The Seat Alhambra 1.9 TDI with a Avondale Argente 650-6 with an actual weight of 1651 kg is a match suitable for most journeys, sometimes with some limitations.
The motor preformance of the Seat is in general sufficient. But the weight of the Avondale with a normally distributed User Payload (200 kg in the caravan and 200 kg in the car including passengers), is heavy. Try to move luggage from the caravan to the car and drive not too fast. Remember to load your caravan correctly, insuring that the noseweight of the caravan is sufficient and the weight is distributed properly. But even so, a starting caravan driver is better off choosing a smaller and less heavy caravan!
Flat roads
Towing Performance
175
139
Mountains
Risk of snaking
144
108
Weight ratio: 86% (97% of kerbweight)
1651 kg
1909 kg
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Seat Alhambra 1.9 TDI Avondale Argente 650-6
Actual Weights
Avondale Argente 650-6: 1651 kg.
Seat Alhambra 1.9 TDI: 1909 kg.
Noseweight: 90 kg.
Actual weight ratio: 86%.
Performance
The engine's performance is generally fairly good on flat roads (performance score to compare 175 points).
Speeds of 68 mph (110 km/h) to 74 mph (120 km/h) are often quite possible.
There is only moderate power at low engine speeds (score to compare 139 points).
Slightly higher revs (2000 rpm) may be necessary under normal conditions on flat roads.
Acceleration from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) is theoretically possible in 30.1 sec.
In the mountains the performance is generally sufficient (score to compare 144 points).
No problems are to be expected on steep mountain roads but the performance is not that great. Hill starts are possible on steep slopes up to 11%, but do require some experience from the driver.
On motorway inclines the speed drops despite high revs.
A speed of 53 mph (86 km/h) is usually possible on most motorway inclines.
Weight
The towing limit of the Seat is more than sufficient (check this in your vehicle documents).
If you passed your driving test after 1 January 1997, you will need a B+E (or B96) driving license.
Weight ratio between the laden caravan and the loaded car is 86%. Common in the UK: the weight ratio between the laden caravan and the kerbweight of the car is 97%.
The risk of snaking at higher speeds, strong side winds and thoughtless driving is great. Even if the combination normally feels stable, the forces by deflection side to side are so great that it could be dangerous. Only if the driver has a lot of knowledge and experience in driving a caravan it should be safe to drive slowly. Proper and careful loading is essential! An electronic stability system in the car and / or on the caravan is definitely recommended.
Recommended noseweight is 90 kg.
Safe speed up to 56 mph (90 km/h).
Stability and safety score to compare is 108 points.
If the caravan starts to snake you should reduce your speed and slow down directly! Lift your feet off the accelerator and brake gradually. Hold the steering wheel into a fixed position.
Conclusion
Performance is sufficient.
Proper and careful loading is essential!
It's a good match, sometimes with some limitations.
Influence of User Payload on stability
Weight distribution and noseweight are vital in obtaining a stable caravan.