The SEAT Alhambra is one of the best MPVs around. It’s mechanically identical to the Volkswagen Sharan, but has a lower price – and still includes climate control, Bluetooth and electric windows.
Standard parking sensors help drivers cope with the Alhambra’s huge dimensions, which hide a very practical interior. Slide open one of the rear doors – electric operation is optional – and you’ll see the car is over two metres wide.
With all seven seats in place, there’s only 267 litres of luggage space, but boot size increases to 1,167 litres with the rather cramped rearmost seats folded into the floor. Fold the three middle row seats, and you free up a van-like 2,297 capacity. Even the front passenger seat folds, so you can carry loads nearly three metres long.
The Alhambra has a brilliant crash test record, while the 1.4 TSI petrol and 2.0 TDI diesel engines promise low fuel consumption. Cheapest to run is the 113bhp Ecomotive diesel, with 50.1mpg economy, 146g/km emissions and a low insurance group. And while all models have short, 10,000-mile service intervals, this is a small price to pay for such amazing practicality.
