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SEAT Alhambra 2010 road test report

2010

The very similar Ford Galaxy, VW Sharan and SEAT Alhambra MPVs all appeared in the mid 1990s. Ford did its own thing in 2006 with an all-new Galaxy, and now VW and SEAT have at last responded with all-new 7-seater models. But is the new Spanish model the poor relation?

Road Test Reports Says 4 star rating
A front-facing image of the SEAT Alhambra 2010

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TOM SAYS

Performance Performance - 4 stars

The new Alhambra will initially come with a 2.0 TDI with either 170hp or 140hp, or a 150hp 1.4 TSI. The 170hp TDI I drove was also equipped with a 6-speed paddle-shift DSG gearbox and it certainly doesn’t lack either power or speed – 0-62 in 9.8 secs and a 127mph max is arguably more than an MPV really needs. Conversely, the 1.4 TSI’s 6-speed manual needed a good stoking to keep it on the boil. On paper it’ll do 0-62 in 10.7 and 122mph, but it might feel stretched with a full payload aboard. My pick of the three is the 140hp, 121mph TDI, which, although less powerful, is bolstered by a useful, 258lb/ft helping of accessible torque.

Ride & Handling Ride & Handling - 4 stars

Being a little over 4.8-metres long and weighing the best part of 1.7 tonnes unladen isn’t the best recipe for a sporting driving experience, but the Alhambra doesn’t come with sporting pretentions. What it does do is ride very, very comfortably, even with only two aboard and light overnight luggage, while also steering with more-than-adequate precision. There’s minimal body-roll too, although if you do push on a bit through a series of turns the Alhambra doesn’t respond with eager enthusiasm, but that’s not what big, well-equipped MPVs are supposed to be good at.

Build Quality & Reliability Build Quality & Reliability - 5 stars

If the noticeable lack of both road and wind noise is anything to go by then this new model is built to a high standard. (The almost zero wind noise level owes much to the car’s very low 0.299Cd drag factor.) Being essentially the same car as the new-for-2010 VW Sharan, the Alhambra’s fit and finish, plus the feel and quality of plastics and materials all appear to be top notch. More generally, of the 27 brands in the 2010 JD Power Vehicle Ownership Satisfaction Study, SEAT scored a slightly below industry average of 781 points.

Safety & Security Safety & Security - 4 stars

There are no Euro NCAP star ratings to report, but with every new model comes improved safety and the Alhambra is no exception. At the time of writing exact, UK-market specifications are still to be confirmed, but in addition to the latest crumple zone and pedestrian impact technology there are seven airbags, belt-force limiters, Isofix child seat mountings (as well as optional built-in kids’ seats) along with run-flat, self-sealing tyres and the latest-generation ESP system which compensates for a fishtailing trailer or caravan by automatically applying the brakes left and right in a counteracting rhythm. (Speaking of caravans, an integrated, fold-away tow hook will be an option.)

Space & Practicality Space & Practicality - 5 stars

With the longest wheelbase in its class (2.92 metres) the new Alhambra is 22cm longer, 9.2cm wider and 1cm lower than the model it replaces, but the most obvious difference is the latest model’s sliding rear doors – electrically-powered on the top spec SE Lux model. The front passenger seat has a fold-flat backrest, while the five second- and third-row seats all have the new Easyfold system whereby, with just one hand, the seats fold to leave a flat-floored loadspace of up to a maximum of 2,430-litres. The two rear seats are big enough for small adults, or larger adults over short distances, while those in the middle row are comfortable and adjustable but they would make for a bit of a squeeze at shoulder height if all three were occupied by large adults.

Ownership & Value Ownership & Value - 4 stars

On sale from mid November 2010, the new Alhambra will come in three trim levels: S, SE and SE Lux. Prices will start at around £21,000, rising to a little short of £30k for the top spec version which will boast a full panoramic sunroof, a reversing camera, sophisticated satnav, leather, an electric tailgate, the new hands-free Park Steer Assistant and a whole lot else. Unsurprisingly it’s the two 2-litre TDIs that are the greenest; the 170hp version yeilding 47.9mpg and 154g/km CO2, and the 140hp TDI an impressive 51.3mpg with a low 143g/km. The 1.4 TSI manages 39mpg and 167g/km, but it’ll likely be much closer to £21k than £30k… Though definitely more German in looks and character than most other SEATs, the new Alhambra is a complete and competitively-priced proposition.

Submitted: 21/09/2010 08:42:03

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