THE next generation SEAT Alhambra will be larger, more spacious, look sharper and feature a new engine range when it goes on sale later this year.
SEAT has just unveiled the first official images of the full blown people carrier which its Volkswagen-owned maker says will set a benchmark among large MPVs with a combined fuel consumption figure of more than 51 miles per gallon.
The new Alhambra is 22 centimetres longer than its predecessor and appreciably wider too, while the large sliding doors - with optional electric operation - allow easy entry.
When configured as a five-seater the new SEAT has 885 litres of load space available, which grows to a vast 2,297 litres if only the front two seats are in use.
Central to the new car’s development has been a versatile seating concept, with seating for five, six or seven.
Unlike the previous generation model if more storage room is required, the second and third row seats need no longer be removed, but can be sunk into the vehicle floor using the Easy-Fold system.
The middle row seats can also be arranged longitudinally, with integrated child seats available as an option.
In what’s a new engine line-up, the TSI petrol unit delivers 150PS while the two TDI turbodiesels offer 140 and 170PS. Further efficiency measures fitted as standard include a Start-Stop system and brake energy recovery technology.
Th ekey model will be the 140PS Alhambra 2.0 TDI with its average fuel consumption of more than 51 mpg and CO2 emissions of 143g/km. The TDI is also equipped with an SCR catalytic converter - Selective Catalytic Reduction - making the diesel model one of the world’s cleanest MPVs.
An optional DSG dual-clutch transmission will be available along with innovative technologies like bi-xenon headlamps with adaptive control and new full beam assistant whereby a sensor detects oncoming vehicles and automatically dips the beam.
Also new is the park/steer assistant, which can shoehorn the Alhambra into tight parking spaces. A rear view camera delivers an image of the world behind the vehicle while the optional panorama sliding roof has an opening that is 300 per cent larger than a conventional sunroof.
Standard safety equipment includes seven airbags, including a driver-side knee airbag, and electric child locks on the rear doors. Also standard are ABS and ESP, including electronic braking assistant, trailer stabilisation and tyre pressure monitoring display.
More details of the UK range, including specification and pricing details, will be available closer to the car’s launch.