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MOOR THAN ENOUGH

Models Covered: SECOND GENERATION (JUNE 2000-TO DATE): (Alhambra 2.0 5dr MPV [S] / Alhambra 1.8T 20v [S,SE] / Alhambra 1.9TDI 115bhp, 130bhp [S,SE, Stylance, Reference] / Alhambra 140bhp 2.0TDI [SX, Stylance]/ Alhambra 2.8V6 [Sport])

BY ANDY ENRIGHT

Large MPVs come and go, but the benchmarks for the class remains the SEAT Alhambra, Ford Galaxy and Volkswagen Sharan trio. Built from a shared source they have dominated the MPV division and of the three the Sharan is probably the best value. It wasn’t until the launch of the second generation car in 2000 that the Spanish company really had an offering with its own distinct personality. As a used buy it makes a lot of sense, but you may have to prise the keys out of the previous keeper’s grasp.

If it’s history you’re after, you’ve come to the right place. It’s said a fortress existed on the site of the modern day Alhambra near Granada since the 9th Century although it wasn’t until the 12th century and the arrival of the Nasrites that the Alhambra became a palace of kings. The name Alhambra comes from an Arabic root which means "red or crimson castle", perhaps due to the hue of the towers and walls that surround the entire hill of La Sabica which by starlight is silver but by sunlight is transformed into gold. Fast forward a few hundred years and we arrive in 1996 when SEAT launched their version of the Alhambra. Although not featuring ornate frescoes nor fountains it did put SEAT on the firmly MPV map via a joint collaboration with Volkswagen and Ford. The second generation Alhambra range arrived in Britain in Summer 2000. This featured a 115bhp turbo diesel engine and a V6 petrol option was also offered. With sleeker, more confident styling, the Alhambra had become more than a car for those who wanted a Ford Galaxy or a VW Sharan but couldn’t afford one. It was well worth having in its own right. With a six-speed transmission on manual models the Alhambra is still probably the smartest buy amongst large MPVs. Summer 2003 saw the addition of a 130bhp TDI Alhambra, offered only in SE guise. Towards the end of 2005, the 130bhp 1.9-litre TDi engine was replaced by a more modern 140bhp 2.0-litre TDI unit, although prices remained unchanged. The 2.8-litre V6 engine had been discontinued by this stage.

Inside, the rather plasticky feel of the original model has been replaced by a more up-market atmosphere, with better quality plastics, a new steering wheel and nicer switchgear that leaves room for the obligatory optional satellite navigation system. More practical improvements include retractable cupholders, extra map pockets in the doors and a pair of useful lidded cubbyholes on top of the dash. This plusher atmosphere is important, for cheap and cheerful MPV customers are increasingly opting for mini-MPVs like Renault's Scenic. Large models like the Alhambra must increasingly compete with executive cars. All models get air conditioning, ABS, twin front airbags, remote control central locking and electric front windows. Plusher versions get side airbags, combination leather/alcantara upholstery and electronic climate control that you can operate front and rear. There are also options like ESP (an Electronic Stability Programme that will automatically apply the brakes and reduce the throttle to get you out of trouble if you enter a corner too fast) or, more practically, a fridge. Unlike some boxier rivals, the Alhambra will only offer seven, rather than eight seats. As an MPV buyer, you'll be looking for flexibility as well as sheer space. So you’ll find, as before, that all of the seats can be folded down or unclipped and removed completely. In fact, the only difference this time round is that the removable chairs themselves have been redesigned, so should feel a lot more comfortable. Sadly, they're no lighter, so lugging them in and out remains a job not to be undertaken by the weak or faint-hearted. The two front seats on some models can be swivelled round completely to face the rear - which is great for picnics and business meetings if you're stationary and there's only four in the car. It's annoying however, that you still can't do the same with the middle set so that occupants behind the driver can face each other and talk on longer journeys.

Although used examples are rather thin on the ground, those you will find will nevertheless be attractively priced. Prices start at £7,300 for a 2000W plated 2.0-litre S, but this is by far the weakest engine in the line up. Better to stump up the additional cash for a 1.8-litre 20VT model which starts at around £7,400 in S trim or £7,900 in SE guise. The 2.8-litre V6 model in Sport trim is a very good-looking piece of kit and these open at around £8,700. If you’re a little more practical, the 1.9-litre TDi PD model will probably be more to your liking. These kick off at £8,000 in S trim, again on the 2000 W plate, whilst an SE will command £9,100. Insurance ranges between Group 11 and Group 15.

