Seat Car Launches

THERE’S plenty of value to be had on the people carrier market these days.

No longer are full-blown MPVs out of reach for the average used car buyer with some models now available for just a couple of grand.

In the decade since it first rolled off the same production line as the Ford Galaxy and Volkswagen Sharan, Spanish producer SEAT’s Alhambra has proved a veritable palace on wheels.

Though very similar, all three of these seven-SEATers appealed to a different type of customer, the more ritzy Alhambra attracting a younger audience.

The second generation range – which is the one to go for – was launched in 2000 and, like its predecessor, majors on quality and space at a lower price than most of its rivals.

Bags of storage compartments, a user-friendly dash, manoeuvrable SEATs and durable fittings are hallmarks of the Alhambra.

The 1.8, 2.0 and 2.8-litre V6 petrol models can be thirsty, so opt for one of the 1.9 turbodiesels if possible. Both the original 113bhp version and the 128bhp PD model that followed in 2003 are strong units, with little in the way of diesel rattle.

As you would expect from a car of this type the SEATing is versatile. Following the popular configuration of 2-3-2, the second and third rows fold and tumble for easy rear access.

You can fold the rear ones flat to use as tables and the front passenger SEATs swivel, while all five rear SEATs are removable.

Superb ride quality, little in the way of body roll and precise power steering all contribute to making the Alhambra an impressive package.

Expect to pay an independent dealer in the region of £6,995 for a 2001/51 registered 1.8 T model, £7,500 for an 02/02 two-litre S model or £12,750 for a 2003/03 1.9 TDi PD SE (128bhp) car.

CITROEN breathed new life into its largest model when the practical but boxy Synergie was replaced by the C8 three years ago.

In much the same way that the Ford, VW and SEAT models shared a production line, the Citroen had a tie-in with Peugeot’s 807 and the Fiat Ulysse.

And it became part of a fresh generation of Citroens designated by numbers rather than odd names like Xantia and Xsara.

The French manufacturer also gave its buyers lots of options too, with a choice of two petrol and two diesel engines on offer, generous standard spec and, for those who really wanted to push the boat out, the chance to go for an all singing and dancing Exclusive Captain Chair model.

Rear SEAT passengers enter the C8 via electric sliding doors and, as with the Alhambra, the SEATs fold and remove. Foldaway picnic tables are mounted on the front SEAT backs and the centre-middle SEAT can be folded to make a table.

Movement around the cabin is also made easier due to the handbrake being placed to the right of the driver and the gearstick occupying a position on the facia.

But perhaps the car’s strongpoint is its use of technology. For instance automatic headlamps, auto wipers and climate control are all standard on the C8 while rear passengers have their own air-con controls.

A supplementary rear view mirror folds out of the headlining so parents can keep an eye on the kids and the instrument panel’s luminous dials glow green at night.

Provision for storage is also excellent, with the like of twin gloveboxes, wide door pockets, can and bottle holders, under-SEAT trays and compartments for keys, pens and notepads.

While the two and 2.2-litre petrol engines are both lively units, neither will return much more than 28 miles per gallon. So the excellent pair of HDI diesels – producing 110 and 130bhp – should get the vote.

Expect to pay an independent dealer around £9,895 for a 2003/03 registered 2.0i LX model, £11,850 for an 03/53 2.0 HDi SX or £14,650 for a 2004/04 2.2 HDi SX model.

THE VERDICT

MODEL: SEAT Alhambra.

DRIVING: Comfortable ride, precise power steering, minimal body roll.

PERFORMANCE: Useful all round and turbodiesels are excellent.

ECONOMY: Poor return from petrol units, but diesels give 37-43mpg.

SAFETY: Front and side airbags, anti-lock brakes, alarm and immobiliser.

WHAT’S HOT: Space, style and quality at a lower price than its relations the Galaxy and Sharan.

WHAT’S NOT: Diesels models quite expensive to run, diesels command a premium.

RECOMMENDED BUY: Alhambra 1.9 TDi PD (128bhp).

STAR RATING (out of five): * * * *

MODEL: Citroen C8.

DRIVING: Handles more like a large saloon than a people carrier.

PERFORMANCE: All perform well and 2.2 HDi is a cracker.

ECONOMY: 29mpg is maximum from petrol units, mid-30s from diesels.

SAFETY: Front and side airbags, anti-lock brakes, alarm and immobiliser.

WHAT’S HOT: Space, versatile interior, popularity, value for money.

WHAT’S NOT: Plasticky feels to some of the equipment.

RECOMMENDED BUY: C8 2.2 HDi.

STAR RATING (out of five): * * * * *

More Seat Alhambra Information

More Seat Alhambra Information

IT’S NOT too long since full-blown people carriers were out of reach for many used car buyers.

But the explosion of models to hit the market over the past half dozen years has seen not only a wide choice open up, but also prices in the sub-£5,000 bracket.

Among them is one of the best value MPVs around, the SEAT Alhambra.

