2021 Seat Alhambra
Within the last few years of production, the SEAT Alhambra still counted the Ford Galaxy and Citroen Grand C4 SpaceTourer as its direct rivals, while increasingly facing the task from large seven-seat SUVs like the Skoda Kodiaq and Peugeot 5008 - including in-house competition from the SEAT Tarraco. The 2021 SEAT Alhambra is a seven-seat MPV was a sales success in the nineties and noughties but its popularity has waned ever since then and far fewer of these are increasingly being launched as manufacturers give attention to fashionable SUVs instead.
A 175bhp version of the 2.0-litre engine tops the range, but it's only available with an automatic gearbox on the Xcellence trim level. The Alhambra is closely linked to the Volkswagen Sharan but was always an even more cost-effective choice than the VW. All trim levels were well equipped and it's practical, good to operate a vehicle and features a simple engine range. There exists a 1.4-litre petrol with 148bhp that's only available with an information gearbox, and also a 2.0-litre diesel engine that creates 148bhp and could be had with an option of manual or dual-clutch automatic gearboxes.
Seat Alhambra gets good equipment at all trim levels. SEL improves the number of equipment with a DAB radio, heated power-adjustable front seats, a rear-view camera and a powered rear door. Xcellence adds luxury items such as a panoramic sunroof, a leather upholstery, a heated window washer and a keyless entry and start. Even the cheapest SE model includes Bluetooth connectivity, steering stereo controls, three-zone climate control and SEAT's Media System Plus entertainment system with a 6.5-inch color touch screen and sat-nav provided.
The five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP is reassuring in a family group car, as the Alhambra cements its position as a good-value choice with lots of equipment on any trim level. But, if you will end up heading out on to the motorway more often, especially with huge load, then select the 2.0-litre diesel, which can be acquired with a manual or automatic gearbox. If you may spend most of one's time in town, the 1.4-litre petrol (the cheapest model in the range) will undoubtedly be ideal. There's a good array of petrol and diesel engines to choose from, too, that have at the very least 150hp.
The most economical option could be the less powerful diesel with a guide gearbox, which manages as much as 44.1mpg normally, while even the more powerful diesel with DSG gets 40mpg. All trims could be had with a DSG automatic gearbox, provided that you select a diesel engine. The SE and SEL models can be had with the petrol or less powerful diesel engines, while Xcellence could be fitted with either of the two diesels. However, it's worth remembering that here is the most high-priced Alhambra to purchase, being available only on top trim. Picking the petrol means putting up with economy as high as 36.2mpg and 159g/km CO2 emissions, so higher-mileage drivers will probably favour a diesel Alhambra. Later models came in three trim levels: SE, SEL and Xcellence.
Safety is just a big factor once you choose a family car, and the Alhambra initially scored a maximum of five stars in Euro NCAP crash tests. The 2nd row of seats has Isofix child seat mounting points. Even the simplest model 2021 Seat Alhambra gets sensors for leading and rear cars, that will be convenient for this type of large car. Safety features include seven airbags, stability control, brakes, tire pressure monitor and hill holding feature, along with a fatigue detection system. The five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP assures the household car that the Alhambra will prove its worth as a worthy choice as it has lots of equipment at any trim level.
Considering it's larger than some SUVs, the Alhambra is impressive to drive on a complicated road. With suspension tuned purely for road driving, there's hardly any lean in corners and precise steering, but it's not too stiff that every bump is felt by passengers. Despite having seven seats, there's nothing minibus-like about the way in which it drives. Inside, there exists a logical and clear dashboard but it's starting to exhibit its age, missing some features within the most recent SEAT models. There's plentiful head and legroom in the initial two rows and room enough in the third row for adults – albeit not in quite the maximum amount of comfort. SE also features privacy glass, chrome exterior trim, folding door mirrors, cruise control, automatic wipers and headlights, aircraft-style fold-down tables and a 230-volt socket. Even when utilizing all seven seats, there's still a 267-litre boot, that is about the luggage space you obtain in a Ford Fiesta.
The Alhambra will come in three trim levels, with the entry-level SE getting a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with sat nav, plus Bluetooth, parking sensors and three-zone climate control.
Safety shouldn't be considered a concern, even with seven occupants, as a result of a four-star Euro NCAP rating awarded in late 2019. It's worth noting that the car scored five stars when it was new but the test has got more stringent since then. SEL adds luxuries such as for instance powered sliding rear doors, DAB radio, heated front seats and a rear-view camera, while Xcellence carries a panoramic sunroof and keyless entry and go. Obviously, choosing a trim from higher up the number will easily see the price rise sharply and the most powerful diesel is for sale in the most effective trim.