SEAT is celebrating a winning start to 2011 with news that its all-new Alhambra has scooped the MPV title at this year’s What Car? Awards.

The flexible full-size seven seater took the coveted honour at last night’s ceremony with the judges highlighting its appealing mix of generous passenger and luggage space, ingenious features and refined driving experience.

The largest member of the growing SEAT range went on sale here in November last year and is already securing significant interest from eager buyers keen to get their hands on this elegant, flexible and luxurious MPV.

The annual What Car? Awards, established more than 30 years ago and acknowledged as being among the UK’s most influential motoring honours, were once again staged at London’s landmark Grosvenor House hotel.

Commenting on SEAT’s winner What Car? editor-in-chief, Steve Fowler, said: ‘The new SEAT Alhambra is a brilliantly-conceived people mover. Space is key, but so are the clever features like the folding seats and sliding doors.

‘However, it’s the way the Alhambra drives that impressed us most – particularly its comfort and refinement, and that it feels like a small family car on the road.’

Available in S, SE or top spec’ SE Lux trim and priced from just £22,800 RRP, the award-winning Alhambra is offered with a choice of modern turbocharged petrol or diesel powerplants. All engines can be paired with either a crisp six-speed manual or smooth six-speed DSG auto that offers the extra flexibility of sequential manual operation via the standard steering wheel-mounted paddle shifts.

As befits a class leader, all Alhambras boast a high level of standard equipment. Among the highlights available across the range are sliding rear doors (optionally available with electric operation); fuel-saving Stop/Start and Brake Energy Recovery systems; integrated Bluetooth hands-free phone connection; three-zone climate control and front and rear parking sensors.

Move up to SE and you can look forward to such luxuries as auto lights and wipers, auto-dimming rear view mirror; 17-inch alloys; High Beam Assist and cruise control among a raft of added equipment.

SE Lux buyers, meanwhile, enjoy a fittingly luxurious Alhambra experience. Black leather upholstery; power operated rear side doors and tailgate; panoramic glass sunroof; rear view camera and satellite navigation are among the extensive list of standard-fit equipment.

Retail and small fleet buyers energised to enquire about SEAT’s What Car? winner will also be happy to hear that they can benefit from the Spanish brand’s current ½ VAT offer, which effectively brings the newly-increased Value Added Tax down to its original 1973 level of ten per cent. The Alhambra offer runs throughout the first quarter of 2011, ending 31 March this year, and applies to eligible retail customer cars registered before this date.

SEAT UK Managing Director Peter Wyhinny collected the Alhambra’s award at the Grosvenor. He said: ‘On behalf of SEAT UK, and all our colleagues in both Martorell and Palmela where the Alhambra is built, I’m thrilled to accept this MPV title.

‘This important endorsement by the What Car? judges underlines my firm belief that the new Alhambra is clearly the most attractive full-size MPV on the market today.’