The Alhambra has been named Best MPV in the 2013 Car of the Year awards because it cannot be matched for practicality, comfort and economy. The model is cheaper than the Volkswagen Sharan and it has an impressive set of on road dynamics with a good range of engines.
For those who are looking for a sporty SUV, the Alhambra is an excellent choice. It handles well on twisting roads and this is due to the firm suspension and steering which is well weighted. There is plenty of grip when rounding corners with a minimum of body roll. The 2.0 litre diesel is a good choice and will achieve 0 to 62 mph in 10.9 seconds.
The diesel engines in the Alhambra are very quiet and this allows you to enjoy better fuel economy with little or no noise in the cabin. Seat has designed a car with a firmer ride than many other MPVs but it easily absorbs bumps in the road. The steering is slightly heavy but easy enough to get used to. Inside the cabin, the Alhambra has enough room to fit adults in any of the seats but in the rear it may be a bit of a squeeze.
Seat does not score highly in reliability surveys but this model has tried and tested parts and engines plus a three year/60,000 mile warranty. The car is safe and Seat has included a driver’s knee air bag as standard. Other safety features are electronic stability control and ABS. It is possible to disable the passenger front seat air bag if you want to fit a rear facing child restraint.
The Alhambra is one of the most practical MPVs around and has been rated 5 stars. The sliding doors open up to reveal a very spacious cabin and the vehicle is one of the widest on the market. Both the second and third rows of seats fold flat and the vehicle can carry loads that measure 2.95 metres in length.
The car can hold 2,297 litres of luggage with all seats folded down. Seat has included a high level of spec with this car. All versions have alloys, air con and Bluetooth connectivity as well as hill hold assist. Electric windows and central locking are also fitted as standard. The top of the range models get leather seats, GPS and heated seats.
With all these accessories, it makes sense to buy a set of floor mats from my car mats to complement your new Seat Alhambra, but also protect the sell-on value by looking at seat covers and other interior items that will ensure when it’s time to trade in your Alhambra, you get the best possible price.
Award winning, functional and with a good driving experience, it’s no winder the Seat Alhambra is one of the most dominant models in the MVP market.