SE 2.0 TDI (140ps) 5dr People Carrier

Sliding Doors worth every penny.

Most reviews I've seen say that the Seat Alhambra is a better second hand option. I disagree - the lower numbers of Seats sold mean the prices have stayed high - whereas the higher number of VW has helped to drive down second hand prices.

With an injured back - the sliding doors are fantastic - really easy to get the kids in and out. The three seats are just what we were looking for, each one individually moveable and equally sized - with three children, and even when transporting friends, the two seats in the boot are a lot more comfortable that others manufacturers - we tried the Peugeot and the Ford S-MAX/Galaxy for test drives and the extra length of the VW really shows up in the footroom and general space for passengers in the boot seats. A little safer too - their heads are not pressed against the back window.

It's fairly frugal, unless you welly it around, in which case it does drink the fuel. The 140ps engine is slightly underpowered - if I'd had more money, I'm sure the 170 would be a better option, but the roadtax and increased purchase price were a non-starter. the 140ps has enough juice, but just occasionally, for overtaking a little extra oomph would help. A minor niggle really.

Parking sensors make a real difference when it's this long, so we opted for the SE model. Their isn't a spare wheel (not even a space saver) and the tyres are not run-flat, but "self-sealing". Time will tell on those - I remain a little sceptical and a little nervous.

Overall we are delighted - it's lovely sitting up high, the build quality is superb and the sliding doors are the key differentiator over the opposition.

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