SEAT Alhambra
About SEAT 2
Introduction 3
At-a-glance 5
Exterior design 6
Interior 8
Model line-up and equipment 10
Engines & transmissions 14
Chassis 16
Suspension
Wheels and brakes
Safety and security 18
Safety features
Insurance groups
Ownership
Insurance groups/BIK/VED
Servicing: It’s Fixed! Warranty
Technology
State-of-the-art features 20
Body 22
Innovation, safety and style
Cockpit 24
Elegant and functional
Ownership 26
Warranties
Servicing
BIK/insurance groups/VED
About SEAT
SEAT is the only company that designs, develops, manufactures and markets cars in Spain. A member of the Volkswagen Group, the multinational has its headquarters in Martorell (Barcelona), exporting 81% of its vehicles, and is present in over 80 countries through a network of 1,700 dealerships. In 2016, SEAT obtained an operating profit of 143 million euros, the highest in the history of the brand, and achieved worldwide sales of nearly 410,000 vehicles.
SEAT Group employs more than 14,500 professionals at its three production centres – Barcelona, El Prat de Llobregat and Martorell, where it manufactures the highly successful Ibiza and Leon. Additionally, the company produces the Ateca and the Toledo in the Czech Republic, the Alhambra in Portugal and the Mii in Slovakia.
The multinational has a Technical Centre, which operates as a knowledge hub that brings together 1,000 engineers who are focussed on developing innovation for Spain’s largest industrial investor in R&D. SEAT already features the latest connectivity technology in its vehicle range and is currently engaged in the company’s global digitalisation process to promote the mobility of the future.
SEAT was founded on 9 May 1950 with production of its first vehicle, the 1400, beginning in 1953. The 600 model, launched in 1957, is the car credited with putting Spain on wheels. So successful was it that sales hit one million by 1968. Volkswagen bought 51% of the company’s shares in 1986, taking a 99.9% share in 1990.
INTRODUCTION
The modern MPV for an active life
· Progressive bodyshell concept with sliding doors and seven seats
· TDI and TSI engines boast dynamic character and outstanding efficiency
The latest Alhambra fits into the SEAT line-up as the ideal choice for active and sporty families. This full size, seven-seat MPV offers plenty of space for leisure, business and hobbies, fulfilling the expectations of family life, as well as the demands of high-mileage business drivers.
Slotting into the Barcelona-based brand’s range above the recent Ateca SUV, Alhambra combines flexible functionality with sporting character in true SEAT fashion. Its sophisticated running gear and extensive hi-tech equipment come together with a choice of three engines that combine powerful performance with exceptional efficiency.
The most frugal version, the 2.0 TDI with 150 PS and manual transmission, wrings an exceptional 56.5 miles out of a single gallon of fuel on the official combined cycle, while emitting just 130 g/km of CO2 to put itself among the class leaders in the segment. As a result, this Alhambra bears the SEAT logo for extremely low-emission models – Ecomotive. Of course all the other Alhambra variants also boast impressive fuel economy, and all are equipped with the Auto Stop/Start and Brake Energy Recovery systems as part of the SEAT efficiency package.
In fact, overall, the latest Alhambra, which debuted in 2015, is up to 15% more efficient than its predecessor.
The Alhambra has the perfect format for a versatile MPV. At 4.85 metres, it is 22 centimetres longer than its predecessor. It has also gained an additional nine centimetres in width, taking it to 1.90 metres. These dimensions deliver an exceptionally generous amount of room, with ample space in the third row for adults.
The long, sliding rear doors – which are also available with electric operation in SE Lux - offer easy access to all rear seats. The luggage compartment is also more than generous measuring 2,297 litres, almost 2.3 cubic metres, when the second and third rows of seats are folded.
One focus of SEAT’s development work on this car was on the intelligent and highly flexible seating concept. With the new EasyFold system the second- and third-row seats can be retracted into the vehicle floor in just one movement. Integrated child seats are available as an option. The driver’s seating position combines great visibility with excellent ergonomics.
Even at a glance, the crisp design makes the engaging dynamics of the SEAT Alhambra clearly evident. Broad, taut proportions, clear lines and distinctive wheel arches create a vehicle with a powerful presence. With the arrow-shaped bonnet, the characteristic SEAT grille and the commanding front skirt also sporting the arrow design, this large MPV sends a clear signal that it is part of the brand’s family. A subtle roof spoiler, the downward sweep of the hatch and large light clusters dominate the rear of the vehicle. An electrically actuated rear hatch is available as an option.
