| First Drive | Barcelona, Spain | SEAT Alhambra |

The new SEAT Alhambra may appear to have more than a passing resemblance to the recently launched VW Sharan, but will the smart money choose this over its Volkswagen stable mate?

In the Metal

People carriers could never be classed as the drivers' choice of car. They are bought more out of necessity rather than need and, until recent years, were nothing more than seven-seat boxes with about as much charisma as a ball point pen. Thankfully, there's a new crop of people carriers that at least are not an embarrassment to own. And, if ever proof were needed, then the new SEAT Alhambra gives a two-fingered salute to the boring MPVs of the past.

However, SEAT still can't hide the fact that this Alhambra is a people carrier, albeit a good looking one (is that an oxymoron?). The definition of use means that a large footprint and a high roofline won't allow their designers (who happens to be led by Lamborghini's former design chief Luc Donckerwolke) to wander too far away from what is now universally deemed the definitive MPV blueprint.

Where they haven't been able to alter the silhouette they have simply smoothed out the wrinkles and given it a sleeker front-end with shorter overhangs - and made it longer by 22cm and 9.2cm wider than the outgoing model. A pair of rear sliding doors further enhances its family appeal and practicality.

Inside, and the story is all rather glorious, if a little predictable. This could be because of the fact it is basically a re-badged VW Sharan (the main differences being the minor augmentation to the exterior styling of the nose and rear-light cluster). So, for the canny shopper, this could be a joyous occasion. It can comfortably seat seven in a 2-3-2 configuration, with the third row of seats folding flat into the floor when not needed - it should be noted that these seats are limited in the legroom department and best suited to the pre-teenager. The second row of seats tilt, slide and fold flat, too, leaving more than enough space to turn this car into a useful load-lugger. None of these seating arrangements are anything innovative and can be seen on many similar MPVs. It is easier than most to morph it into a small removals van though, requiring little more than a flick of the wrist.

From the driver's perspective they could be at the helm of any one of a number of VW Group cars, which is never a bad thing (again, if a tad predictable). But, as good as the interior is, and as well built and finished as it, it is all just a bit too Teutonic and Volkswagen-esque. See, SEAT has always been the fun-factory of the VW Group and this interior seems to have marginally dampened its spirit. With all that said, there are still a lot worse places to be sat than in the Alhambra - in any of its seven seats.

What you get for your Money

Without trying to complicate the issue too much, SEAT has kept the trim levels to just three: the S, SE and SE Lux. It is also keeping to a three-themed engine line-up, with a 148bhp 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine and a 2.0-litre TDI with either 138- or 168nhp outputs - coupled with a six-speed manual or the DSG auto-box. At the time of writing, prices and exact specs have yet to be confirmed, and won't be until nearer the Alhambra's November on-sale date.

However, from what we can gather, the entry-level S version is expected to come with a price tag of approximately £21,500, rising to just under £30k for the flagship SE Lux variant. All versions will come with alloys, three-zone climate control, an electronic handbrake and roof rails. It is only when you start to climb up the trim levels do the on-board toys become more bountiful with powered rear sliding doors and tailgate, leather, a huge panoramic sunroof and bi-xenon headlamps with cornering headlights. Park assist will also be introduced soon after the car's launch date.

Driving it

Don't expect the Alhambra to deliver anything other than a confident and uninspiring ride - it is a people carrier, remember. The chassis is stiffer than its predecessor's and it's a bit lighter too. None of this makes a jot of difference to the overall handling other than it cancels out any body roll if a corner is taken with a bit too much verve, which it won't be because you've become sensible and middle-aged.

Out of the three engines, the 138bhp 2.0-litre TDI, married to the automatic DSG gearbox is the best combination suited for everyday driving and the most frugal, too, returning 51.3mpg with CO₂ emissions of just 143g/km. The TSI petrol engine is just overwhelmed by the size and weight of the Alhambra and the bigger 168bhp TDI option is completely unnecessary unless you happen to decide towing a caravan may feature in future drives - in which case the extra gee-gees will prove invaluable. All three power units do come as standard with SEAT's start-stop and energy regeneration systems.

Worth Noting

With the second and third row of seats folded flat, 2,430 litres of storage can be poured into the cargo area.

A CD/MP3 player with aux-in and eight speakers, Bluetooth, a multi-function steering wheel and front/rear parking sensors will also come as standard across the entire model range.

Summary

SEAT's new Alhambra does exactly what it was designed to do; move people in a safe and spacious environment. It hasn't compromised its stowage capacity to pander to the needs of the fashionista either. So, forget the badge that adorns the bonnet (leave the car snobs to ponder that one): it's a Volkswagen by any other name yet will prove to be much better value.