The multi award-winning SEAT Alhambra is starting the New Year as it ended 2011, by scooping another prestigious trophy.
The highly acclaimed seven-seater has once again claimed the MPV title at the influential What Car? Awards.
The sought-after SEAT retained the coveted honour at last night’s ceremony with the judges highlighting its practicality, economy and refined driving experience.
The annual What Car? Awards, established more than 30 years ago and acknowledged as being among the UK’s most influential motoring honours, were once again staged at London’s landmark nor House hotel.
Commenting on the SEAT’s second consecutive crown What Car? editor-in-chief, Chas Hallett, said: ‘The Alhambra does what an MPV should: move up to seven adults in comfort. But it adds strong refinement, a keen price and low running costs, with up to 50 mpg.
‘It’s a very strong proposition for large families – a worthy MPV category winner, for the second year in a row.’
The largest member of the growing SEAT range went on sale here in late 2010 and, since then, has secured near-universal acclaim from the nation’s motoring press.
At last year’s ceremony the Alhambra claimed the first of half a dozen national awards in 2011 with key titles such as Auto Express, Diesel Car and Fleet World all agreeing that the seven-seater is, indeed, the best MPV on offer in Britain today.
Available in S, SE or top spec’ SE Lux trim and priced from just £23,525 RRP, the award-winning Alhambra is offered with a choice of modern turbocharged petrol or diesel powerplants. All engines, with the exception of the entry-level 115 PS 2.0 TDI CR, can be paired with either a crisp six-speed manual or smooth six-speed DSG auto that offers the extra flexibility of sequential manual operation via the standard steering wheel-mounted paddle shifts.
As befits a class leader, all Alhambras boast a high level of standard equipment. Among the highlights available across the range are sliding rear doors (optionally available with electric operation); fuel-saving Stop/Start and Brake Energy Recovery systems; integrated Bluetooth hands-free phone connection; three-zone climate control and front and rear parking sensors.
Move up to SE and you can look forward to such luxuries as auto lights and wipers, auto-dimming rear view mirror; 17-inch alloys; High Beam Assist and cruise control among a raft of added equipment.
SE Lux buyers, meanwhile, enjoy a fittingly luxurious Alhambra experience. Black leather upholstery; power operated rear side doors and tailgate; panoramic glass sunroof; rear view camera and satellite navigation are among the extensive list of standard-fit equipment.
SEAT UK Managing Director Peter Wyhinny was at the Grosvenor to celebrate the Alhambra’s second successive success. He said: ‘2011 was a fantastic year for the Alhambra, and it all started with a What Car? award.
‘Since then, sales have soared and we have an exceptionally healthy order bank as we start 2012. I’m sure this second consecutive What Car? win will convince even more people of the virtues of our excellent MPV.’
