• Summary

    4 out of 5 4.0

    What does this car say about you?

    It says I’m practical and a man who puts his family first. I’m not a badge snob, although there are cars I wouldn’t want to be seen driving, I’m happy to be seen in a SEAT.

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

    My family really like it because there’s lots of space and it’s very flexible with the moveable seats. The kids love the fact that they sit quite high up. I’ve not had anyone comment on it in terms of image, but friends appreciate its practicality too.

    Would you buy this car again and why?

    Definitely, it does all I need of it. The only thing I’d change is to get one with the optional integrated child seats. I had them on a VW Sharan before and they made life much easier.

    What are you likely to buy next?

    Probably the Ford S-Max or Galaxy. I like the idea of seats that fold into the floor without having to be removed.

  • Buying experience

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Type of dealer you bought from?

    Franchise

    Did you buy this car new?

    No

    What price did you pay?

    £17,000

    When did you buy the car?

    January 2006

    Did you get a good deal and why?

    I was happy. I'd have paid a lot more if I had bought the VW Sharan which is the same car with an expensive badge.

    Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

    I wanted a practical family car.

    What was the dealer like?

    He was friendly enough. I got a bit off the asking price, but he knew the SEAT was good value, so didn't budge much.

  • Driving it

    4 out of 5 4.0

    What's it like to drive?

    It’s very car-like to drive and quite responsive. Also despite being pretty tall, it doesn’t seem to lean much when going around roundabouts. I like the driving position and it was still comfortable after I’d driven it 300 miles up to Scotland. It’s econo

    What's it like to park?

    It didn’t have any parking sensors, but is easy to see out of and the steering is light enough. It doesn’t feel that big when you’re driving. I’ve driven the Renault Espace, which felt very big but with the Alhambra you don’t need to worry about how much

  • Living with it

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Have you had any problems with the car?

    Nothing

    What's most practical about your car?

    It’s a really flexible family car. I can carry everyone about or use it as a van when I need to. I would prefer seats that fold into the floor, but at least these are much lighter than on the Renault Espace I have used.

    Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

    It has a 12 volt socket in the boot which is good for powering all sorts of things and you can sit on the rear bumper with the boot open and it keeps the rain off.