Fleet News Awards SEAT Alhambra Best MPV Title
Published: 25th March 2003
The Range
The range kicks off with Alhambra S specification, available with a choice of 2.0-litre 115 PS and 1.8 20V T 150 PS petrol engines or 1.9 TD PD diesel engine which employs pump injector technology to give an output of 115 PS and 229 lb/ft of torque. The long list of standard equipment includes air conditioning, ABS, front electric windows, front and side airbags, tinted glass, luggage cover, roof rails, alarm, remote control central locking, 8-speaker stereo, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, and ISOFIX child-seat mounting points on all five rear seats. All rear seats are easily removable for a more flexible passenger/luggage space and the driver’s seat is height adjustable for maximum driving comfort.
SEAT has upped the ante further with Alhambra SE by fitting sports suspension that lowers the car by 25mm for less corner roll and more driver enjoyment. Available engines are the same 1.8 20V T as above, but with the option of five-speed Tiptronic gearbox. Recently introduced to the range is a new high performance 1.9 TD PD engine with an output of 130 PS. But this engine does not sacrifice economy for power and still achieves a frugal combined fuel consumption figure of 43.5 mpg. An automatic box is available for the SE diesel, but linked to the same 115 PS engine as fitted to S models. All equipment standard on S is standard on SE but it also gains functional equipment in the form of handsome 16" five-spoke alloy wheels (with locking wheel bolts), headlight washers, front fog lights, heated windscreen, parking sensors, trip computer and cruise control. Additonal standard comfort features are heated front sports seats with height adjustment and driver lumbar adjustment, folding tables on the seat backs, Climatronic air conditioning, electric rear windows, leather rimmed steering wheel and gear-knob.
The top of the range Alhambra V6 Sport with 204 PS output runs second only to the fabulous 210 PS Leon Cupra R for power in the SEAT family. This level of power comes courtesy of a 2.8-litre 24 valve 6-cylinder engine. It shares the SE’s lowered sports suspension and specification but gains the safety back-up of standard ESP (electronic stability programme) and EBA (emergency brake assist). It is also the most lavishly appointed Alhambra with luxurious alcantara and leather upholstery and personal entertainment provided by a 6-CD autochanger.
Pricing
| 2.0 S | £15,995 |
| 20V T S | £17,595 |
| TDi PD S 115 PS | £17,995 |
| 20V T SE | £19,595 |
| TDi PD SE 130 PS | £20,595 |
| 20V T SE Tiptronic | £20,595 |
| TDi PD SE 115 PS Tiptronic | £21,195 |
| 2.8 V6 Sport | £22,995 |
All new SEAT prices include 12 months RFL, first registration fee, VAT, delivery fuel, 24 months unlimited mileage mechanical warranty and a third year warranty provided the vehicle has not covered more than 60,000 miles. Price also includes 5-year SEAT Assistance roadside recovery package valid in 33 countries and, on Alhambra, a six-year anti-perforation and one year paint and bodywork warranty.
