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Car Scrappage Scheme

In the Budget on the 22 April, Chancellor Alistair Darling announced the introduction of a Government Scrappage Scheme, a £2000 allowance on vehicles aged 10 years or over. There has never been a better time to trade in your old car with savings of over £2000 on a wide range of new cars at Motorparks. More details of the Scrappage Scheme are listed below.


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The Scheme
In exchange for scrapping your old vehicle and buying a new one the Government and Manufacturers will contribute a total of £2000 towards the puchase of a new vehicle.
The Scheme will run from mid May 2009
The Scheme will be available to the first 300,000 eligible claimants or until 31 March 2010, whichever is sooner.
Motorparks dealerships will take care of everything for you, including claiming the incentive on your behalf and arranging the scrapping of the vehicle
Your Vehicle
The Vehicle you are trading in must:

Be a car or small van weighing up to 3,500 kg
Be registered in the United Kingdom on or before 31 July 1999
Either be registered or have a SORN ( Statutory Off the Road Notification) with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) in your name.
Have been registered to you continuously for 12 calendar months before the order date of the new vehicle
Have a UK address on the registration certificate (V5C)
Have a current MOT test certificate before the date of the order for the new vehicle
The New Vehicle
The New Vehicle you want to buy must be:

A car or small van weighing up to 3,500 kg
First registered in the UK on or after mid May 2009
Declared new at first registration in the UK with no former keepers



Terms and conditions subject to change without prior notice, Information based on current understanding of government scrappage scheme.






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land Rover Free Lander 2.0 Td4 ES Station Wagon

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The New Nissan 370z

The lighter and more powerful Nissan 370Z coupe is finally here. From first impressions, Nissan have created a very sleek and curvy car that would definitely catch people eye as it drove down the road. Top Gear also rates the New 370Z saying 'We approve. Slightly shorter and wider than the 350Z, the 370Z gets a bunch of added sleekness and, we reckon, more than a hint of GT-R about it.'

Power comes from the familiar 3.7 litre VQ37VHR V6 (VHR indicating Very High Revving) that makes 332 bhp (247kW), 270 lb-ft (366 Nm) of torque and revs all the way to 7000rpm.

The 370Z Roadster features the same 3.7L V6 as the coupe version. Powered by a 3.7-Litre V6 coupled with a 6-speed close-ratio manual gear box, the 2009 NISSAN NISMO 370Z is able to unleash 350 hp and 276 lb-ft of torque at 5,200 RPM. This kind of performance is also achieved thanks to Nissan's Variable Valve Event and Lift system, the micro-finished crankshaft and camshaft and the NISMO-tuned larger diameter dual exhaust pipes. Power goes from the close ratio six-speed manual 'box (the only transmission available) to the rear axle through a carbon fibre driveshaft.

Steering is communicative and responsive. In nearly all circumstances, we'd describe the Camaro's handling attitude as completely neutral, a characteristic that gives the car an exceptionally agile feel. Steering control is handled through a power-steering rack-style configuration. The 370Z has power-assisted brakes, with 4-Wheel ABS support.

The rear lights are styled like a boomerang flick, rather than the elongated triangle of today's car. There's also a central fog light, two big exhaust pipes and a hint of a rear diffuser at the rump.

Inside the 370Z you'll find the familiar dashboard layout, but the quality of all materials has been improved. One item that stands out here is a hard-to-read engine-temperature/fuel level gauge, which is basically a metallic plate with a bunch of small holes in it. Inside, there's leather splashed around the cabin even when specified with cloth seats and plastics are an improvement over the outgoing model.

Touring models include unique leather-appointed "net" seats with 4-way power/4-way manual operation on the driver's seat (4-way power on the passenger's seat). These second-generation net seats are exclusive to the Z Roadster and have integrated heating and cooling functions. Touring models include unique leather-appointed "net" seats with 4-way power/4-way manual operation on the driver's seat (4-way power on the passenger's seat). These second-generation net seats are exclusive to the Z Roadster and have integrated heating and cooling functions - ideal for open air driving no matter what the outside temperature.

