The second generation of the SEAT Alhambra, launched in 2010, underwent a complete overhaul. The car grew by more than 20 centimetres and reinforced its family credentials with practical sliding rear doors. It was the ideal car for families, especially active and sporty ones, as well as professionals who had to travel frequently... (read more)
Launch: September 2010
Production ceased: October 2022
Price: €27,300 (1.4 TSI Reference)
Number built: 237,865
Petrol, 4 cylinders in line
Layout: Front transverse
Bore x stroke: 82.5 mm x 92.8 mm
Capacity: 1984 cc
Valve gear: Double overhead camshaft, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel system: Direct injection, turbocharger
Max. power: 200 hHPp at 5100 rpm
Max. torque: 280 Nm at 1700 rpm
Top speed: 221 km/h
Type: Front-wheel drive
Gearbox: 6-speed DSG automatic
Clutch: Two multi-plates
Front suspension:
Independent, McPherson type, with lower wishbone, coil springs, hydraulic dampers and anti-roll bar
Rear suspension:
MIndependent, double wishbones, coil springs, hydraulic dampers and anti-roll bar
Steering: Electromechanical power-assisted
Front/rear: Ventilated discs/discs
205/60 R 16
Body: large MPV, 5 doors, 5/7 seats
Length/width/height: 4854/1904/1740 mm
Wheelbase: 2919 mm
Weight: 1796 kg
The second generation of the SEAT Alhambra, launched in 2010, underwent a complete overhaul. The car grew by more than 20 centimetres and reinforced its family credentials with practical sliding rear doors. It was the ideal car for families, especially active and sporty ones, as well as professionals who had to travel frequently.
When the original Alhambra was launched in 1996, it was a large MPV with a highly modular interior that could be configured to seat up to seven people. However, over time it became somewhat closer to a compact MPV than a large one. With the arrival of the Alhambra II, the model clearly repositioned itself in the upper segment and, at the same time, took a big step forward in every respect.
The Alhambra II gained 22 centimetres in length to reach 4.85 metres. With new sliding rear doors, the Alhambra II became a smart and versatile MPV, designed with sporty trims for enjoying family trips. It was safe and efficient, offering all the necessary technology on board, exceptional finishes and the highest quality standards. It was the new benchmark in the large MPV segment.
SEAT's new star family car was unveiled at the 2010 Paris Motor Show in October, although the international press had already had the opportunity to discover it the previous month at the Design Centre in Sitges (Barcelona). Alongside the Alhambra II, SEAT also showcased the 100% electric IBE concept car at its stand.
The new Alhambra's qualities were unanimously recognised. That same year, it won the Auto Trophy award for best imported MPV, presented by the German magazine Auto Zeitung. It also won the award for best MPV from the British magazine What Car?, a prize which had been running for 30 years. At that time, the Alhambra was the only SEAT model not built in Martorell, but in Palmela (Portugal), due to synergies within the VW Group.
The range was introduced with two 2.0 TDI CR diesel engines (with common rail technology and DPF particulate filter), in 140 and 170 HP versions. The 6-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission was available on both. The range was completed by a 150 HP 1.4 TSI petrol engine, and before the end of the year the 200 HP 2.0 TSI with DSG arrived. In addition to the revamped design, the Alhambra debuted the Ecomotive versions, with low fuel consumption and emissions. In 2011, the Alhambra 4 arrived, with a 4Drive all-wheel drive system, as well as the entry-level TDI 115 engine.
The equipment was very comprehensive. The base Reference version already had seven airbags, ESP and EBA, Autolock function, electronic rear door locking from the driver's position, tyre pressure loss sensor, Isofix child seat anchorage system, body-coloured rear-view mirrors with integrated LED indicators, body-coloured bumpers and door handles, roof rails, SEAT Sound audio system with four speakers, trip computer, three sliding seats in the second row, hooks in the boot and compartments in the dashboard and roof console. And, of course, sliding rear doors.
The latest technology available in the Style trim or as an option included bi-xenon headlights with automatic high beam control, parking assist, three-zone climate control, electric panoramic roof, electric side doors and tailgate, and integrated child seats.
Another highly appreciated option on the Alhambra was the possibility of having seven seats with the ‘easy fold’ system. With seven seats, the boot offered a reasonable capacity of 267 litres. In the 5-seat configuration, the capacity increased to 809 litres and, with all the seats folded down, the Alhambra II offered no less than 2,430 litres of capacity.
The Alhambra was restyled in 2015, in line with SEAT's new brand image and with a greater emphasis on connectivity. At the end of 2018, the model was equipped with new advanced driver assistance systems and incorporated the Travel Edition, FR-Line and Xcellence trim levels.
From 2020, the Alhambra was only available with two 150 HP engines, petrol and diesel, and ended its career with only the petrol engine. In October 2022, the Alhambra was discontinued and had no direct replacement. Its role as SEAT's large 7-seater had been taken over by the Tarraco.
