Seat claims to have set a new benchmark in the MPV segment with the launch of its latest Alhambra at the Paris Motor Show.

The carmaker said the Alhambra would meet the needs of high mileage business drivers as well as families.

Three engines are available in the UK. The 2.0-litre TDI with 140hp is capable of 51.4mpg, according to Seat, and therefore sports the brand’s new E-Ecomotive logo for its lowest emission models.

The line-up is completed with a 170hp TDI unit and a 150hp 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine.

At 4.85 metres the new Alhambra is 22 centimetres longer than its predecessor. It is also nine centimetres wider at 1.90 metres, providing space in the third row for two adults.

Sliding doors are available with the option of electric operation and the luggage compartment measures up to 2430 litres when the second row of seats is folded.

The floor of the luggage compartment always remains flat, even with the seats folded. When the third row seats are folded, the load surface is 1.3 metres long. With five seats in place, load capacity up to the parcel shelf is 809 litres, or 1339 litres up to the ceiling when the optional mesh net is in place. Boot space increases to 2430 litres when the third and second row seats are folded.

To ease cargo loading an electrically operated hatch is available as an option.

The car is available in the UK with seven seats. With the new EasyFold system, the second and third-row seats can be retracted into the vehicle floor in one movement. The second-row seats can be positioned sideways, with integrated child seats available as an option.

A stop/start system and Brake Energy Regeneration function come as standard on UK versions of the Alhambra, which is available with six-speed manual or dual clutch automatic.

Park Steer assistance is also offered on the Alhambra, which is available in three trim levels; S,SE and SE Lux.

Seat also debuted an automatic gearbox on its Exeo saloon and estate in Paris.

The gearbox is mated to a 143 hp 2.0 TDI common rail diesel injection engin with an average claimed fuel consumption of 48.7 mpg.

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