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Produced in Portugal, with market launch this summer
All-new Alhambra: Sporty feel with family in mind

Seat new Alhambra: side view with door closed.

New Alhambra: clear SEAT DNA.

April 2010 – Seat, Martorell, Spain:

The new SEAT Alhambra is the perfect companion for an active and sporty lifestyle.

The Spanish brand‘s all-new Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) offers far more than plenty of space for family, business and hobbies.

Its innovative versatility fits just as well to family requirements as it does to the demands of the high-mileage business driver. Just like every SEAT, sporting character and driving fun stand side by side with a high degree of usability.

Seat new Alhambra: side view with sliding doors opened.

Large sliding doors for easy entry.

Thanks to its surprisingly dynamic handling, powerful drivelines ranging from 140 to 200 hp and the latest hi-tech equipment, every kilometre driven in the Alhambra is a joy – especially as they don’t come at the expense of outstanding efficiency.

With average fuel consumption of only 5.5 litres, the Alhambra sets a benchmark in its segment.

 Dimensions

The Alhambra is the perfect size for a European MPV – its increased dimensions deliver an outstanding level of interior space. Thanks to its great visibility and nimble handling, however, it is incredibly manoeuvrable in city traffic.

Seat new Alhambra: rear view.

Distinctive wheel arches give a sporting appeal.

To put it into figures – with a length of 4.85metres, the new Alhambra is 22 centimetres longer than its predecessor, while it is wider by nine centimetres.

There is even plenty of room for adults to sit comfortably in the third row, while the large sliding doors (with optional electric operation) enable easy entry.

Luggage space is more than generous – with seating for five, the base volume is 885 litres, which grows to a maximum of 2,297 litres if only the front two seats are in use.

 Seating concept

Central to development was the intelligent and extremely versatile seating concept - the new Alhambra comes with seating for five, six or seven. 

Seat new Alhambra seats five, six or seven.

Alhambra's seating comes for five, six or seven passengers.

If more storage room is called for, the second and third-row seats must no longer be removed; instead, they can be sunk easily 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.

The seating position of both the driver and front seat passenger combines the best visibility with an exceptionally sporty feel and perfect ergonomics.

 Design

New Seat Alhambra: Luggage base volume is 885 litres.

New Seat Alhambra: Luggage area grows to a maximum of 2,297 litres if only the front two seats are in use.

Luggage space: from 885 to 2,297 litres.

The new Alhambra clearly conveys its dynamic character through its design.

The broad, taut proportions, the clear lines and the distinctive wheel arches give it a powerful presence and a level of sporting appeal that is unusual in the MPV sector.

With its arrow-shaped bonnet, hallmark grille and highly distinctive front skirt continuing the Arrow Design, the new Alhambra clearly displays its SEAT DNA.

The sleek side profile shows great technical precision, with the sliding doors perfectly integrated.

The muscular spoiler on the rear edge of the roof, the low-reaching rear hatch and the expansive light clusters dominate the rear end.

 Engines

Beneath its attractive skin, the Alhambra is new in every detail and equipped with state-of-the-art technology. 

This starts with the engine line-up, where all TSI and TDI power units are equipped with direct fuel injection and turbocharging.

The TSI units deliver 110 kW/150 hp and 147 kW/200 hp, while the two TDI engines offer 103 kW/140 hp and 125 kW/170 hp.

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Further efficiency technologies fitted as standard include the stop/start system and brake energy regeneration – the recovery of kinetic energy. These guarantee refined pulling power alongside exceptional efficiency.

With an average fuel consumption of only 5.5 litres and CO2 emissions of just 143 g/km, the SEAT Alhambra 2.0 TDI with 103 kW/140 hp sets a clear benchmark in this vehicle class. The Alhambra TDI is also equipped with an SCR catalytic converter (Selective Catalytic Reduction), making even the diesel model one of the world’s cleanest MPVs.

 Technologies

Just like the TSI and TDI engines, the optional DSG dual-clutch transmission delivers the perfect combination of sporting character, comfort and efficiency.

But the range of state-of-the-art and innovative technologies offered as optional equipment on the new Alhambra is considerably broader.

New Seat Alhambra: interior view.

Standard safety equipment includes seven airbags.

It includes bi-xenon headlamps with adaptive control and full beam assistant. A sensor detects oncoming vehicles and automatically dips the beam.

Also new, is the park/steer assistant, which autonomously manoeuvres the Alhambra into tight parking spaces - even perpendicular to the direction of travel. The rear view camera delivers an image of the world behind the vehicle.

The panorama sliding roof has an opening that is 300 percent larger than a conventional sunroof, while three-zone Climatronic ensures optimum temperature in all seating areas. Electric motors simplify the operation of the sliding doors and rear hatch.

Production standard safety equipment is already well above the industry average. It encompasses seven airbags, including a driver-side knee airbag, and electric child locks on the rear doors. 

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Also standard are ABS and ESP, including electronic braking assistant, trailer stabilisation and tyre pressure monitoring display. The Alhambra is offered in Reference and Style versions, where even the base equipment levels are extensive.

The SEAT Alhambra will be produced in Palmela, Portugal, with market launch scheduled late this summer.

autopressnews.com online car magazine
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