The Nissan 370Z is defiantly a very stylish looking car, add in better performance in every aspect, better looks, and better materials and build quality inside and out and you will agree that this is a set of very hot wheels. So much so that the motoring magazine 'Auto Express' compared the 370Z Roadster to a Porsche Cayman, and over all rated the new Nissan 370Z as the better car, however it doesn't carry the sporting prestige badge of a Porsche.

The New Nissan 370Z will be arriving at dealerships during May of this year.



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The New Lotus Evora

Lotus has achieved since the Elise was born 13 years ago and is the start of our bold five year strategic business plan; a plan which includes the introduction of three new cars, as well as advanced new technologies to many more markets around the world.

Designed for greater day-to-day driveability and positioned above the Elise, Exige S and Europa models, the new Evora will hold more luxury comforts in a larger chassis. Designed with detail, elegance, and passion, this future car reflects a blend of seamless design cues, technological excellence, and excellent driving dynamics.

Underpinned by Lotus's Versatile Vehicle Architecture technology, offering an adaptable, extremely strong, stiff and lightweight chassis, the Evora weighs just 1350kg. With a 3.5 litre V6 engine, it's capable of 0-100 km/h in just five seconds. Under this design, the roof and body panels are stress-bearing and attached directly to the chassis helping the Evora achieve its modest 1,350kg kerb weight.

Front and mid engine installations have been considered, as well as hybrid and Electric Vehicle (EV) applications. Front tyres are 225/40 ZR 18 and the rears are 255/35 ZR 19, with Yokohama having supplied a rubber unique to Lotus for this application. Stopping ability is catered for by ventilated discs front and rear, 350 mm and 332 mm in diameter respectively.

Lotus Traction Control - the Switchable Lotus Traction Control (LTC) system has been developed simultaneously with the ABS and works through the engine management system to reduce power when required to maintain traction. Unlike many traction control systems, LTC has been tuned to complement the skills of the driver without taking over.

During preliminary testing around the famous N rburgring race track, the Lotus chassis engineers report that it is extremely agile and great fun to drive - even when clad with the full development disguise that hid the beautiful lines from the prying motor-industry paparazzi.

Performance enhancements are available through a Sport pack that boosts the Evora's throttle response and redline and add a sports traction-control mode, a sports diffuser, a titanium exhaust, cross-drilled brake discs and additional oil cooler. Perhaps we'll see a few more refinements in future Lotus models, as the order book already looks like a who's who of celebrity car buffs? Performance will be scintillating with the 0-62mph sprint dispatched in around five seconds and a top speed of 160mph. But if that's not enough to get your pulse racing don't worry - rumours suggest that as well as the convertible variant, a more powerful supercharged version is under development also.

Lotus proudly notes the trunk is large enough to swallow a set of golf clubs, which seems to be the industry's universal standard for defining trunk space. Lotus says that the Evora can easily accommodate two 6ft 5in tall American males in the front seats. The Evora will be available as a 2 and 4 seater sports car.

Can't wait to test drive the new Lotus Evora? Well if you can't wait until the launch in April 2009, take a virtual test drive with Gran Turismo. Lotus has a long-standing relationship with Polyphony, the game's Japanese developer, with Lotus cars appearing in each release of the Bafta award-winning Gran Turismo series. Now, thanks to the new title's unprecedented realism (enabled by the ultra-powerful PlayStation3 system), Gran Turismo drivers will find their virtual ride in the new Lotus Evora to be startlingly similar to the real thing giving Lotus fans a taster of what to expect before the full sized Evora is available to test-drive for real in Spring 2009.



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The New SEAT Exeo

In April 2009 SEAT presents for the first time the new Exeo to the international public. By this new sporty middle class limousine, the Spanish car manufacturer extends its model range, offering for the first time a limousine in the important B-segment.

The new SEAT Exeo not only signals the brand's arrival in the saloon segment, but is also a breakthrough for common rail Diesel engines. The Exeo provides lower emissions levels, better fuel consumption figures and lower noise levels.

The new SEAT Exeo has just been revealed and it is most likely the designated model for WTCC. However, the Exeo is really not a new model, is the old Audi A4 (B7) with SEAT headlights, grille, interior details, etc.

