THE SEAT Alhambra has been voted Used MPV of the Year, 2003, by Used Car Buyer magazine.

A panel of 13 industry experts and motoring journalists judged vehicles in this category on residual value, their fitness for purpose, value for money, running costs, reliability and image. The Alhambra beat off fierce competition to take the award, eventually leaving the Vauxhall Zafira and Fiat Multipla in the runners up positions.

The Alhambra has long been recognised as one of the best MPV offerings on the market because of its generous specifications and value for money pricing. It is also no stranger to awards, having twice been voted Best MPV by Fleet News and the best used MPV award serves to underline the Alhambra's enduring appeal.

Commenting on the win, Guy Baker, editor of Used Car Buyer, said: "The Alhambra has been around since 1996 but still impresses thanks to its car-like driving dynamics, comfort and genuine versatility. But what makes the Alhambra a clear winner is the fact that it always came with excellent standard equipment and is fantastic value for money."

Julian Tighe, SEAT UK's Used Car Sales operations manager, commented: "We are really very pleased to win the MPV award for the Alhambra and it adds to the list of Used Car Buyer accolades for the SEAT range. The Arosa won the Best City Car in 2000 and 2001 and the Leon was a close runner up in the Small Family Car category."

The SEAT Arosa and SEAT Leon were also both highly commended by Used Car Buyer in the Used Car of the Year Awards 2003 in the City Car and Small Family Car categories respectively.