Seat Alhambra
Ratings
3 stars
Summary
Average. Old and outdated full-sized people-carrier - it's continuing appeal is due in large part to attractive pricing.
Review
The Seat Alhambra is one of the oldest cars left on the road - Ford stopped replaced the identical first-generation Galaxy with an all-new car back in 2006. But the Seat lives on as an inexpensive way into seven-seat MPV ownership. And, viewed on those terms, it remains a fine enough car.
The Alhambra looks and feels old, though. A substantial facelift helped to sharpen up the looks a few years ago, but underneath this is a car that dates back to the mid 1990s, and compared to more modern rivals it is starting to feel cramped and short on utility.
The cabin is reasonably well finished with some respectably tough-feeling materials, but the more basic versions offer a fairly Spartan environment and come without much in the way of toys. Space is good for front and middle-row occupants, but access to the rearmost seats is awkward, legroom is poor and they pretty much eliminate the available luggage space when in use - and they have to be physically removed from the vehicle to liberate the extra luggage space.
On the road the Alhambra is still capable of delivering a credible performance. Refinement levels are good and the roadholding is safe and assured, while it also feels happy at motorway cruising speeds, staying stable and refined at speed.
The basic 2.0 litre petrol engine is a very old-fashioned unit, and although it spins smoothly it struggles to deliver much in the way of performance or fuel economy. Two diesels are available, with the less powerful 1.9 litre unit only available with an automatic gearbox. The newer-tech 2.0 litre TDI unit is the pick of the bunch.
Ratings Breakdown
Styling
3 star
Behind the 2001 headlamps the rest of this car is stuck in the mid 1990s. Looks very old compared to funkier rivals.
Handling
3 star
Safe, secure and predictable, although dropping back a bit when held up against more modern competition.
Comfort
4 star
Smooth ride and excellent refinement make the Alhambra an excellent way to accomplish longer journeys.
Quality & Reliability
3 star
Solid construction, but the cabin materials lack much in the way of class. Cheaper versions feel a bit short on toys, too.
Performance
3 star
2.0 litre petrol engine lacks urge - 1.9 litre TDI diesel is good (with standard Tiptronic automatic gearbox), but the more powerful 2.0 litre TDI is the one to go for if the budget will stretch.
Roominess
3 star
Disappointing compared to more modern rivals. Spacious for five occupants but cramped for seven, and the hassle of moving and removing the rearmost seats is considerable.
Running Costs
3 star
The petrol version struggles to deliver on fuel economy claims but the diesels are impressively frugal. Residual values are reasonable too, although insurance and servicing are more expensive than mainstream rivals.
Value for money
4 star
Well priced and well equipped compared to the competition - the one area in which the Seat still shines.