The new SEAT Exeo Saloon is all about speed in a minimalist design.

Standard equipment is generous, including ABS, ESP, dual-zone climate control, seven airbags, 16-inch wheels and a trip computer,alloy wheels and Bluetooth phone preparation. As usual, expect a range of options including satnav, bigger wheels, rear parking sensors, steering wheel controls, bi-xenon headlights and leather upholstery to be available, too.

Customers can also opt for sports suspension at no additional cost. The SEAT Exeo features a long list of optional equipment that significantly increases onboard comfort and safety. Customers who choose the optional navigation system will enjoy one of the highest definition 6.5-inch colour TFT screens on the market. It has several configuration possibilities, including location of petrol stations, motorway lane observance, manoeuvring locations on the map or topography map, among others.

The Exeo on show in Paris is powered by a turbo-charged 197 bhp 2.0-litre TSI with combined fuel consumption of 36.6 mpg, while CO2 emissions are below 185 g/km. SEAT has promised excellent handling, thanks to specially tweaked suspension elements - the front suspension set-up is an independent multilink, with a trapezoidal link at the rear. Light alloy elements on both shafts also considerably reduce unsuspended mass.

SEAT President, Erich Schmitt, confirmed the fact that with the Exeo, SEAT is bringing to market a car for dynamic and sporty drivers of the B segment. He also said that the Exeo is an alternative for company car drivers who expect a quality, fuel efficient vehicle that offers driving fun at an affordable price coupled with low emissions.

Seat claims that the five-seat saloon promises premium quality and exceptional levels of standard equipment, alongside a healthy dose of SEAT's trademark sporting character. The firm has confirmed that its luxurious Latin newcomer, due to go on sale in the UK in April, it will be offered in S, SE, Sport .

SEAT is making a big entrance in the saloon segment with a great car. The Exeo stands out as one of the most advanced models in its category and features very competitive pricing. Seat's designers, headed by award winning Luc Donckerwolke, have had a good bash at giving the Exeo a unique style. Some of the more obvious Seat traits have been grafted on and the result is a smart looking vehicle



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Cash for Clunkers Car Scrappage Incentive Schemes

The UK government has confirmed that a £2000 car scrappage scheme will come into operation as part of the budget announced on April 22nd 2009. What this means is that owners of cars that are over ten years old will be able to obtain a subsidy of £2000 towards the purchase of a new car in a move designed to boost car sales and assist the car industry whilst also providing benefits to the environment by reducing the number of old and fuel inefficient cars on the road. Usually the old car will have to be scrapped completely for the car scrappage rules to apply, i.e. the idea being that paying for you to scrap your car in this way will remove an old inefficient car from the roads, thus reducing the overall carbon footprint of our rolling stock of cars. Stephen Sklaroff, director general of the Finance and Leasing Association said: "The success of the car scrappage scheme relies on motorists being able to replace their old cars. For that to work, the finance needs to be available.

The AA praised the announcement, saying drivers would be pleased with a "generous scheme". AA president Edmund King said: "Drivers will be delighted that a generous scrappage scheme has been given the green light. Scrappage Incentive Schemes are already in place in many countries in Europe and have seen consumer confidence begin to return to the car buying market." In Germany in February, a Scrappage Incentive Scheme delivered an increase in new car sales of 21 per cent.

Car scrappage incentive schemes are certainly more targeted than generic loosening of credit availability. In the UK however doubts have been expressed as to whether customers could, and would, commit themselves to a large purchase in the current economic climate.

The government has been reluctant to introduce a scheme at a time when its finances are being stretched by a series of economic stimulus packages. However, Chancellor Alistair Darling has been under pressure for months to introduce the incentive, which is designed to stimulate new car sales. The Scrappage Incentive Schemes would not only would kick start the car manufacturers sales but would also in turn secure many employees jobs in the automotive sector, both in manufacturing but also in sales. According to official figures from the Society of Motor Traders and Manufacturers (SMMT) 313,912 new vehicles were registered in March 2009 - a fall of 30.5% compared with March 2008's figure. This is also partly due to vehicle companies cutting back drastically on production, just 59,777 cars were made in February 2009. But also car sales fell by almost a third in March this year compared with last year.

