“While most makers have been concentrating on smaller Vauxhall Zafira-size motors, the Alhambra is old school – a full-fat MPV,” said the News of the World last week. “That means there’s room for seven and the two people in row three can even have legs too.
“Refinement and the range of engines are top notch,” says reviewer James Foxall. “I tested the 170PS 2.0-litre turbo diesel and you’d never know it was an oil burner. In fact, it’s so quiet you’d never know it was there at all… The peace that settles upon the cockpit on a motorway cruise is scarcely believable thanks to its shape being the most wind-cheating in its class.
“As with every other SEAT, this new seven-seater is decent value for money. Combine that with a car that’s light years ahead of the model it replaces and you get a convincing family motor.”
Jamie Corstorphine at Autocar
“However, the lower-powered engine is fractionally more refined. If you are likely to use the Alhambra’s maximum seating capacity often and go long distances, the trade-off is probably worth considering, but for lighter use the TDI 140PS is the engine to go for.”
Autocar’s overall verdict on the Alhambra? “It makes fine family transport.”
“There’s no doubting the quality of the Alhambra’s interior,” says Auto Trader
“Look at the Alhambra as a discounted version of the Sharan and it makes sense, as the interior quality and flexibility are impressive.”
Honest John says that the “latest version [of the Alhambra] is a big improvement on the original… The big change is the introduction of easy-fold seats which mean that all five rear seats can now be easily folded flat on to the floor… Getting to the rear-most seats is also much easier as the outer centre seats cantilever forward to afford access to the back row.
“On the move, the Alhambra is refined and quiet, making it ideal for long distances,” says Honest John. “It’s spectacularly easy to drive with precise controls, neat handling and good all-round visibility… Most people will go for the TDI 140PS and it makes the most sense, with plenty of torque and a claimed average of 50.4mpg with the standard six-speed manual gearbox.”
“But it’s the range of state-of-the-art and innovative technologies offered as optional equipment on the new Alhambra that really stand out,” says the review, which praises the optional bi-xenon headlights with adaptive control and full-beam assist, park assist, review camera and panoramic sliding roof.
“The new Alhambra offers much more than the previous one: more space, far superior handling, and better looks,” says MotorBar.co.uk
“The Alhambra’s arrow-shaped front exterior and sleek side profile is eye-catching, and looks really smart and well proportioned. Like the new Volkswagen Sharan, it looks far more sporting than its predecessor and the control and handling are a huge improvement. Body roll is minimal – it didn’t use to be in the good old, bad old ‘rock and roll’ MPVs of just a few years ago.
“Overall the Alhambra is high on refinement and the 2.0-litre TDI 140PS E Ecomotive powerhouse with SE specification at £25,270 looks a good choice… The Alhambra is a thoroughly modern and well-designed large MPV, has multiple passenger and load-carrying options, a high specification, very competitive prices (in this sector) and is very good to drive with trustworthy handling.”