Check for faulty trim and excessive transmission noise caused by the specially lengthened gear linkages. On the popular 2.0-litre, listen for clattery camshafts and make sure the drive-belt has been replaced on schedule. Bear in mind too that most Alhambras will have been used by people not used to cars of this size. It’s worth checking therefore for body scrapes and scuffed mirrors. Finally, check the condition of the rear seats; their frames may have been damaged by ill-judged removal attempts.

(Approximate prices, based on a 2001 2.0 (inc VAT) A clutch assembly is around £315, a full exhaust system is just under £245 and an exchange alternator around £220. Front brake pads are around £75 and a headlamp unit will set you back just over £175.

On the road, you have a car that not only costs around the same as a mid-range family estate but also measures in at about the same length, taking up no more space on the tarmac. Behind the wheel, it's exactly like a medium range estate - only better, thanks to that high-seated driving position and the glassy cabin. The biggest surprises, however, are reserved for the handling. This MPV doesn't roll, pitch or wallow like many of its rivals. Nor do you need a period of acclimatisation before you can drive it quickly, as you would, for example, with a fashionable four-wheel drive.

SEAT has for quite some time been the recipient of quite a bit of smart money form UK consumers and the Alhambra is no exception. Arguably better looking than either the pricier Ford Galaxy or the Volkswagen Sharan, it makes a great used buy. The pick of the bunch is probably the turbo diesel, but the 2.8-litre petrol is a blast as long as you don’t mind spending money on fuel bills.

SPANISH OIL REFINERY
SEAT’s Alhambra TDI 140 Could Well Be The Best MPV Buy Around At Present. Andy Enright Explains Why…

The maxim ‘he who knows the price of everything but the value of nothing’ is traditionally attributed to cynics, but time was when it could equally be applied to fleet managers. Keen to put you in a car that was lowest common denominator motoring, these penny-pinching people missed nothing, ratting to the tax man if they discovered a taxable perk such as a silicon-damped glove compartment lid. Those days have long gone and modern fleet managers have to satisfy a bunch of far more demanding user choosers. That’s why cars like SEAT’s Alhambra have proved so popular.

When Fleet News voted the SEAT Alhambra ‘Best MPV’ for the third time, it hardly came as news to either the more informed fleet managers or cannier private buyers. Here was a vehicle that offered the fit and finish of a Volkswagen Sharan or a Ford Galaxy with arguably a more distinctive look and feel at prices which undercut all but the most tin-pot rivals. The addition of the 140bhp TDI diesel engine as tested here has only served to underscore the point. The Alhambra is where the smart money goes in the full-sized MPV class. The TDI 140 engine is borrowed from the Volkswagen Golf and the SEAT Leon amongst others. But familiarity in this instance certainly doesn’t breed contempt. Mated to a slick-shifting six-speed gearbox designed to suit the TDi’s high torque output, the result is greater in-gear flexibility and top speed potential with improved fuel economy and higher levels of refinement. It isn’t the quietest unit of its kind but don’t let the fact that it clears its throat upon startup detract from the engine’s gutsy performance. The figures say that sixty shows up from rest in 12.2s, but it feels quicker than that, a legacy of the impressive reserves of mid-range torque on offer. In practice, this means ready pulling power in almost any gear, something which is a real boon, both on the open road (where you often don’t have to drop a gear to overtake) and around town (which you don’t have to row the thing along with the gearstick). The result is a pleasantly refined but characterful engine that produces good figures as well. The top speed of 119mph and 41.5mpg average fuel economy were once the statistics of a warm hatch and a diesel supermini but the full-sized Alhambra now effortlessly combines the two with a level of cleanliness that seems beyond the ken of such a big, powerful vehicle. Its CO2 emissions figure of 184g/km is sure to make it a favourite amongst corporate users.

