SEAT Alhambra (2010 - 2020) 2.0 TDI CR Ecomotive S (115bhp) 5d (2011/11) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

A very sensible and highly intelligent fellow. The 140bhp engine is even sweeter with a Tuneit attached giving you close to 170bhp. Fuel consumption is about 10% optimistic. Since new, the average MPG (as measured by me not the car) over 41 refuellings is 34.5mpg.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

They don't have 4 children and 2 big dogs so they don't understand.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Maybe. Whilst the tyres are absolutely puncture proof, the sidewalls are vulnerable. I've had 2 broken sidewalls - due to clipping a kerb at low speeds - but with not even a biscuit spare wheel you are at the mercy of the AA/RAC/Whoever. Be prepared to part with £220 upwards per. It is NOT a sports car. The sidewalls of the tyre are brittle by virtue of being reinforced to carry the extra weight of the car and also being low profile. If I could buy the next one with normal 60+ profiles I would improve the ride and the flexibility of the sidewalls. I'd also save money when they need replacing.

What are you likely to buy next?

If my needs are the still the same, very probably the same again. I like this car.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

Yes

What price did you pay?

£28,000

When did you buy the car?

December 2010

Did you get a good deal and why?

No, not a very good deal on account of the old style Alhambra I traded in. Being an old style, the value fell through the floor.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

It was the best fit for my purposes.

What was the dealer like?

I have a good relationship with the salesman and the service manager.

What's it like to drive?

Way better than its non-common rail predecessor, the power black hole on changing up to 2nd gear has gone (thank God). The gearbox is better but can be a tadge notchy. The ratio gap between 5th and 6th is perfect... unlike the last model which was so close as to make no difference and made me wish for a 7th gear.

What's it like to park?

It's a big vehicle and parking sensors help. As with most modern cars, the turning circle is pretty abysmal which makes parking forwards into a single space between 2 other cars in one motion nigh on impossible. If the rear headrests are down there is pretty good visibility (considering its a bus), but the middle NS seat headrest can be a curse if it's up.

Have you had any problems with the car?

The heated wing mirrors packed up this winter. The OS sliding door froze shut last winter. It's better now, but has frozen once so far.

What's most practical about your car?

The rear seats, especially #'s 6 and 7, are decent seats and are way better than anything not out of the VW/SEAT stable. The rear seats all fold down flat to provide excellent loading space. The engine... pulls very well indeed.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Heated windscreen. Heated seats. USB media input. Folding towbar. Parking sensors front and rear.