SEAT Alhambra
Spanish firm picks up its first-ever gong for its no-nonsense, great-value seven-seater
Why it won...
Congratulations, SEAT! The Spanish brand has secured its first-ever Auto Express New Car Award. It’s famed for its hot petrol and diesel hatchbacks, but its new full-sized MPV has done the business this year.
What makes the Alhambra so special? Well, it’s all down to the user-friendliness of its design. People carriers are the multi-tools of the automotive world, and the SEAT is incredibly practical and easy to live with.
Its sliding rear doors are the star of the show. They make getting in and out of the wide MPV a doddle, even in the tightest spaces. Easy-to-operate folding seats add to the family car appeal, and there’s plenty of space inside for a full complement of seven occupants.
Smart styling inside and out helps to seal the deal, while a price advantage over the mechanically identical VW Sharan makes the Alhambra look like tremendous value for money. And let’s not forget its talented range of punchy and efficient diesels.
Other cars provide more space, style or driving enjoyment, but none combines all three qualities in quite such a well judged package. Ford needs two models to perform the same trick, and VW asks for more money. So, although we love SEAT for its spicy hot hatches, the more practical appeal of its latest people carrier is what has helped earn it a maiden New Car Awards trophy.
Our pick: We think the 2.0-litre TDI (140) SE provides the best mix of performance, value and kit. Low CO2 of 146g/km goes hand in hand with toys such as cruise control and privacy glass. Hi-tech options include Park Assist for those who don’t like parallel parking, a panoramic sunroof for sun worshippers and Lane Assist and Road Sign recognition for the safety-conscious. Now that’s what we call all-round appeal.
Highly commended
The best Chevy in the range is a fine cut-price alternative to the usual suspects in the compact SUV class. But don’t dismiss the Orlando purely as a budget buy, as the distinctive exterior, large cabin and generous equipment levels make it a fine choice regardless of the size of your wallet.
Brilliant S-MAX has been denied a fourth straight MPV award. It remains the class of the field for style and driving dynamics, though, so it’s still fighting at the sharp end of the sector. Latest updates ensure lower emissions and more attractive prices than ever.
