Insurance Group: 21
MPG: 48.7
CO2: 152
0-62 Mph: 9.5 secs
BHP: 168 BHP
Range: 750 miles
PROS: Powerful engine. Fast. Good driving experience. Spacious. Excellent equipment level. Good value for money.
CONS: It doesn’t come cheap.
The Alhambra SE 2.0 TDI is the fastest model in the range, thanks to a gutsy 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder 16v 1968cc diesel engine which produces 168bhp. A torque of 258 lb-ft ensures that there is strong pull at all speeds. The car has a 62mph time of 9.5 seconds, making it a little faster than its close rival and cousin Volkswagen Sharan. Its top speed, 129mph, is remarkable for its class.
Seat is synonymous with good handling and the Alhambra dos not disappoint. It grips firmly on the road and has good body control. Stiff suspension minimises body roll in corners and keeps the ride comfortable on most roads. Only the largest of bumps will send jolts through the cabin. On typical UK roads though, you will enjoy a supple ride.
The Alhambra is so refined that it is one of the quietest MPVs in the market. The engine revs silently and the cabin remains hushed even at speed. Occasionally, road noise will seep through but it is so minimal you most likely won’t notice it.
Slim pillars, large windows and plenty of glass not only make the Alhambra airy and bright, they also enhance all-round visibility.
Like any other People Carrier, the Alhambra bears a boxy shape. That’s not to say it is dull; there are sharp lines to entice the eye but it is not as attractive as a smaller hatchback would be. It is a 5-door, 7-seater, and the widest MPV on sale today.
The cabin has tell-tale signs of Volkswagen workmanship, which is a good thing because overall, the cabin looks very plush and well-organised. The layout is great and the materials used are of good quality. Some parts are a little under par but the larger part of the cabin is really cosy and attractive.
Seat is setting new standards in equipment levels across all the car categories it has ventured in. The Alhambra’s extensive range of standard equipment includes all the basics and numerous high-tech driver aids. Power steering, stability control, central locking, alloy wheels, climate control, electric door mirrors, electric front windows, cruise control, rear parking sensors, driver airbags (including a knee airbag), passenger airbags, front side airbags, alarm, immobiliser, MP3 connectivity, Bluetooth and CD player are all provided.
The only kit you will pay extra for - if you would like to have it – is leather seats which cost £1,750, sat nav going for £625 and metallic paint for £475.
Even the tightest places in the Alhambra are easy to access, thanks to sliding doors. The cabin itself is spacious and can comfortably seat seven adults. There is plenty of head and legroom to stretch out on long drives.
Cabin storage is everywhere: from the huge glove box to cubbyholes and door pockets, there is enough space for everyone to keep their stuff.
When all three rows of seats are up, the boot has a capacity of only 267 litres. Fold the third row and you get 1,167 litres. Fold the second row and capacity increases to a tremendous 2,297 litres. No other MPV offers such enormous amounts of space.
Driver comfort is assured. There is a range of adjustments for the steering wheel and driver’s seat to ensure a perfect driving position for drivers of all heights. The pedals and controls are logically placed and user-friendly, so you will not fidget trying to keep your hands and feet on the right switch.
The car mechanisms are heavily based on Volkswagen technology so reliability is assured. Beyond that, the car feels well-constructed and should serve you with little or no problems. Plus there is a 3-year/60,000 mile warranty to ease your worry.
As of now, the Alhambra has not yet been crash-tested by the Euro NCAP. The general expectation however, is that it will do well. It has an extensive range of safety and security kit.
The Alhambra offers the same level of performance as the VW Sharan and is nearly as good as the Ford S-MAX, yet it costs much less than the two and all other major rivals, which makes it really good value for money. It is still too early to point out what resale values will be like, but the car should deliver favourably in this area.
Aided by a stop/start engine system, the Alhambra returns 48.7mpg, which is decent for the car’s dimensions. Emissions are also low for the class, at 152g/km. You will pay £165 annually in road tax, under band G. It sits in insurance group 21 and should attract average insurance rates.
The car has a service interval of 10,000 miles but low rates mean you will spend a minimal amount of money on maintenance.
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