While its stablemates the Ford Galaxy and Volkswagen Sharan – all are built at a purpose built factory in Portugal – appealed to people with differing priorities, the more ritzy image of the SEAT endeared it to a younger audience.

Plenty of storage compartments, a user-friendly dash, manoeuvrable SEATs and high quality fittings are features of the Alhambra, which boasts quite a taut ride and handling set-up.

The 1.8 and two-litre petrol engines can be thirsty so opt for the 1.9 turbodiesel if possible. This one is powerful, lively and there’s virtually no rattle. Add a superb ride, high quality materials and precise power steering with the minimum of body roll and you have an impressive package. The build is solid too.

For those unfamiliar with the Alhambra, its SEATing is versatile. Following the popular configuration of 2-3-2, the second and third rows fold and tumble for easy rear access. You can fold the rear ones flat to use as tables and the front passenger SEAT swivels. The five rear ones are also removable.

But if all the SEATs are being used there’s not much room for anything else – though that’s hardly a problem confined to this people carrier.

Expect to pay around £5,000 for a 1996 Alhambra 1.9 TDi on an N or P plate or £6,300 for an R-registered 1998 1.8T model in good condition.

For those prepared to splash out a bit more, the range was revamped during 2000 to offer slicker trim and a more distinctive SEAT face. It saw the line-up stretch from a two-litre 115bhp petrol model in S trim grade up to the flagship 2.8-litre V6 Sport.

And not only do these later models ride better, but they heralded a smooth shifting six-speed gearbox, side airbags and Isofix child-SEAT mountings. Spec includes air-con, electric front windows, front and side airbags, child locks, alarm, immobiliser, and 10-speaker sound system.

Prices are in the region of £9,500 for a 1.8T in S trim and on a 2000 W plate, £11,750 for the excellent 1.9 TDi PD in upgraded SE spec and also on a W-plate or £10,500 for for an 01/51 Alhambra 2.0 S model.

FORECOURT FACTS

Model: SEAT Alhambra

Driving: Most engines feel lively for the size of car and the ride quality is excellent

Performance: 1.8 T will do 0-62 in 11 secs, TDi takes closer to 14 with a top speed of 112mph

Economy: Petrol units are quite thirsty, but fuel consumption is good – around 40mpg – from the diesels

Safety: Solid build, twin airbags, passenger and side airbags from 2000

Recommended buy: Alhambra 1.9 TDi 90 or TDi PD.

Alternatives: Ford Galaxy, Hyundai Trajet, Kia Sedona, Volkswagen Sharan

QUANTUM mechanics and Sir Issac Newton are not subjects that occupy a lot of my time but without one of the geniuses of science there would be no Ford Galaxy, no Renault Espace and probably no you and me.

In 1957 at Princeton University, Hugh Everett III proposed a radical new way of dealing with some of the more perplexing aspects of atomic theory.

The scientific establishment listened intently. Then laughed.

Understandably Everett, having done quite a few hard sums, threw his slide rule out of the pram. He went to advise the Pentagon where he pointed out that pre-emptively bombing Russia would leave the Earth spinning through spacetime looking very much like the remains of a Texas barbecue.

Clearly, without Hugh Everett there would have been no hippies, no summer of love, no flower power and the dead really would have been grateful.

Most importantly though, no VW camper van.

Bringing things, via Haight Ashbury, free love and Janice Joplin, to the SEAT Alhambra.

Also fathered by VW the current Alhambra has been around almost as long as Country Joe McDonald. So where’s the story?

Well, look at it like this. When a new MPV is launched today, it is likely to boast a small multiplex cinema, refrigerator and wardrobes.

All this ignores the possibility that out there is someone who simply wants a car with seven SEATs without having to bring down a French investment bank to pay for it.

And there’s the point. Which ever way you look at it the Alhambra is cheap.

The even better news is that of all its siblings the Alhambra comes best equipped. By a light year.

In fact, I might be better telling you that the only extras that are at all desirable are sat nav and leather upholstery. Everything else, from heated SEATs to multiple air bags comes within the £21,412 price tag

Even the rear glass is dark tinted so your passengers can pretend to be P Diddy. Or even K Doddy.

Pick of the three-model range is the two-litre diesel Stylance added two years ago, which comes with a six-speed gearbox and leisurely 0-60mph time of 12.2 seconds.

Out on the streets the Alhambra is as sensible, and unfashionable, as a Pak-a mac.

All adding up to a package that suits someone ruled by head rather than by heart. Exceptional fecundity apart, I would suggest this as ideal corporate shuttle. At 42mpg even Nigel from accounts is likely to approve.

So, the Alhambra may pre-date the big bang and is lacking the mezzanine level space and mini-bars of later models but it costs little and comes with a constellation of equipment.

Oh, and just to put Issac Newton’s contribution to quantum theory into perspective, he was apparently wrong. But then he was working with the most basic of tools. A tree.