Car Test
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R0234 | |
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May 2002 |
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| Seat Alhambra | ||
| Printer Friendly Page | Featured model: 1.9TDI SE | |
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The seven-seater Alhambra has been that most self-effacing member of the Ford/VW/Seat trio, even though it’s shared virtually all its partners' attributes. However, its revamp in 2000 included revisions both inside and out, the provision of a six-speed gearbox on all models and lowered suspension, to emphasize Seat’s more extrovert sporting pretensions nowadays.
We eschewed the blandishments of the 2.8 V6 power unit, opting instead for more popular and practical turbo-diesel power, courtesy of VW’s 1.9/115bhp PD engine. It’s a familiar motor, of course, but how well it performs in the Alhambra, in association with the sweetly-shifting six-speed ‘box. No vibes to complain of, just bags of eager pulling power from 1800rpm, plus a willingness to rev to the red line that results in lively overall performance. On the other hand, the long-striding top gear gives wonderfully relaxed motorway cruising- not to mention heart-warming fuel economy. There’s a car-like feel to the Alhambra SE in terms of steering accuracy and its willingness to be hustled into bends with controlled roll. The downside is that it’s achieved at the expense of ride comfort (the sportier suspension is lowered by 2.5cm), most noticeably on pock-marked tarmac. Fortunately, main road motoring is a good deal smoother. The quality and finish throughout the cabin are impressive and reflect VW’s guiding hand. A tilt-and-telescope wheel and a height-adjustable, hip-hugging sports seat (with variable lumbar thrust) give the driver a commanding view that makes the big Seat easier to manage than it might appear. Climate-control buttons apart, the controls are convenient and the electrically heated windscreen is a boon on misty mornings. Our only grouse is about the thick screen pillars and adjacent unwiped glass. We’re not crazy about the SE’s gloomy, dark-tinted rear privacy glass, either. You can do all sorts of tricks with the seats. The front ones swivel to face rearwards and the others recline, remove (they’re heavy and tiresome to relocate, though) or slide to and fro to share out legroom. Passengers in the rearmost pair of seats may be shortchanged on headroom, but otherwise they aren’t hard done by; heating, lighting and hi-fi speakers are all laid on for them. The extremes of the Alhambra’s versatility result in either a comfortable seven-seater with no luggage room or a two-seater with a shedload of cargo space beyond the high-lifting tailgate. Best regard it as a five-seater with luggage space for all. |
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