What Car? Awards 2013

Best MPVs of 2013

Seat Alhambra

Winner, Best MPV

Volkswagen Polo Hatchback

Seat Alhambra 2.0 TDI 140 E/motive S

List Price:

£25,035

Target Price:

£23,332

Key facts

0-60mph

10.9sec

Top speed

120mph

Fuel economy

50.4mpg

CO2 emissions

146g/km

Tax liability

23%

Insurance group

18

Size is important, but what's really impressive about the Seat Alhambra is how it uses that space.

There's room for seven adults, and the sliding rear doors make it simple to get people in and out in tight spaces. All of the rear seats fold flat into the floor when they're not needed, and boot space is huge with the rear two folded away. It's still pretty good with every seat in place, too.

There's also excellent all-round visibility that helps to make the car surprisingly easy to manoeuvre and park.

Just as surprising is how good the Alhambra is to drive, with well-weighted steering, fine handling and a supple ride over most roads. The 2.0-litre diesel engine performs remarkably well, too, averaging 50.4mpg in Government tests, while the five-star crash test rating gives plenty of peace of mind for driver and passengers.

You don't need to look further than Ecomotive S trim, which comes with climate control, alloy wheels and, most important of all, both front and rear parking sensors.

Read the full Seat Alhambra review

What other cars did we rate highly?

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