Review of the new SEAT Alhambra TDI 140

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.

TOP 5 ALHAMBRA DEALS

The results below show the top ALHAMBRA deals on buyacar

Seat Alhambra 2.0 TDI CR Ecomotive SE 5dr diesel estate
Price £25,375 Read Alhambra Reviews	Save £1,225
Seat Alhambra 2.0 TDI CR SE Lux 5dr DSG diesel estate
Price £29,802 Read Alhambra Reviews	Save £1,508
Seat Alhambra 2.0 TDI CR SE Lux [170] 5dr DSG diesel estate
Price £30,993 Read Alhambra Reviews	Save £1,582
Seat Alhambra 2.0 TDI CR Ecomotive S 5dr diesel estate
Price £23,659 Read Alhambra Reviews	Save £1,116
Seat Alhambra 2.0 TDI CR Ecomotive SE Lux 5dr diesel estate
Price £28,608 Read Alhambra Reviews	Save £1,432
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