Seat alhambra scoops yet another coveted title

SEAT’s all-conquering new Alhambra MPV is continuing its remarkable run of major award wins with news that it has been named Best MPV by Britain’s biggest-selling weekly motoring magazine – Auto Express. The Spanish seven-seater already has a host of major titles to its name, but that doesn’t lessen the delight at winning the Auto Express crown. Speaking at the magazine’s New CarAwards this week, Auto Express Acting Editor, Graham Hope, said of the MPV: ‘These machines are the multi-tools of the automotive world and the SEAT is both incredibly practical and easy to live with. ‘A smart exterior and classy interior help to seal the deal, while attractive prices and low running costs take care of your wallet.’ The flexible full-size seven seater from Iberia took the coveted honour as the judges highlighted its appealing mix of style, quality and affordability. The largest member of the growing SEAT range went on sale here in November last year and is now proving as popular with savvy MPV buyers as it is with the motoring world’s award judges. Since its UK launch the Alhambra has been awarded ‘Best MPV’ by UK magazines and websites Diesel Car, Fleet World, Carbuyer.co.uk and What Car? Internationally, it has been named ‘Best MPV’ by El Economista newspaper in Spain, ‘Best Imported MPV’ by Germany’s Auto Zeitung magazine and ‘2011 Best Imported MPV’ by German motor trade magazine Auto Motor und Sport.  The Alhambra has also been named ‘MPV of the Year’ in Portugal by the ‘Car of the Year – Crystal Steering Wheel Trophy’ panel members. Unsurprisingly, perhaps, considering this lengthy list of major honours sales are significantly ahead of early expectations in the UK, with a massive order bank underlining the new Alhambra’s popularity with everyone from family drivers to specialist business and chauffeur companies, and private hire firms. Available in S, SE or top spec’ SE Lux trim and priced from just £23,525 RRP, the award-winning Alhambra is offered with a choice of modern turbocharged petrol or diesel powerplants.  The majority of engines can be paired with either a crisp six-speed manual or smooth six-speed DSG auto that offers the extra flexibility of sequential manual operation via the standard steering wheel-mounted paddle shifts. As befits a class leader, all Alhambras boast a high level of standard equipment.  Among the highlights available across the range are sliding rear doors (optionally available with electric operation); integrated Bluetooth hands-free phone connection; three-zone climate control and parking sensors. SEAT UK Head of Marketing, Steve Robertson, said of the Alhambra’s latest honour from the UK motoring press: ‘The good news really does keep on coming for our class-leading MPV. ‘I can’t recall a time when a SEAT model has scooped so many top awards in the space of less than a year, which I hope tells would-be buyers all they need to know about the quality, value and genuine class of our new seven-seat Alhambra.’