"The Alhambra is where the smart money goes in the full-sized MPV class"

Inside, the rather plasticky feel of the original model has been replaced by a more up-market atmosphere, with better quality plastics, a new steering wheel and nicer switchgear that leaves room for the obligatory optional satellite navigation system. More practical improvements include retractable cupholders, extra map pockets in the doors and a pair of useful lidded cubbyholes on top of the dash. This plusher atmosphere is important, for cheap and cheerful MPV customers are increasingly opting for mini-MPVs like Renault's Scenic. Large models like the Alhambra must increasingly compete with executive cars. Two trim levels are available. The range kicks off with the value edition Reference which features air conditioning – a must when you’ve got this amount of glazing – five removable seats, three-point seat belts all round, electric front windows, CD player and a six-speed gearbox.. If you need yet more kit, the well-equipped Stylance variant priced at £21,412 is the alternative. Both models get air conditioning, ABS, twin front and side airbags, remote control central locking and electric front windows. The Stylance adds combination leather/alcantara upholstery and electronic climate control that you can operate front and rear, lowered suspension, 16-inch alloy wheels and a heated windscreen. Factor parking sensors, a trip computer, front fog lights, cruise control, heated front sports seats and leather trim for the steering wheel and gearknob into the equation and you’ll agree that the Alhambra Stylance TDI130 cuts quite a bargain. There are also options like ESP (an Electronic Stability Programme that will automatically apply the brakes and reduce the throttle to get you out of trouble if you enter a corner too fast) or, more practically, a fridge. On the road, you have a car that not only costs around the same as a mid-range family estate but also measures in at about the same length, taking up no more space on the tarmac. Behind the wheel, it's exactly like a medium range estate - only better, thanks to that high-seated driving position and the glassy cabin. The biggest surprises, however, are reserved for the handling. This MPV doesn't roll, pitch or wallow like many of its rivals. Nor do you need a period of acclimatisation before you can drive it quickly, as you would, for example, with a fashionable four-wheel drive. The Alhambra takes its name from the ancient palace in Granada which dates back to the 12th century and plays a central part in Spain's early history. This place was apparently vast - an indication, SEAT believes, of the capacity of its People Carrier - though unlike some boxier rivals, it can offer you only seven, rather than eight seats. As an MPV buyer, you'll be looking for flexibility as well as sheer space. So you’ll find, as before, that all of the seats can be folded down or unclipped and removed completely. The mark of a genuinely impressive car is one that appeals to the head as well as the heart. The SEAT Alhambra TDI140 has what it takes to secure the vote of both bean counting fleet managers and the British car buying public. If you’re in the market for a full sized MPV that’s a notch or two above the south-east Asian cheapies but which still confers great value, even the most jaded cynic will appreciate the value proposition represented by this diesel Alhambra.

Facts At A Glance CAR: SEAT Alhambra TDI140 PRICES: £18,712-£21,412 - on the road INSURANCE GROUP: 12 CO2 EMISSIONS: 184g/km PERFORMANCE: Max Speed 119mph / 0-60mph 12.2s FUEL CONSUMPTION: (combined) 41mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front and side airbags / ABS WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height, 4641/2142/1759mm

MAKING A CASE FOR SPACE
SEAT’s Latest Alhambra Continues To Offer Much For The Money For Large MPV Buyers. Jonathan Crouch Checks It Out

If you were to take the packaging of a Ford Galaxy and the design quality of a VW Sharan, you'd have quite an MPV People Carrier, particularly if you could sell it with more equipment for less money. Such has always been the appeal of SEAT's Alhambra.

You don't have to look at one for very long to realise that badgework and cosmetics apart, it's identical in design to Ford and VW’s two market leaders, produced by the same jointly-owned company, rolling down the same Portugese production lines. And since Ford and VW stumped up the money to create what is dynamically, the finest car in its sector, it's SEAT's good fortune (as part of the VW Group) to have inherited a class-leader. The current second generation model holds much the same appeal as the old - though arguably, has more of its own personality, thanks to the adoption of the 'nostril' front grille. Black framing around the clear-lensed front headlamps is the only other cosmetic difference over the Spanish car's VW and Ford counterparts.