SEAT offers a wide range of innovative technologies on the Alhambra – some as optional extras. They include the optional bi-xenon headlamps with cornering function. Also new is Park Assist that steers the Alhambra into even relatively tight spaces – both parallel and perpendicular to the road. The driver’s active participation during these manoeuvres is still, of course, required. A three-zone climatronic system – standard across the range – guarantees comfortable cabin temperatures regardless of seating position while High Beam Assist automatically regulates the use of full beam. Further, an extensive safety package incorporates seven airbags, including a driver-side knee airbag, child locks on the rear doors and ESC stability system complete with trailer stabilisation function and tyre pressure monitoring.
The Alhambra is available in the UK in five trim levels: S; SE, CONNECT, SE Lux and FR-Line. CONNECT and FR-Line arrived in the line-up from 2016, adding further technology and sport touches.
The car is manufactured at the company’s plant in Palmela, Portugal, and, as ever, value remains a key component of this SEAT, so not only is the new Alhambra extremely cost effective to maintain, its purchase price is also highly competitive.
At-a-glance
· SEAT Alhambra is one of the most desirable, practical and attractive full-size MPVs on the market
· Improvements for Alhambra from autumn 2015 see new look with LED rear lights, modified front grille, glossy B-pillar and new wheel designs
· Bulk of changes appear inside with new upholsteries, steering wheels, instrument binnacle and interior mouldings
· Raft of changes for 2015 onwards includes:
/ Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) with choice of three modes: Normal, Comfort and Sport
/ Full Link, SEAT’s innovative three-in-one seamless smartphone connectivity system (offering Mirror Link, Android Auto and Apple Car Play)
/ Touchscreen infotainment system as standard. Two available: Media System Plus and
Navigation System
/ Multi-Collision Braking System and Tiredness Recognition System as standard
/ Three new paint colours: Romance Red, Urano Grey and Moonstone Silver
· Engines are now state-of-the-art 2.0 TDI with 150 PS or 184 PS (10 PS and 7 PS greater than previously), plus a potent 1.4 TSI petrol with 150 PS. Every one is EU6 compliant, while the diesels feature DPF technology and consume up to 15% less fuel than the previous version, with up to 56.5 mpg achievable on the official combined cycle. Emissions as low as 130g/km (S 2.0 TDI 150 Ecomotive)
· Transmission options include six-speed manual or six-speed DSG with sequential manual function, Sport mode and steering wheel-mounted shift paddles
· Range line-up of five trim levels: S, SE, CONNECT, SE Lux and FR-Line
· Elegant exterior styling includes SEAT trademark Arrow Design nose
· Practical sliding rear doors, with optional electric actuation
· Dimensions: length 4.85m, height 1.72m, width 1.9m, internal load length 1.3m (third row seats folded), up to 2.1m (both rear seats folded). Boot space 267-2,297 litres
· Extensive roster of standard equipment on all models includes: 16-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth, three zone climate control, alloy wheels, one-touch electric windows all round; twin halogen headlamps with electric range adjustment, height and reach adjustable multi-function steering wheel; SEAT System AM/FM radio/CD player with eight speakers; AUX-in connection; ABS; ESC + EBA; seven airbags with front seat passenger airbag deactivation; remote central locking with deadlocks; alarm and electronic engine immobiliser
· Myriad of options (depending on model) include; rear side airbags; Bi-xenon headlights with AFS; programmable interior heating and leather seats with heating and 12-way electrical adjustment for driver and front seat passenger. New from 2015 are Keyless Go & Enter, multi-function camera with blind spot monitoring including Lane Assist and Road Sign Recognition, Navigation System with Rear View Camera and Driver’s seat with massage function, integrated child seats
· Expected best-selling versions in UK SE 2.0 TDI 150 and SE Lux 2.0 TDI 150
· Chief rivals include Ford Galaxy and S-Max, Peugeot 5008 and Vauxhall Zafira
· Current generation launched in UK November 2010
· Unveiled at Barcelona Motor Show in May 2015, New Alhambra launched in UK showrooms 18 September 2015
EXTERIOR DESIGN
Dynamic and powerful
· Arrow Design at the front clearly indicates SEAT style and character
· Sporty looks stem from high waist line and well-balanced silhouette
· Trademark styling includes Ibiza-style side mirrors on the door panels
The Alhambra has the perfect MPV format. At 4.85 metres, it is appreciably longer than its predecessor – by a full 22 centimetres, in fact. Its width is up by nine centimetres to 1.90 metres, making it a best in this vehicle segment. Height, on the other hand, has been slightly reduced – by one centimetre – to 1.72 metres. The new proportions create a line that is powerful, sporty and dynamic.
