Only two full-size MPVs get under the new 161g/km capital allowance boundary – the Seat Alhambra Ecomotive and its VW Sharan Bluemotion twin.
The Seat, though, is more than £3500 cheaper despite the two sharing everything bar the badges. The VW will probably be worth more in three years, but the Alhambra’s 33.8% RV is more than reasonable.
Power comes from a 140PS 2.0-litre diesel engine, and the Alhambra is fitted with a sports suspension to make it more aerodynamic by lowering the ride height, and low rolling-resistance tyres.
It has been on sale since 1996, and it shows with some of the cabin materials. Newer rivals are cleverer on the inside, too, as the five rearmost seats have to be removed piecemeal to free-up space, rather than folding into the floor.
But it’s a frill-free, inexpensive full seven-seater with a cost per mile figure of 46.1p.
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