Seat Alhambra Ecomotive: driven

Seats Alhambra was launched way back in 1996, when Take That split up and the Spice Girls took their place. Yet 13 years on, the Alhambras still going strong.

By way of a celebration, Seat has given it the Ecomotive treatment that means various aerodynamic, suspension, engine and gearbox tweaks to bring CO2 down to a very reasonable 159g/km, and average economy up to an equally pleasing 47.1mpg.

As seven-seat MPVs go, the Alhambras a bit old hat. Sure, theres decent room for seven people (unlike many more modern compact MPVs) the qualitys good and theres a decent amount of kit on board, but the Seats seats dont do anything especially clever. You can fold them up and take them out, but theyre awkward and heavy.

The Alhambra doesnt feel 13 years old on the road, but the ride is a little bit lumpy and the old-school diesel engine is a bit gravel-voiced.

That said, its good value (and over £2000 cheaper than a very similar VW Sharan Bluemotion), youre getting lots of space and your fuel (and company car tax) bills should be low. SF

Our verdict

Seat Alhambra EcomotiveEngine size 1.9-litre diesel Price £18,940
Powe 138bhp
0-60mph 11.9secs
Top speed 121mph
Economy 47.1mpg
CO2 g/km/tax 159/22%
Insurance group 12
Airbags 6
Doors 5
Seats 7
Colours 7
Likely discount We'd look for at least 10% off
Or try a Citroën C4 Grand Picasso 1.6HDi, VW Sharan Bluemotion