Oh look, it's a rare breed.
Indeed it is. With the death of the likes of the Renault Espace and Chrysler Voyager, the SEAT Alhambra is one of the very few big seven-seat people carriers left on the market.
So for 2015, SEAT is giving its big 'un a bit of a major update. You'll spot the new lights (with LED signature strips) and new grille straight off, but there are also some serious mechanical updates too.
What's under the bonnet now?
The Alhambra now gets the 150hp 2.0-litre TDI diesel, replacing the old 140hp unit. SEAT says it returns 57mpg and 130g/km of CO2. There's also a 190hp version of the same engine, plus an updated 150hp 1.4 TSI petrol for those who still shun the diesel pump. SEAT claims that across the range the Alhambra's engines are now 15 per cent more efficient.
Handy, any new tech inside?
The new Alhambra also comes with a new generation of SEAT Easy Connect infotainment systems. These include high-resolution touchscreen displays and the very latest processors for much faster booting and rapid route calculation, offering a completely new level of connectivity too.
The multi-collision brake system is also standard equipment in the New Alhambra. In the event that the driver can no longer intervene following an accident, it initiates automatic braking to avoid a secondary collision. New to the line-up is the Blind-Spot Sensor, which warns of unseen vehicles when changing lane. Also new in the Alhambra is DCC (Dynamic Chassis Control). The system regulates the damper valves to adapt the vehicle characteristics to the driving situation - whether it's supreme comfort or a sportier drive. The new massage seats also, it is claimed, deliver an exceptionally high level of long-distance comfort.
Sounds good, got any of those official quotes to stick on the bottom?
"Alhambra has seen a year of record sales in 2014. Innovation, driving fun, utility and safety are the keywords for the new-generation Alhambra, making it the perfect partner for an active lifestyle," says Jürgen Stackmann, Chairman of the Executive Committee SEAT, S.A. "Its compelling concept combines the very best functionality and state-of-the-art technology with an excellent standard of quality and workmanship. Plus, in true SEAT fashion, it offers incredible value for money."
Neil Briscoe - 15 Apr 2015
