Seat Alhambra 1996 1.9 TDi
Seat Alhambra 1996 1.9 diesel description
Minivan / MPV Seat Alhambra 1996 1.9 TDi has been produced from September, 1996 to July, 2000. It has four-cylinder diesel engine with displacement of 1.9 litres, which produces power of 90 horsepower on 4000 rpm and torque 202 Nm (Newton metres) on 1900 revolutions per minute.
This 4-cylinder 8-valve engine camshaft is driven by belt (What is an engine chain and belt? ). Engine has fuel injection system and turbine. The engine meets the Euro 2 emissions standard. Approximate engine life expectancy (mileage until serious repairs are required) for this engine is between 400 000 and 670 000 kilometres. Note that engine life can be longer or shorter depending on maintenance.
More engine specs
This engine stands out for its durability and generally remains trouble-free until it has been used extensively over many years. Despite its ...
This Seat Alhambra 1.9 engine oil type is 5W-40 and oil capacity is 4.3 litres.
Seat Alhambra 1996 1.9 TDi has front wheel drive (FWD) and manual gearbox with 5 gears.
Seat Alhambra 1996 1.9 TDi accelerates to speed 100 kilometres per hour in 19.3 seconds. The maximum speed of this car is 160 km/h.
In combined cycle (city and motorway), the Seat Alhambra 1996 1.9 TDi fuel consumption is 6.5 litres per 100km (15.4 km/l) - this is one of most fuel efficient Seat Alhambra 1996 - 2000 versions, city fuel economy - 8.5 l/100km, fuel consumption on highway - 5.3 l/100km. Fuel tank capacity is 70 litres or 18.49 gallons, which gives a mileage up to 1060 kilometers without refueling in urban cycle and even up to 1320 kilometers on highway.
According to user reviews, this Seat real everyday fuel consumption is 7.6 litres per 100 km, which is 17% more than the manufacturer's stated. More - Real Seat Alhambra fuel consumption.

Seat Alhambra 1996 1.9 TDi technical data
Model: | Seat Alhambra 1.9 TDi | ||
---|---|---|---|
Body style: | Minivan / MPV | ||
Production period: | 1996. September ... 2000. July | ||
Engine: | 1896 cm3 Diesel, 4 cylinders | CO2 emissions: | 174 g/km |
Power: | 90 HP ON 4000 RPM | Torque: | 202 NM ON 1900 RPM |
Gearbox: | Manual gearbox (5 gears) | Drive type: | Front wheel drive (FWD) |
Top speed: | 160 km/h | Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 19.3 seconds |
Fuel consumption (l/100km): | 6.5 (combined) 8.5 (urban) 5.3 (highway) | ||
Real fuel consumption: | 7.6 l/100km (30.9 MPG) by user reviews from various sources | ||
Fuel tank capacity: | 70 litres (18.5 gallons) | ||
Car dimensions: | 4.62m (length) 1.81m (width) 1.73m (height) | ||
Turning diameter: | 11.7 meters | ||
Gross weight: | 2000 kg |
Seat Alhambra 1996 1.9 TDi engine 1Z
Engine reliability and common problems:
This engine stands out for its durability and generally remains trouble-free until it has been used extensively over many years. Despite its robust construction, the wear and tear from prolonged use, particularly in aging and low-cost vehicles, has started to reveal weaknesses. One of the most serious issues is the failure of the timing belt, which requires replacement every 60,000 km to prevent catastrophic engine damage. Common faults also include burnt valve seats, which result in a loss of compression, and oil leaks that are frequently traced to a broken lower flange in the crankcase ventilation system. Engine performance problems are often linked to malfunctions in the turbo management system, airflow meter, or EGR valve. Another critical concern arises when fragments of the serpentine belt, often caused by a damaged roller, interfere with the timing mechanism, leading to severe engine failure. The mechanical injectors feature a control injector equipped with a timing sensor, and if this sensor fails, the engine shifts into a limp mode, drastically reducing power output beyond 2000 rpm, with diagnostics identifying a loss of communication with the needle lift sensor.Overall, this engine can last around 400,000 to 670,000 km if properly maintained, using the correct quality oil and fuel, and carrying out regular checks and maintenance.
The engine has hydraulic valve tappets (lifters), which provide quieter operation and do not require periodic adjustment, but are more complex in design and can cause serious engine damage in the event of failure.
Engine displacement | 1896 cm3 |
---|---|
Number of cylinders | 4 |
Bore (cylinder diameter) | 79.5 mm |
Stroke length (piston move) | 95.5 mm |
Compression ratio | 19.5 : 1 |
Camshaft drive | Timing belt Timing belt engines are generally quieter and less vibrating than chain engines, but belt usually needs to be replaced more often and the risk of breakage is higher. More service info |
Timing belt change interval | 60,000 km (recommended) Sometimes manufacturers do not specify timing chain replacement intervals and design chains for engine life. However, once the recommended change interval has been reached, it is recommended to periodically check the condition of the chain and to change the chain if excessive stretching is detected or if unusual noises from the engine or other symptoms occur. |
Fuel system | Injection |
Seat Alhambra 1996 1.9 TDi oil type | 5W-40 |
Oil capacity | 4.3 litres (4.5 quarts) More service info |
Power | 90 HP ON 4000 RPM |
Torque | 202 NM ON 1900 RPM |
Engine manufacturer | Volkswagen (VW) |
Start of production (year) | 1991 |
Duration of production | 6 years |
Engine also used on | Audi A6 Volkswagen Golf Audi 80 Volkswagen Vento and 2 other models |
All Seat Alhambra minivan [1996 - 2000] modifications
Modification | Engine | Power | Consumption | Gearbox |
---|---|---|---|---|
Seat Alhambra 1998 1.8i 20V Turbo
Jul 1998 — Jul 2000 Most dynamic version - 100 km/h in 12 seconds |
1.8 Petrol | 150 HP | 10.1 l/100km | Manual (5) |
Seat Alhambra 2000 1.8i 20V Turbo
Jan 2000 — Jul 2000 Most powerfull petrol version (150 HP) |
1.8 Petrol | 150 HP | - | Automatic (4) |
Seat Alhambra 1996 1.9 TDi | 1.9 Diesel | 90 HP | 6.5 l/100km | Manual (5) |
Seat Alhambra 1997 1.9 TDi
Sep 1997 — Jul 2000 Most powerfull diesel version (110 HP) |
1.9 Diesel | 110 HP | 6.4 l/100km | Manual (5) |
Seat Alhambra 1998 1.9 TDi
Jan 1998 — Jul 2000 Most powerfull diesel version (110 HP) |
1.9 Diesel | 110 HP | 7.7 l/100km | Automatic (4) |
Seat Alhambra 1996 2.0i
Most fuel efficient petrol version |
2.0 Petrol | 116 HP | 9.9 l/100km | Manual (5) |
Seat Alhambra 1996 2.0i | 2.0 Petrol | 116 HP | 11.5 l/100km | Automatic (4) |