Overall Rating |  |
Its SEAT badge makes Alhambra less familiar than Galaxy and Sharan. But this flexible family people-carrier drives like a car and is now better value than its half-sisters.
For
- Flexible occupant and/or load space
- Affordable to buy and run
- Easy to drive, manoeuvre and park
Against
- 1.9 TDi is sluggish when laden
- Rear space in seven-seaters is tight
- It?s a Seat - and that matters to some
Road Test
Alhambra can be a bargain; less popular than Galaxy or Sharan but equal in most respects, and cheaper to buy and service.
Easy to drive, its high seating and big windows give a good all-round vision. Ride is quite refined, with little body roll.
The airy interior accommodates five with ease. In seven-seaters, the twin rear seats are cramped for adults and there's little space for luggage with all seats is use. Comfort is good, with generous equipment except on basic and S models, although even these have air conditioning.
The 2.0 petrol engine is adequate; the 1.8T is far livelier, though neither gives better than 30mpg. 1.9 TDi pulls well but acceleration is relaxed; it can return over 40mpg. The TDi 110 is preferred to the TDi 90.
Safety and security are adequate. All have twin airbags, although ABS was only an option on most versions.
Need To Know
NCAP: not tested (VW Sharan = 3 stars)
Best Models: 1.8 T 20v SE & VT; 1.9 TDi 110 SE; seven-seaters
Worst Models: 1.9 TDi 90 & 2.0 S five-seaters
Replacement: by current Alhambra in mid-2000
Alternatives
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Star Ratings
Handling  Comfort Quality & Reliability Performance Roominess Running Costs Value for Money Stereo/Sat Nav |
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