Although on the flip side, some 600,000 of the 800,000 motor industry employees are in the sector that maintains vehicles already on the road; they are more likely to be disadvantaged by a scrappage programme; as a wave of consumers would swap their older, high-maintenance vehicles for modern cars.

But car scrappage schemes are seen as targeting the root cause of the industry's woes - a lack of demand for products. They also, the government argues, help the environment by replacing old, inefficient vehicles with cleaner, more efficient ones.

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Super Sale Weekend 25th - 26th April

Click the poster to enlarge and to read.

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Car Swap This Weekend Only

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Terry Nutkins buys a Mercedes SL500 Convertible

The Grange Jaguar dealership in Brentwood had an exciting day this April when Mr. Terry Nutkins visited the dealership.

Terry Nukins is a well known wildlife television presenter and author who co-presented popular programs such as Animal Magic and The Really Wild Show and more recently Terry has been involved in the new show - My Life as an Animal.

Mark Butcher was the salesman who answered the phone when Terry rang the dealership.

"Terry was contacted by his son who first saw 'a car you'd be interested in Dad' on the internet. When Terry rang through I recognized his name and voice. After speaking for a while we arranged for him to come to the showroom in Brentwood. He was actually satying in Birmingham whilst work on a new pilot show for the BBC."

Mark was very excited at the prospect of meeting Terry having been fan of Animal Magic and The Really Wild Show as a youngster.

Terry was interested in, and later bought a Mercedes SL 500. He said that he already had a Mercedes Estate which was ideal as he has Sloopy and Twirley, the Black Labradors with him most of the time - but he wanted the SL 500 saloon because of its lines, and the look and shape of it. Terry described the SL 500 as one of the best made coupes ever.

It seems that Terry has always had the eye for a nice car, his first car being a green Ford Zephyr. Now a classic car and in its time it was seen to be quite racy and classy. The Ford Zephyr was manufactured by the Ford Between 1950 and 1962; it was sold as a more powerful six cylinder saloon to complement the four cylinder Ford Consul.

But Terry's motor powered love of his life was a maroon Jaguar 420G 1964. Terry explained that he bought this car when electric windows were first introduced and were considered a modern luxury innovation. He also recalled the smell of the luxurious leather seats.

The Jaguar Mark X (pronounced mark ten) 420G was the largest saloon car built by Jaguar, and was originally aimed at the United States market. Introduced in 1961, it long held the record for being the widest production Jaguar ever built. While in its home country of Britain it was considered an extremely large car, in the United States it was no more than average.

Terry has a liking for Jaguar cars, and said that he always wanted an E-Type Jaguar but it was never a very practical choice for his work needs or for his four legged companions, Sloopy and Twirley, who he likes to take everywhere. He explained that he would also like a Jaguar XK Coupe, another very sleek and stylish model.

Terry said that he had a very positive experience whilst visiting the Jaguar Brentwood dealership "They were all very professional and knowledgeable and I can't speak highly enough of everyone working at the dealership".

The team at Jaguar Brentwood also enjoyed the experience of having Terry Nutkins visiting the dealership. Mark said that he found Terry to be a "very friendly and jovial person, someone you would take to straight away" and he looks forward to helping Terry look for more unusual and quirky vehicles in the future.



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Volvo V70 Driv'e

Volvo is introducing the new DRIVe range of Volvos. The company began production of the fuel efficient, low emissions vehicles late last year following a successful introduction at the 2008 Paris Auto Show. The C30 DRIVe even managed to slip into the European Union's cleanest band of vehicles by producing less than 105g CO2 per km; and the Volvo V70 DRIVe aims to follow in the C30's footsteps.

The Volvo V70's fuel economy averages a very credible 43mpg, and if driven sensibly you'll get around 670miles out of a full tank. It's good news for business users too, as the D5 emits 172g/km (25% Tax liability) which makes it cheaper to run as a company car than a Mercedes E-Class estate and on a par with the BMW 525d Touring.

