SEAT has moved its Alhambra MPV up a gear with new engines including a 204bhp V6 - making it the most powerful SEAT ever - six-speed gearboxes and price cuts.

Following the launch of the new Ford Galaxy and Volkswagen Sharan, SEAT has announced wide-ranging changes to its own seven-seat MPV which rolls off the same production line. The new eight-model line-up starts off at £17,795 for the 2.0 S 115bhp - £200 less than previously - but boosted by new equipment including a six-speed gearbox and side airbags.

The S trim is also available for the first time with the 20V T engine offering 150bhp and costing £18,895 - £2,100 less than the previous 20V T - and with the Volkswagen Group's new generation 115bhp TDi diesel engine - top speed 112mph, a 0-62 mph time of 13.7 seconds and CO2 emissions of 178 g/km - which replaces the outgoing 110 TDi unit, although price remains unchanged at £19,595.

Now SE models come equipped with sports suspension, which lowers the vehicle by 25mm and equipment includes 16-inch alloy wheels, dark-tinted glass for rear passengers, headlight washers, front spot lights and heated windscreen as well as interior specification improvements.

Additional equipment is valued at £2,300 over S models putting the 20 V T SE at £21,195 on the road and the TDi PD SE at £21,895. Five-speed Tiptronic transmission is available for the first time on a SEAT from the autumn costing a further £1,175.

While all S and SE models are either available now or in the near future, Tiptronic models will not be available until the autumn when they will joined by the 2.8 V6 Sport costing £24,995 on the road.

Claimed to be 'the most lavish SEAT ever' it features the SE's lowered sports suspension, CD autochanger, leather upholstery, a top speed of 135 mph, a 0-62 mph time of 9.9 seconds and CO2 emissions of 211 g/km.