Our family car (Mazda 5) is becoming a bit long in the tooth. We were supposed to test drive a Grand C-max 1.0 ecoboost this morning as a possible replacement but the muppet dealer who said they had one didn't!

So rather than wasting a journey we thought we'd pop into the other dealers. We took a Nissan X trail 1.6 petrol seven seater out. Good looking car with good spec, the 1.6 petrol flies, really impressed by the engine. Mrs really likes it but I think she likes the kerb appeal.

We then popped into the Seat dealer who have the Seat Alhambra, I've mentioned these to my Mrs a few times and she's always said she wouldn't have one. Well after popping the boot and and having a look inside she's changed her mind. Took the 2.0 diesel out and it's a great drive. Build quality seems top notch.

Looks like we will be placing an order for an SE lux next weekend, seems to have all the toys we need. I'm guessing there is a new model coming out as there seems to be some good deals out there.

Am I missing out any good seven seaters? Wouldn't touch Vauxhall with a barge pole.

VW Touran is 7 seats but fold flat in boot, so not a full fat permanent 7 seater- or the Alhambra's sister the VW Sharan. IMO VW plastics feel better than Seat for some reason.

Touran might be a touch small. Also don't think the VW commands a £5k premium over the Seat. Aren't Skoda are doing a seven seater soon? Not sure if it's a proper one tho?

How about a Citroen Grand Picasso, normally I'd never give one a second look but while we were in Italy last year we hired one and I was quite impressed. Depreciation is not too good if you buy new at or near list price but take a look at an ex demo or see what discount you can get on a new one. Nearly all the car magazines rate it quite highly.

 

Or how about a Hyundai i800 - certainly different but worth a look, 8 seats, loads of space and a very good spec.

we have got an Alhambra SE Lux, actually a very nice car and with the 184 bhp engine quite fast enough as well.

 

the leather seats also make cleaning the car easier with small kids....

 

another thing we have got the black and brown leather inside and it really lifts the cabin, much better than solid black everywhere!

 

I guess the only downside is the image or lack of it.

we have got an Alhambra SE Lux, actually a very nice car and with the 184 bhp engine quite fast enough as well.

 

the leather seats also make cleaning the car easier with small kids....

 

another thing we have got the black and brown leather inside and it really lifts the cabin, much better than solid black everywhere!

 

I guess the only downside is the image or lack of it.

 

We liked it from the inside, the FR looked good from the outside but don't think we will go for one of them! I think we will go for the 150bhp, seemed more than enough on the test drive.

 

Think we will place the order on Saturday, just need to decide colour!

pulled the trigger on ordering this on Saturday. Went for an SE Lux with the DSG and 150bhp diesel engine. Will be on a three year lease and depending on how well we get on with it will look to buy it once lease has finished. Would also given the horror stories of the DSG box take an extended warranty.

 

Really looking forward to the new car, seems to have some really nice features and gadgets compared to our old one. I'll post up some pics once it arrives just in case someone else is interested in getting a bus lol.