SEAT has rolled out the new Alhambra MPV, which is quite clearly based on the new VW Sharan.

The Alhambra has plenty of changes to make it recognizable as a SEAT, but the general design is still that of the Sharan.

Technical changes are minimal, with engine power ranging from 140 hp to 200 hp compared to the Sharan’s range of 138 hp to 197. The Alhambra’s press release has more details on the engine range, but since the Sharan’s didn’t have any, I can’t say whether or not any of the engines aren’t shared, apart from a 2.0L TDI. The Alhambra gets two TSI engines, one with 150 hp and one with 200, as well as two TDIs. There’s a 170 hp unit, and the aforementioned 2.0L TDI with 140 hp, which consumes 5.5L/100km (42.8 mpg) compared to the Sharan’s 5.3L (44.4 mpg), possibly due to aerodynamics. As with the Sharan, a DSG dual-clutch transmission is available as an optional extra.

More details can be found in the press release after the gallery.

Press Release

Martorell, 19-04-2010

The new Alhambra – highly functional and efficient perfect for the active family

•    All-new model range with the latest technology
•    Intelligent versatility with up to seven seats and sliding doors
•    Surprisingly dynamic with outstanding efficiency
•    TDI and TSI power units with the lowest CO2 emissions in the segment
•    Innovative hi-tech equipment, exceptional quality standards

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. 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.

“Innovation and intelligence are the keywords for our new Alhambra. It represents a major step forward in terms of usability as well as dynamics and safety,” says James Muir, President of SEAT, S.A. “Its impressive concept combines the highest levels of functionality and state-of-the-art technology with excellent quality and workmanship. This also includes – in typical SEAT fashion – exceptional good value-for-money.”

The Format
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. 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.

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

The Design
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.

The 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. 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.

The 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. 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. 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.

SEAT is the youthful and sporty car maker from Spain. SEAT offers unique, innovative design competence, state-of-the-art technologies and an outstanding level of precision and product quality.Cars from SEAT are just as athletic as they are efficient, with driving fun being one of its key values. Its futuristic design language makes every SEAT unmistakable and immediately desirable. At the same time, the SEAT models are characterised by a high level of functionality and exceptionally good value-for-money, which makes innovative SEAT technology extremely attainable.

Home for SEAT is the town of Martorell near Barcelona. This is where the cars are designed, developed and, to a large degree, produced. The current line-up includes the Ibiza, Leon, Altea, Exeo and Alhambra. SEAT is part of the Volkswagen Group.

Source: SEAT