"Based on the best but better value…"

Other features include the 5-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission that enables you to flick up and down the gearbox manually should you so wish. And VW's excellent 2.0-litre 140bhp TDI turbodiesel engine, a unit with abundant mid-range urge that remains extremely economical. Other powerplants are much as before: which means the 115bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine and the punchy 115bhp 1.9-litre TDI diesel. All manual models have a slick six-speed gearbox. Inside, the rather plasticky feel of the original model has been replaced by a more up-market atmosphere, with better quality plastics, a new steering wheel and nicer switchgear that leaves room for the obligatory optional satellite navigation system. More practical improvements include retractable cupholders, extra map pockets in the doors and a pair of useful lidded cubbyholes on top of the dash. This plusher atmosphere is important, for cheap and cheerful MPV customers are increasingly opting for mini-MPVs like Renault's Scenic. Large models like the Alhambra must increasingly compete with executive cars. Just as well then, that it's decently equipped, across two trim levels titled Reference and Stylance over a price range that runs between £16,422 to £21,867. All models get air conditioning, a CD-based stereo, ABS, twin front airbags, remote control central locking and electric front windows. Plusher versions get side airbags, combination leather/alcantara upholstery and electronic climate control that you can operate front and rear. There are also options like ESP (an Electronic Stability Programme that will automatically apply the brakes and reduce the throttle to get you out of trouble if you enter a corner too fast) or, more practically, a fridge. On the road, you have a car that not only costs around the same as a mid-range family estate but also measures in at about the same length, taking up no more space on the tarmac. Behind the wheel, it's exactly like a medium range estate - only better, thanks to that high-seated driving position and the glassy cabin. The biggest surprises, however, are reserved for the handling. This MPV doesn't roll, pitch or wallow like many of its rivals. Nor do you need a period of acclimatisation before you can drive it quickly, as you would, for example, with a fashionable four-wheel drive. The Alhambra takes its name from the ancient palace in Granada that dates back to the 12th century and plays a central part in Spain's early history. This place was apparently vast - an indication, SEAT believes, of the capacity of its People Carrier – though unlike some boxier rivals, in can offer you only seven, rather than eight seats. As an MPV buyer, you'll be looking for flexibility as well as sheer space. So you’ll find, as before, that all of the seats can be folded down or unclipped and removed completely. In fact, the only difference this time round is that the removable chairs themselves have been redesigned, so should feel a lot more comfortable. Sadly, they're no lighter, so lugging them in and out remains a job not to be undertaken by the weak or faint-hearted. The two front seats on some models can be swivelled round completely to face the rear - which is great for picnics and business meetings if you're stationary and there's only four in the car. It's annoying however, that you still can't do the same with the middle set so that occupants behind the driver can face each other and talk on longer journeys. If the Galaxy/Sharan/Alhambra design is arguably the market's best large MPV, it's hard to argue that this is not the best value interpretation of it. And if that's the case, then this must be a very good car indeed.

Facts At A Glance CAR: SEAT Alhambra range PRICES: £16,265-£21,867 - on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 11-16 CO2 EMISSIONS: 176-233g/km PERFORMANCE: [2.0 petrol] Max Speed 110mph / 0-60mph 15.0s FUEL CONSUMPTION: [2.0 petrol] (urban) 23.7mpg / (constant 56mph) 41.5mpg/ (constant 75mph) 32.1mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front airbags, ABS WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height, 182/84/69"

AMAZING SPACE
MPV Buyers Looking For A Combination Of Space, Quality And Value Can’t Do Much Better Than SEAT’s Alhambra 2.0 Reference. Andy Enright Checks It Out…

List the priorities of MPV buyers and you’d probably figure space would be number one, quickly followed by value for money. Whilst this explains why the pile ’em high, sell ‘em cheap approach of South East Asian manufacturers has paid dividends, there’s another sort of buyer who’s altogether tougher to please. These ‘cake and eat it’ customers not only want space and value but they want quality lumped into the equation too. If that’s you, place the SEAT Alhambra 2.0 Reference at the top of your shortlist now.

The Alhambra has always been a canny buy. A joint effort between the VW Group (which includes SEAT) and Ford, it means that in effect you’re buying VW quality at sub-Ford prices. Whilst the VW Sharan and Ford Galaxy sister models have sold well in their own right, there’s no doubt the smart money gets sent on the SEAT. Badgework and cosmetics apart, it's identical in design to Ford and VW’s two market leaders, rolling down the same Portuguese production lines. If you’re campaigning on price, it makes sense to get the biggest bang for your buck and that comes in the shape of the entry-level 2.0 Reference, priced at just £16,422. Anybody expecting a seven seater this well built for £16,500 could reasonably expect it to be stripped of every conceivable extra, an exercise the industry terms ‘decontenting’. Whilst the Alhambra 2.0 Reference can’t claim to offer a huge selection of extras, it does include air conditioning – a must when you’ve got this amount of glazing – five removable seats, three-point seat belts all round, electric front windows, CD player and a six-speed gearbox. Anti-lock brakes are fitted as standard as well as twin front and side airbags, ISOFIX child seat fixings, an immobiliser and an alarm. Hardly stripped to the bone is it? There are also options like ESP (an Electronic Stability Programme that will automatically apply the brakes and reduce the throttle to get you out of trouble if you enter a corner too fast) or, more practically, a fridge.

