SEAT Alhambra Owner's Manual

About The Alhambra

The Alhambra is a 7-seat minivan created by the Spanish automaker SEAT between the years 1996 – 2020. Despite being developed by SEAT, the Alhambra was actually constructed at the Volkswagen Groups Auto Europa plant in Palmella, Portual.

This Alhambra was built off the same platform that was used by Volkswagen for the Sharan, meaning that the Sharan and Alhambra were both closely related to Ford’s Galaxy.

Its first generation began sales in 1996, following a successful launch at the Geneva Motor Show of the same year. This was fairly unusual, a car entering production so quickly after its debut.

Throughout its life, understandably, there was a continual competition between the three similar vehicles, but the Alhambra was considered the best value for money, offering the largest number of features for a reduced price (in comparison).

The Alhambra was built to accommodate 7 passengers but also has the ability to remove or fold all 5 rear seats which created a huge van-like space at the rear if desired.

In 1997, the Alhambra won ‘Monovolume do Ano’ in Portugal. Three petrol variations were created and six were powered by diesel fuel.

The second generation sold from 2012 onward, it was significantly larger than its predecessor, a full 22 cm extended in length, and 9 cm wider. To achieve greater and easier access, SEAT installed a sliding door at the side. 4-wheel drive was available coupled with a 6-speed manual configuration.

A second generation of Alhambra scored 5 stars in the Euro NCAP tests with 96% score for adults, and 80% for children. In 2020, the Alhambra was yet another casualty of the markets shift in demand and so was discontinued in favor of crossover models.

SEAT issued a statement saying that ‘older models will be replaced by newer, cleaner models,’ but to date, there has been no direct replacement for the Alhambra.