The Volvo V70 DRIVe also gets better fuel consumption through the use of tyres designed for low rolling resistance. They get an electric power steering pump providing the exact amount of assistance the driver needs, instead of too much power which needlessly draws energy off the powertrain. The V70 also gets a covered grille and lowered chassis to decrease drag.

No car epitomises this philosophy better than the Volvo V70 estate. Its predecessors were so ugly and dull to drive that they were nicknamed Swedish penalty boxes, whereas the Volvo V70 DRIVe is all swoops, curves and studied elegance. The overall sense of intelligence wrapped up in the beautiful bodies that Volvo now wraps their cars in is exceedingly appealing.

The Volvo V70 and S80 DRIVe versions are also equipped with an electric power steering pump that delivers exactly the servo assistance the driver requires, in a precise and energy-efficient way. All DRIVe models feature this power steering system.

The size of the Volvo V70 DRIVe makes the car very versatile for a range of families and a range of needs. This V70 is one of the most voluminous big estate cars on sale today, able to swallow a washing machine whole, without folding the rear seat down. So if you like the idea of a big Volvo estate for cargo-carrying, then you will not be disappointed.

Used values are excellent on all versions because the V70 is one of the best-selling premium estate cars. Aided by six-speed automatic transmission, the Volvo V70 makes an exemplary tow car. On the test track it showed it would remain stable at speeds well above the limit on British roads, which is reassuring.

In addition, the car has been given a higher level of luxury, to reinforce its premium qualities. The "soft nose" front, including an egg-crate grille with chromed vertical bars, creates a sporty yet luxurious appearance.

But driving even the more powerful versions isn't intimidating, thanks to traction control, predictable handling, excellent grip (especially on the all-wheel drive cars) and precise steering. As you'd expect, V70 has massive in-built strength; V70 gained five NCAP stars. Any more power would really need AWD. Need to pass someone, effortless. Peak torque of 295lb ft is delivered at just 1500rpm, peak power at 5600rpm. The transverse engine is mated to a six-speed auto (there's no manual option) and, with Four-C, the Haldex-type four-wheel drive uses an electronically controlled clutch pack to distribute torque between the axles.

The engine now has lower compression, more efficient combustion and the latest generation of engine management software. What is more, the turbocharger has been optimised to deliver high torque from low revs. Owners of the old V70 will be impressed by the latest model's stiffer chassis and improved handling. What's more, while the Volvo performed well in our brake tests, stopping from 60mph in 36.4 metres - the pedal is the softest underfoot.

The car is second to none in safety, and the company has managed to add on a few new safety innovations as well. Safety features include including a multitude of airbags, traction control, electronic stability programme, whiplash prevention system and Volvo's Side Impact Protection System. That's complimented with an extensive standard equipment list too, which includes CD player, MP3 socket, air conditioning and cruise control. The side-curtain airbags now extend 2.4 inches lower down the door to better protect kids. But wait, there's more: new dual-chamber front-seat-mounted side airbags, second-generation whiplash-protection system, blind-spot detection, and available adaptive cruise control with collision-warning that primes the brake system (the brakes don't apply like those on Mercedes PreSafe when a collision is deemed inevitable). The Volvo V70 is a supremely safe family car, but should the worst happen there's anti whiplash head restraints, side impact protection systems and multiple airbags included as standard across the range.

"Our aim is to offer cars that have the lowest CO2 emissions... DRIVe is the symbol for this process and the cars bearing this badge are those with which we have made most progress." Says Magnus Jonsson

The Volvo V70 DRIVe is stunning to look, it carries the green DRIVe badge of fuel-efficiency and being a Volvo, it is one of the safest cars on the road today.


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The History of Lotus

Lotus cars are among the sports car brands that originated in the United Kingdom.

Lotus was first established in the 1950s, when Colin Chapman, a graduate of University College, London, built his first car. Colin Chapmen built his car in a shed which was really the bottle store for an adjacent hotel. Additional land alongside the hotel was subsequently acquired, and on this site the Lotus workshops have grown up steadily as demand has increased.

