NEVER cast a clout until May is out, was a frequent admonishment my mum used to deliver to my sisters and I as she battled to get us to wear our macs, as they were called then, to school too many years ago to dwell upon.

To this day I do not know what the word ‘clout' means in this context but her assertion was clear - that there was still plenty of chance of rain despite it being the middle of spring, so we'd better go prepared.

If only I had remembered this advice when I enthusiastically agreed to my wife's suggestion that we book a family camping trip during half term.

As it happened, I had plenty of chance to rue the decision while spending two days in a field in Rutland pretty much trapped in our tent by incessant rain with two kids and a puppy.

The best parts of the whole experience were the journey to and hasty retreat, a day early, from this foolhardy escapade as the SEAT Alhambra proved just why it is currently one of the most acclaimed MPVs on the road.

Anyone in the market for comfortable, practical and flexible family wagon would be well-advised to give it a look as it's one of the roomiest, most versatile seven-seaters around.

It was a bit of a tight squeeze, but in five-seat mode it coped with our eight-man tent, all the accompanying paraphernalia, clothes and the swingball set.

And when you're not off on a camping trip the Alhambra's interior takes versatility to a whole new level.

Even the rearmost seats, the domain of the kids in most MPVs, can accomodate adults in relative comfort. And getting into them is pretty easy as the two outside seats in the middle row tilt forwards while all three of them also slide forwards and backwards, as well as reclining for extra comfort.

Sliding rear doors are, for me, an essential on any large MPV to help with access in tight parking spaces and mine, along with the tailgate, were automated (a £995 option).

The latter made light work of getting into the boot which, even with all the seats in place is a generous 267 litres and can be variously configured and extended by individually folding any of the rear seats down.

With all of them flat, however, you get a truly van-like 2,297 litres - almost enough to set yourself up in the removals business.

Cabin space is also impressive thanks to the extra width of the Alhambra and there were practical storage cubbies all over the place, including a lockable glovebox with cooling function, a covered compartment on the dash, one in the centre armrest, trays under each front seat and compartments under the second row floor.

This car also boasted optional roof storage (£120) and the boot cargo pack (£325), including a multi-position net system to help organise your luggage.

The only engine available is a 2.0-litre diesel with a choice of 140 or 177ps, but even the lower powered version in my test car proved punchy and durable.

Paired with a smooth six-speed manual transmission (there is an automatic option) it managed to haul all of our camping kit with ease.

And it's quite engaging to drive for a big unit too, with the firm suspension keeping the body under good control and sharp, responsive steering allowing some surprisingly nimble handling.

Despite a firm set-up, the ride remains smooth and comfortable and refinement is good, with little intrusion from engine, road or wind noise.

As well as space and comfort the Alhambra offers plenty of creature comforts to help you feel completely at home on the road.

SE kit includes a sound system with Bluetooth and USB connectivity, multi-function steering wheel, three-zone climate control, lumbar support in the front seats, rear privacy glass with sunblinds in the rear doors, folding tables in the middle row, cruise control and automatic lights and wipers.

Seven airbags, stability control with emergency brake assist, tyre pressure monitors and even a tiredness detection system take care of safety and the Alhambra gained the top five-star rating in Euro-NCAP crash tests, which is always good to know in a car aimed specifically at families.

Add in competitive pricing, fuel economy and running costs and it's easy to see why it has won a host of industry gongs.