2009 Seat Exeo Weekly Review

Posted on November 5, 2008
Filed Under Seat, We Like

Since Seat has committed to growing its sales volumes across Europe, and needs a model in the upper Mid segment. It may be a market in decline, but it is still the third largest market sector and accounts for 17% of sales.

As it needed a challenger toute suite, it simply borrowed the old A4 production line, shipped it from Ingolstadt to Martorell, and began production. Of course, having ex-Audi top man Eric Schmitt as the new Seat president helps. And as Seat wants a quality offering, going to the acknowledged leaders in terms of build quality makes this decision something of a no-brainer.
The familiar solid ride quality is there, trying to find a trade off between comfort and secure handling. Like the Audi, the 2009 Seat Exeo veers towards stiffness (and veers towards uncomfortable in Sport specification with 18-inch wheels and revised suspension), but the new Servo-tronic power steering is a welcome addition, adding plenty of weight into the rack to give more precision.

When it goes on sale in the UK, there will be three engine options for 2009 Seat Exeo – 2.0-litre TDI diesels with 143 and 170bhp (both the new common rail units) and a 200 bhp 2.0 litre TSI petrol unit borrowed from the Golf GTI.

Only 170bhp diesel was available to drive on Seat Exeo, accessing power from right down at the bottom of the rev range and surging you forward with ease. It’s a little bit gruff at start-up, but on the move settles down into a muted accompaniment.

Feature Stats:
Cost: £17,000
On sale in Europe: Around April 2009
Engine: 1968cc four-cylinder turbocharged common rail diesel, 168bhp @ 4,200rpm, 350Nm @ 1,750rpm
Transmission: Six speed manual, front wheel drive
Performance: 8.4 second 0-62mph, 229km/h, 5.8 litres/100km, 153g/km
Weight / made of? 1455kg/steel
Shape (length/width/height in mm)? 4661/1722/1430

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