, minicabs and private hire customers want. |
Like
the new VW Sharan, it looks more sporting than its predecessor and the control
and handling are a huge improvement.
Body roll is minimal, cornering is sharp with lots of grip with good steering
feel.
The
ride comfort is good but I suspect SEAT have done their usual sporty tuning for
the dampers, bushes and spring rates because it feels a little firmer than the
new Sharan with perhaps a shade more
road noise intrusion. It could just be
the firmer walled self sealing tyres though.
Overall
the Alhambra is high on refinement and the 2.0-litre TDI 138bhp E Ecomotive
power house with SE specification at £25,270 looks a good choice.
It is a big vehicle in most ways - 4.85
metres long with seven seats but with up to 2,297-litres of load space but in
this sector most versions are relatively small in price with low tax and
running costs. ©David Miles
| | | | MILESTONES.
SEAT
Alhambra 2.0-litre TDI CR 138bhp with Stop/Start, E Ecomotive SE £25,270 tbc,
(best selling model).
Engine/transmission:
2.0-litre, four cylinder TDI turbodiesel,
139bhp, 236lb ft of torque from 1,750rpm, 6-speed manual.
Performance:
120mph, 0-62mph 10.9 seconds, 50.4mpg Combined Cycle (42mpg on test), CO2
146g/km, VED £125 a year, BIK 20%.
Insurance group: 18E. Dimensions: L 4,850mm,
W 1,900mm, H 1,720mm, load space 711-2,297-litres. |  |
For:
Thoroughly modern
well designed inside and out large MPV, multiple passenger and load carrying
options, high specification, very
competitive pricing in this sector, very
good to drive with trustworthy handling.
Against:
Size limits easy
street parking, significant wind noise from the door mirrors, firmer ride than
the equally new VW Sharan - its sister model. |
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