[joninprague]

Hi all,

I am after some advice please. I currently have an Alhambra that finishes soon and I need to look at replacements. I am on the large side and its been getting more difficult getting in and out so could do with something that is perhaps a little higher as . I need to have electrically adjustable drivers seat and a good sized boot as I have to carry oxygen cylinders.

Any tips greatly appreciated

 

 

 

Topic

[vinalspin]

Hi Jon, I have the Alhambra SE-Lux with the 12 way electric leather seats and can order a new car from the end of this month.

I have spent the last 6 months testing lots and lots of different vehicles as I like you am on the big side, not so much fat but I’m 6’2″ 19st with long legs, big chest(52″) and long arms(79″ reach) so every car seems small and cramped to some extent to me.

After lots of disappointing test drives or just testing sitting in and checking seats/boot etc I have found the best for me is the Peugeot Rifter(same as Citroen Berlingo but has lots more kit and I think looks better).

While it doesn’t have electric adjustment on the seats it does have a lot of mechanical adjustment and reach/rake for the steering wheel, individual armrests, plenty of height/angle scope and very comfy seat cushioning(soooo much more comfy than the Alhambra) and the steering is lots lighter at slower speeds so round town driving and parking are a lot nicer to navigate and once at speed it firms up nicely, there is even lane assist if you want/need it(model dependent).

I am looking at the 7 seat 1.5 blue hdi 130bhp EAT8 auto version with visio pack + other options, in this guise it gives a truley massive boot and with the 2 third row seats fitting to the floor(not folding down into it) and being able to remove them completely you are left with a lower fully flat boot floor.

There is so much more space in this than the Alhambra, I can sit in the rear passenger seat behind the drivers seat that is set for me and have 3-4 inches of knee room unlike now where I have to put my knees either side of the seat back.

Getting in/out is easier as it is higher overall and thus the seating is higher but you never worry about bumping your head as the headroom is huge.

I know this kind of car is not everybody’s cup of tea but these new versions are built on the same platform as the 3008/5008 and drive just like a car(I had a 13 plate berlingo and it’s night and day), on the test drive I never felt a single bump and you can chuck it about with ease, it stops way easier than the Alhambra as it weighs much less and it’s only just a second slower to 60 than the 184bhp Seat I have now plus it will give mid 50’s mpg and has all the tech you could ask for.

This is just my opinion but I couldn’t find anything on the scheme to match it and I couldn’t care less about what badge my car has on the bonnet.

[joninprague]

Thanks Vinalspin what an informative post its very much appreciated. I had actually had been considering the rifter. The electric seats are a must for me though. I cant reach down to adjust them and with the electric seats they can be programmed to the key fob so as the car unlocks it adjusts to my settings automatically which is great.

I will keep my eyes open. Its a proper pain because you cant search for cars with electric seats 🙂

[vinalspin]

I suppose if you have different drivers then electric is a must. My seat hasn’t moved in 3 years.

[Author]

Replies