SEAT Alhambra (00-10) - Review

While many people carriers can say they have seven seats, few can actually carry seven adults in decent comfort. But the Alhambra bucks this trend and even six-footers will find the third row of seats reasonable for both head and legroom, so moderately lengthy journeys with seven on board aren't out of the question. The individual chairs are comfortable with good padding while the large side windows means it feels light and airy inside. Optional revolving front seats are available which are useful if you're out on day trips and need a makeshift picnic area - the backs house fold-our aircraft-style tables too. The ride is pretty good too, although over rough or potholed roads, it can fidget somewhat.

The five seats in the back of the Alhambra are all individual, giving plenty of flexibility. For example, each of the middle row seats can slide to vary legroom, while all the seats can be folded forwards or back. However, unlike many newer people carriers, they don't disappear into the floor (something the 2006 Galaxy manages) - so although folding them down increases boot space, for true load lugging you need to remove them - not an easy or quick task. But once done, it does increase boot space to a van-like 2,610 litres. With all seven-seats in use, the boot are isn't huge, but you can still fit in a couple of upright smaller suitcases. The SX model has just six seats, with the seventh replaced by an electric cool/warm box that can also be removed if necessary. Other storage areas include an air-conditioned glovebox, a bottle holder in the third-row seat side storage panel and a lidded cubby on the top of the dashboard.

Soft-touch plastics, blue backlit dials and attractive seat fabrics help contribute to a pleasing driving environment. It's not especially modern or stylish, but does feel well built and robust. The climate control and stereo are both simple to use plus there's lots of seat adjustment. Plenty of movement in the steering wheel (for reach and height) mean that finding a car-like driving position is straightforward.