If you want a large people carrier then you are somewhat spoilt for choice. All the main players have entrants in the sector and whilst many try to be all things to all buyers SEAT haven’t tried this route. Instead their Alhambra is an MPV pure and simple. It doesn’t seek to be sporty, lifestyle or any of the other of the marketing terms to which we’ve all become accustomed.

In its latest guise the Alhambra is a remarkably stylish holdall. Its also quite imposing with sharp frontal styling and a smart interior that has real quality look and feel. The range is priced from £23,525 to £32,585 and offers three trim levels, four engines and both automatic and manual gears.

Standard equipment is good with climate control, power windows, bluetooth, alloy wheels, central locking and a plethora of safety kit. Higher trim models include such features as cruise control, power sunroof, leather upholstery, electric mirrors and even pre-heating to warm or cool the Alhambra before you even have to get into it.

Considering its size, and its a large vehicle, the Alhambra is a remarkably easy and pleasant drive. My Alhambra had the ? engine mated to a ? gearbox. It makes for a smooth and economical performance. As you might expect space is not in short supply with even the rearmost of the seven seats accommodating an adult relatively comfortably.

Priced at £27,875 my 2.0 TDi Ecomotive Alhambra SE perhaps represents the sensible option of the range. It offers lots of standard equipment, decent performance and all at very competitive price. Although SEAT has made large strides over the years it is perhaps still not quite as mainstream as some rivals from the likes of VW and Ford. This is the only potential downside to the SEAT. For those looking at a clever buy though this is a distinct bonus. Exclusivity and arguably a more distinctive style compared to more mainstream rivals.

It is a discreet yet stylish MPV and offers seating for seven people in remarkably spacious and comfortable surroundings. Those occupying the rearmost seats will find them surprisingly accommodating even for adults, although like most such vehicles perhaps only for shorter trips. Converting the Alhambra into much more of a holdall is an easy affair with the rearmost seats folding into the floor and the second row seating folding flat to reveal a commodious load area.

The 2.0 litre diesel engine provides a generous 236 lb ft of torque at just 1750rpm and returns just shy of 50 mpg in combined driving. Mated to the wonderfully slick and quick  6-speed DSG automatic transmission it makes for a comfortable and refined performance. Despite the Alhambra’s large proportions it is surprisingly easy to drive with helpful additions such parking sonar making manoeuvring that little bit easier.

There is a quality feel throughout the Alhambra and it has a smart and stylish appeal that is lacking in more common rivals. It also has an honesty in that it doesn’t try to be all things to all buyers. For those that opt for an Alhambra they can be assured of a somewhat exclusive and rather classy holdall all at remarkably competitive prices, especially at the lead-in end of the model range.

FOR: Stylish, economical and exclusive holdall.

AGAINST: Less mainstream than some rivals so resale values perhaps not as rock solid.