SEAT’s former Head of Design Luc Donckerwolke and his team faced the challenge of taking the MPV concept, with its voluminous space, and cladding it in an emotional, engaging design. A glance at the new Alhambra shows that the team fulfilled its task flawlessly. This is clearly a true SEAT, with sporty and powerful lines. Calm, refined surfaces shape its modern and youthful appearance. The tight and precisely parallel shut lines convey its technical precision while fine, almost imperceptible, creases beneath the edges add emphasis to the exterior lines. The proportions harmonize perfectly – bringing enormous tension to the design with a minimum of lines.
For 2016, the latest model boasts new LED rear lights, modified front grille, glossy B-pillar and a suite of new alloy wheel designs.
Arrow Design
The characteristic motif at the front of the Alhambra is the ‘Arrow Design’ – a theme typical of the expressive SEAT design language. The trapezoidal radiator grille is framed with subtle chrome trim and bears a large SEAT logo. Its finely contoured black bars emphasise the vertical. Together with the distinctive, V-shaped contours of the bonnet and the low headlamps, the grille forms SEAT’s trademark ‘arrow’.
The powerful bumper design is dominated by large, three-dimensional air inlets with clearly defined edges. In the SE version, fog lamps are located in the outer air intakes. Together with the twin halogen headlights they come with an additional static cornering light function – illuminating junctions at speeds of up to 32 mph.
The SE, SE Lux and FR-Line versions come with an optional bi-xenon variant which delivers dipped and full beam from mercury-free gas-discharge lamps. It includes Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS). AFS, which is reserved for the bi-xenon headlamps only, incorporates dynamic cornering light and static cornering light. Meanwhile, High Beam Assist is also available with the standard H7 halogen lights. Using a sensor mounted on the base of the rear view mirror, it recognises other vehicles and built-up areas from their illumination and automatically switches between main and dipped beam.
Subtle contours
A distinctive design element of the Alhambra is its side profile, with its steeply angled D-pillar and homogenous panel surfaces. The flanks feature subtle contours, providing perfect functional and visual integration for the large sliding doors.
A powerfully formed horizontal character line runs above the sill, setting an accent along the flank to match the strongly defined, large wheel arches. LED indicator repeaters are incorporated into the wing mirrors.
The side windows are comparatively large to give the car a low ‘waist line’, conveying a feeling of lightness, and offering passengers an expansive view. The Alhambra SE and SE Lux also profer chrome trim around the windows for an even more upmarket touch. Black roof rails, which are optional on the S, come in a smart chrome finish on SE and above.
The rear of the Alhambra is clearly structured. It’s distinguished by the large spoiler on the edge of the roof incorporating the third brake light. The registration plate is mounted beneath the large SEAT logo and the ‘Alhambra’ lettering, and set into a recess in the downward sweep of the rear hatch.
The large rear lights are a variation on the geometry of those at the front of the car. They are split into two, with the outer segment on each side integrated into the D-pillar and the inner in the hatch. The light cluster narrows as it runs towards the centre of the vehicle. The internal components have a horizontal structure, their lines adopting a wave form and generating a distinctive image by night.
INTERIOR CONCEPT
Winning the space race
· Generous accommodation for up to seven adults, plus luggage
· Exceptional quality throughout, with superior materials and craftsmanship
· Luxurious options such as electrically adjustable front seats
The latest Alhambra is an amply proportioned full-size MPV – offering plenty of space for up to seven adults and their luggage. Its seating concept is all-new, and provides for a choice of between two and seven seats. When the second and third row seats are not required, they can be stowed in the vehicle floor with an easy-to-use folding mechanism.
Significant input from potential future customers was incorporated into the development of the new Alhambra’s seating and door concept. Children between the ages of six and 14 – and their parents – were given access to prototypes, with their comments repeatedly providing inspiration for improvements and modifications.