"Alhambra residual values are consistently some of the industry’s best…"

The current second generation model holds much the same appeal as the old - though arguably, has more of its own personality, thanks to the adoption of SEAT's trademark 'nostril' front grille. This doesn’t do much for the Alhambra’s looks but at least it gives the car a bit of extra family identity. Black framing around the clear-lensed front headlamps is the only other cosmetic difference over the Spanish car's VW and Ford counterparts. Inside, the rather plasticky feel of the original model has been replaced by a more up-market atmosphere, with better quality plastics, a new steering wheel and nicer switchgear that leaves room for the obligatory optional satellite navigation system. More practical improvements include retractable cupholders, extra map pockets in the doors and a pair of useful lidded cubbyholes on top of the dash. This plusher atmosphere is important, for cheap and cheerful MPV customers are increasingly opting for mini-MPVs like Renault's Scenic. Large models like the Alhambra must increasingly compete with executive cars. On the road, you have a car that not only costs around the same as a mid-range family estate but also measures in at about the same length, taking up no more space on the tarmac. Behind the wheel, it's exactly like a medium range estate - only better, thanks to that high-seated driving position and the glassy cabin. The biggest surprises, however, are reserved for the handling. This MPV doesn't roll, pitch or wallow like many of its rivals. Nor do you need a period of acclimatisation before you can drive it quickly, as you would, for example, with a fashionable four-wheel drive. Performance from the 115bhp engine is relatively leisurely, the Alhambra getting to 60mph in 15.2 seconds on the way to a respectable top speed of 110mph. If you feel the urge for a little more power, you’ll need to shell out £18,712 for a 2.0TDi140 Reference. Fuel economy for the 2.0 Reference is good at an average of 29mpg, although this will take a dip if you load the car to the gunwales. Having been voted Used MPV of The Year 2003 by Used Car Buyer magazine, it’s also highly unlikely you’ll get your fingers burnt when you choose to sell it on. Alhambra residual values are consistently some of the industry’s best. The Alhambra takes its name from the ancient palace in Granada which dates back to the 12th century and plays a central part in Spain's early history. This place was apparently vast - an indication, SEAT believes, of the capacity of its People Carrier – though unlike some boxier rivals, in can offer you only seven, rather than eight seats. As an MPV buyer, you'll be looking for flexibility as well as sheer space. So you’ll find, as before, that all of the seats can be folded down or unclipped and removed completely. In fact, the only difference this time round is that the removable chairs themselves have been redesigned, so should feel a lot more comfortable. Sadly, they're no lighter, so lugging them in and out remains a job not to be undertaken by the weak or faint-hearted. The two front seats on some models can be swivelled round completely to face the rear - which is great for picnics and business meetings if you're stationary and there's only four in the car. It's annoying however, that you still can't do the same with the middle set so that occupants behind the driver can face each other and talk on longer journeys. Given that £16,422 will only buy a mid-range Renault Scenic – a car that competes in the next size class down – the SEAT Alhambra 2.0 Reference has to be seen as an outrageous bargain. We all like unearthing something that’s a bit of a steal but we don’t like to be seen to be economising. If you want to save money but still give the impression that only premium quality goods will do, the SEAT Alhambra 2.0 Reference comes up trumps every time.

Facts At A Glance CAR: SEAT Alhambra 2.0 Reference PRICE: £16,422 - on the road INSURANCE GROUP: 11 CO2 EMISSIONS: 230g/km PERFORMANCE: Max Speed 110mph / 0-60mph 15.2s FUEL CONSUMPTION:(urban) 23.7 / (constant 56mph) 41.5/ (constant 75mph) 32.1mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front airbags, ABS WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height, 182/84/69"