SEAT Adds 4WD Option to Alhambra Minivan

The VW Sharan's Spanish sibling is now more worthy of the “multi-purpose” label as SEAT has presented a new variant with a permanent all-wheel drive system for the Alhambra. The new model benefits from the latest-generation of VW's 4x4 system, electronically controlled and set up for improved driving dynamics.

According to SEAT, the system has been tuned to offer “a surprising level of sporty driving fun”. The all-wheel drive system is operated by a multi-plate clutch that sends the juice to the axle that needs it the most. In the event that the front wheels slip, an electrically driven annular piston pump builds up the oil pressure necessary for the clutch to divert a large proportion of the driving force to the rear wheels.

The 4WD option will be offered in conjunction with the most powerful diesel engine available, the 2.0-liter TDI which develops 140 horsepower. Linked to a six-speed manual transmission, the oil-burner pushes the Alhambra to a top speed of 191 km/h (118 mph). The standard 0 to 100 km/h sprint takes a decent 11.4 seconds and average fuel consumption is rated at 6.0 liters/100 km (equal to 39.2 US mpg).

The low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of 158 grams per km are also due to the Ecomotive package, which includes a brake energy regeneration and an automatic start/stop system.

The SEAT Alhambra 4WD will be available for sale starting this summer, in the Reference and Style versions with interiors configured with 5 seats. Towards the end of the year, the all-wheel drive MPV will also have a 2+2+2 seating arrangement.

By Dan Mihalascu

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New Seat Alhambra MPV: VW Sharan's Twin Brother Officially Revealed

Today, Seat lifted the wraps off its all-new Alhambra people carrier that will go on sale across Europe this summer. If you've seen the latest generation Volkswagen Sharan that was unveiled at last month's Geneva Motor Show, then the Alhambra will come to no surprise.

In fact, aside from the Alhambra's unique fascia and tail lamp designs, the two MPVs are identical. Same goes for the interior as the only difference between the Alhambra and Sharan concerns the steering wheel hub.

Measuring 4.85 meters in length, the new Alhambra is 220 mm longer than its predecessor, while it is also wider by a full 90mm.

It features large sliding doors with optional electric operation and can seat up to seven passengers in three rows of seats.

When configured as a five-seater the Mediterranean-flavored Sharan has 885 lt of load space available, which grows to a cavernous maximum of 2,297 liters if only the front two seats are in use.

Unlike its predecessor if more storage room is called for the second and third-row seats need no longer be removed as they can be sunk into the vehicle floor using the "Easy-Fold" system.

In addition, the middle row seats can also be arranged longitudinally, with integrated child seats available as an option.

Underneath the skin, there's a new engine line-up with TSI petrol and TDI diesel units, all equipped with fuel injection and turbocharging as well as Start-Stop system and brake energy recovery technology.

There are two TSI units producing 150- and 200-horsepower, and two 2.0-liter TDI engines delivering 140HP and 170HP.