Lotus cars are built for the enthusiast seeking the purist driving experience in a modern car.

Whilst being the mastermind behind the company, Chapman attracted many talented people including Mike Costin. Between 1960 and 1980 Lotus expanded rapidly producing fine road cars such as the Elan and being successful in many racing formulas including F1 and Indy.

Lotus cars were designed not with just with passion, but with hard, applied science. Chapman designs and technical innovations formed the basis for some of the most successful racing and sports cars ever made. Chapman had noted that the twin channel chassis construction of the Austins became heavy when properly reinforced, thus with his engineering knowledge Chapman designed a robust multi-tubular body-frame. The new structure was light, yet extremely rigid. Chapman was probably the most talented post-war automotive engineer. After enjoying some success in motor racing, he built his first road car, Mk 7 (or simply called Seven), in 1957.

Lotus has been one of the leading Grand Prix manufacturers since they entered Formula One 1960. Without Chapman's innovative direction, the team never regained its momentum, and after a series of management changes the directors Peter Collins and Peter Wright made heroic efforts to keep the team going until the end of the 1994 season, when underfunding and debts forced it into administration.

Lotus cars are what a sports car should be - light, agile, stylish and affordable. From Elites to Elans, from Esprits to Exiges; all remain faithful to Colin Chapman's original premise of speed through lightness.

Lotus will unveil an environmentally-friendly version of its sporty roadster called Eco Elise. Unlike most eco-friendly propositions of our time, the Eco Elise study doesn't revolve solely around tailpipe CO2 emissions. The Eco Elise employs a system of green light prompts that help the driver time their gear changes for maximum fuel efficiency. Lotus cars are now the epitome of speed and manoeuvrability.

Lotus sports cars are considered to be among the most popular cars that managed to stay that in spite of the industrial decline which occurred in 1970s. Lotus sports cars are renowned for their engineering and exceptional performance with the current models of the Elise and Exige both being hugely sought after vehicles.



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Ford Ranger Thunder Pickup

The pick-up is an intriguing breed of vehicle. Despite well-meaning attempts at domesticating it for use by company car user choosers and lifestyle-orientated family buyers, it remains stubbornly unsophisticated and just a little agricultural. In a way, thats all part of its charm. Fords Ranger Thunder tags on all the bells, whistles and cosmetic refinements but its still a working vehicle at heart, just as it should be.

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The Seat Ibiza Test Drive

I was quite looking forward to test driving the Seat Ibiza; after all it’s quite a funky looking car with its dazzling lime green paint job, and its aggressive looks and stylised headlamps. So armed with my coolest shades I took the Ibiza out for a drive.

Seat has carefully aimed this car at the Young and young at heart market, not only with the external look of the car, but also with its musical mod cons inside. There are also steering wheel mounted stereo controls so you can skip the tracks on your CD that you’re not really that into without having to move your hands from the steering wheel. There is also a point to plug in your Ipod or MP3 player. This means that your car isn’t cluttered up with CD’s. This does seem like the manufacturers attempt to tidy up the younger generation, because we all know that what teenager’s bedrooms are like, so Imagine what they could do to a car!

For a small 3 door car, it was rather spacious inside. With ample leg room in the front, but as always not so much leg room in the back, but ideal for shorties and kids. However the passenger seat features the "Easy entry" system, where the backrest folds and slides at the same time, providing more room and better access to the rear seats.The boot however was very roomy, perfect for getting all that dirty washing back from the university digs back home for washing. The front seats are low and hug your bottom, making them rather feel sporty. However this sport appearance doesn’t compromise their comfort, on a long motorway journey the seat proved to be very comfortable.

Another feature that I rather liked was that the doors automatically lock when you start to drive. I don’t know if this is cool from a young person’s perspective, but from a parents view point it was a comforting thought knowing the car would lock itself and protect the occupants inside.

Other safety aspects have been carefully considered, with the application of strenuous virtual simulations and real crash tests. The addition of new head-thorax airbags as standard enhances the safety credentials on the new Ibiza, while a newly defined bonnet and front bumper greatly increase pedestrian safety.

