Photo: SEAT
After Volkswagen gave a new coat of paint and some interior goodies to the aging Sharan, launching the 2015 facelift, the Spanish have done the same. This is the 2015 SEAT Alhambra, looking relatively unchanged, but equipped with better engines.
The highlight of the facelift is the introduction of EA288 diesel mills, but the whole range is said to be 15% more efficient on average. The 2-liter TDI will be offered with both 150 PS and 184 PS, just like on the Leon.
A single petrol engine will also be available. At 150 PS, the 1.4 TSI is relatively powerful and efficient, while being noticeably cheaper to buy than the equivalent diesel.
All engines can be ordered with the DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission, which in this model also boasts a fuel-saving coasting function. As soon as the driver lifts off the accelerator, the Alhambra runs with the engine decoupled.
Changes have been made both inside and out. In bright red, the Alhambra looks decent, but the MPV's profile is dull, and the front fascia doesn't match latest SEAT design language. Still, that's hardly relevant for a family car buyer.
New taillight graphs have been added at the rear while the headlights have a hint of a refresh. That pretty much covers the unimpressive outside facelift, so let's move to the interior of the 2015 Alhambra. This is far more impressive, as you begin to notice the whole steering wheel and its controls are borrowed from the Leon. The infotainment system developed for MQB-based model also uplifts a dark cabin.
“The Alhambra stays at the very forefront with its further improved fuel consumption and emissions figures. With its new technologies, it provides the best possible combination of dynamic driving fun and excellent comfort,” says Dr. Matthias Rabe, SEAT Executive Vice President for Research and Development.
New safety systems have been added to the Spanish-built MPV. A multi-collision brake system is standard equipment on all models. You can also have Blind-Spot Sensor and Volkswagen's Dynamic Chassis Control system, which changes the damper settings depending on driver preference or road condition.
Overall, the Alhambra is not as impressive as the Leon because it doesn't have the excellent design to compensate for its shortcomings. But SEAT dealers might charge a little bit less for what's essentially 99% the same as the Sharan.
A single petrol engine will also be available. At 150 PS, the 1.4 TSI is relatively powerful and efficient, while being noticeably cheaper to buy than the equivalent diesel.
All engines can be ordered with the DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission, which in this model also boasts a fuel-saving coasting function. As soon as the driver lifts off the accelerator, the Alhambra runs with the engine decoupled.
Changes have been made both inside and out. In bright red, the Alhambra looks decent, but the MPV's profile is dull, and the front fascia doesn't match latest SEAT design language. Still, that's hardly relevant for a family car buyer.
New taillight graphs have been added at the rear while the headlights have a hint of a refresh. That pretty much covers the unimpressive outside facelift, so let's move to the interior of the 2015 Alhambra. This is far more impressive, as you begin to notice the whole steering wheel and its controls are borrowed from the Leon. The infotainment system developed for MQB-based model also uplifts a dark cabin.
“The Alhambra stays at the very forefront with its further improved fuel consumption and emissions figures. With its new technologies, it provides the best possible combination of dynamic driving fun and excellent comfort,” says Dr. Matthias Rabe, SEAT Executive Vice President for Research and Development.
New safety systems have been added to the Spanish-built MPV. A multi-collision brake system is standard equipment on all models. You can also have Blind-Spot Sensor and Volkswagen's Dynamic Chassis Control system, which changes the damper settings depending on driver preference or road condition.
Overall, the Alhambra is not as impressive as the Leon because it doesn't have the excellent design to compensate for its shortcomings. But SEAT dealers might charge a little bit less for what's essentially 99% the same as the Sharan.
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