The Seat Alhambra is a very good MPV, and a very capable tow car. With its combination of a high kerbweight, a powerful engine and an extremely flexible cabin, the Seat is a worthy winner of the ‘Best MPV’ award.

As a tow car, stability is the Alhambra’s stand-out feature. It’s reassuring at 60mph and untroubled at 70mph. Data from the Al-Ko ATC system backed up the impression of our drivers – this really is a very secure tow car.

It’s a reasonably quick one, too. The 184PS (181bhp) engine is the most powerful in the Alhambra line-up, and it’s strong enough to pull car and caravan from 30-60mph in 12.4 seconds.

Front-wheel drive and lots of power isn’t always a happy combination for hill starts, but the Alhambra coped reasonably well. It took quite a few revs to pull over the 1-in-6 slope, though, and the driver needed to be quick with the throttle as the electronic brake released or the car would briefly roll backwards.

Inside, the Alhambra has space for seven in a roomy and thoughtfully designed cabin. The sliding rear doors are a definite plus, and make it easy to get in and out of the car in tight parking spaces.

With the third row folded into the floor, we found room for a full load of holiday luggage. Further marks were picked up for the excellent reversing camera and the standard fitment of trailer stability control.