Driving the car was rather fun, small and a bit nippy. Being a small car, with a length of 4.034 meters and height of 1.428 meters, it was easy to steer and a doddle to park, a great city car.

Enhancements to the Seat Ibiza have made modernized its appeal. Painstaking interior and exterior detailing on the new Ibiza SC include the dashboard, the instrument panel, ventilation nozzles and central console, which houses audio equipment and the Bluetooth connection, accessed via controls located on the steering column. It is a practical, well built and fun to drive car, an ideal for young funky people and can also be appreciated by older funky folk who want to have some fun. The Ecomotive 1.4 diesel is due in May and a 1.6 diesel follows in June so watch out for their launch.

Seat really have done a fantastic job with designing this car and my only concern is that it will just be a little too popular and not quite so exclusive out on the road. Only time will tell.

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The Seat Ibiza Tour

The SEAT Ibiza is a supermini manufactured by the Volkswagen Group and sold under the SEAT marque. SEAT Ibiza range car review by the expert drivers covering comfort, performance, coolness, quality, handing, practicality and running costs.

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The Seat Alhambra Test Drive

The Seat Alhambra is marketed as a Sporty MPV which sounds like a contradiction in terms. When you think sporty, you think mid engine, low to the ground, streamline and a head turner; it’s not many people who would picture a 7 seater people carrier. However, it could be considered sporty in that you could get a five a side football team into it comfortably.

I am one of those average people with 2.4 children and a dog, so I have never really had a need for such a big vehicle. Because of this I have never really given people carriers much thought as a possibility of my next car, its only when you are driving one that it suddenly occurs to you of how it might work for the family. Obviously it’s very roomy for Holidays, so lots of space for excited holiday makers and luggage and with rails on the roof you can easily fit a top bow for even more luggage. When the kids want to have their birthday party at the local cinema or Mcdonalds, you can easily get all the kids in the car and take them to the venue in one trip. Also its reassuring to know that even then you fill the car with teenagers, there is still ample room to move around and to be comfortable. So a large car definitely has practical benefits.

What about style, does the Seat Alhambra offer style? Well my teenagers rated the car highly. They liked that it was high up and that they could spy into other peoples cars. They liked that they had more seating options to choose from, not having to site next to one another or have to site directly behind the parents. They thought that the tinted windows were particularly beneficial and requested that my next car should have them, to protect their eyes oh hot sunny days. They almost immediately after getting into the car had to try out the little pull down tables that were situated on the backs of the chairs in front, a bit like aeroplane pull down tables. The tables were a big hit, something to lean on, and to hold your drink whist you play the DS – Fantastic.

As the driver I didn’t feel like I was sitting in a sporty car. For a start the chairs are bolt upright, great for the posture, but not exactly sporty bucket seats. The Dashboard was very functional and had quite a few dials which made it look a bit like the cockpit of a small aircraft. One of the extra dials was giving information about the charge in the battery. Not very helpful information to the driver, but it did add to the ambiance of the dashboard.

Once I had got the hang of the controls, it was actually rather good fun to drive. Other road users did tend to keep out of my way, and I found people at junctions and roundabouts to be more courteous. They obviously didn’t want to have conflict with a vehicle of this size, which made around the town driving more enjoyable than usual.

I also found that being so high up off the ground that I had much better visibility at junctions where shrubs or other vehicles would be in my way and block my view of oncoming traffic. This of course made driving quicker because I could see straight away when I was able to move off, instead of waiting cautiously until I had a clear view.

I found the pulling power in second great fun, it really shifted and you could feel it pulling you into your seat.

On the motorway it hummed along like a breeze with no problems. Again I found on motorways that the Alhambra offered great visibility of the road ahead. You are able to see further simply because you are a bit higher up than you normally would be. This was also beneficial when I was stuck in traffic because you can see what’s happening up ahead.

I think as with any large car that there are the usually draw backs, finding big parking spaces in the town, the higher price of car tax etcetera, however other than those large car issues there wasn’t anything about the Alhambra that I particularly didn’t like. Well except for the issue of where would the dog go? With no real boot to speak of, there’s no where safe for the dog to travel.


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