For the first time Seat enters the larger family car market with the launch of the new Exeo. If the car looks familiar, that’s because it is essentially the last generation Audi A4 dressed up in new clothes. Seat took the opportunity of its position within the VW group to ship the tooling for the outgoing A4 from Ingolstadt in Germany to its factory in Matorell in Spain in just eight weeks. Seat is hoping the Exeo will appeal to customers looking for the build quality associated with Audi but at Seat prices, as well as existing customers hoping to move up to a bigger car within the Spanish firm’s range.
Due on sale in Ireland imminently, the Exeo come with a choice of 143 bhp or 170 bhp litre TDi common rail diesel engines. A 120 bhp version is due to follow in September. There are no plans to bring petrol-engined models into Ireland at present. A six speed manual transmission is standard with all engine options.
Two model specifications are on offer. The basic ‘R’ model comes with 16 inch wheels, cruise control, Bluetooth, front fog lights, and dual zone climate control. The ‘S’ specification adds an alarm system, rear parking sensors, rain sensor wipers and automatic lights, a leather steering wheel as well as a chrome trim. Safety wise, ESP with electronic brake assist is standard, as are seven airbags.
An Estate version, the Exeo ST has also been unveiled and will go on sale at a later date. Irish prices for the Exeo saloon have not been unveiled at the time of going to press.
Cathal Doyle