The new SEAT Exeo exists thanks the Audi A4!
Spanish carmaker SEAT is a member of the German Volkswagen family and as such gets to make cars using bits and pieces from the VW group's parts bin. Just take a look at the Exeo and you can clearly see it is a reworking of the last generation Audi A4. Is this a bad thing? No, as Exeo reaps all the benefits of the solid design and build quality that premium carmaker Audi had developed for its old A4.
Exeo's exterior has been 'SEAT-ised' with a front grille featuring the brand's trademark 'S', and, of course, the boot lever is in the shape of the classic 'S', too. Otherwise, the car is so like the old A4 it is truly remarkable that SEAT was allowed to put its badge on it.
I'm in the ST (estate) version, which really should be called an Avant. The exterior is perfectly proportioned for a lifestyle estate car. The strong shoulder lines work well and the only thing that people will have to get used to is the lack of the Audi badge - especially at the front - and, of course, the extra few curves. I keep asking myself, 'Is the market really ready for a premium SEAT'?
Inside the switchgear and basically everything is pure German - no surprise as the interior is modelled from the old A4 convertible. So there can be no complaints when it comes to functionality.
The feeling one gets behind the wheel is of contentment. The car feels weighty and substantial but not in a bulky way. The suspension and ride quality are first class, too. SEAT says that it reworked the suspension (multi link front and rear) but to be honest I didn't notice that much of a difference. On the open road the steering could do with more feel, but you quickly realise Exeo is about relaxed cruising.
Available in petrol and diesel form (120-200bhp), the only engine to make sense in Ireland will be the 2-litre turbo diesel (two power outputs). The 120bhp entry-level version will make the most sense, although the higher powered 140bhp I drove was perfect for the car.
Optional double-glazed side windows and USB connectivity are some of the gadget highlights, but the best party trick available with the Exeo has to be the solar power producing sunroof - yes, you read correctly! Solar cells in the sunroof will be of great benefit to drivers in Spain etc but in Ireland I fear they may just provide initial bragging rights to owners in the company car park, to be followed quickly by slagging rights to your mates!
SEAT is entering a new segment with the Exeo and will have a hard job of establishing itself as a player especially as the yet-to-be-announced Irish price isn't going to be as cheap as chips.
Do I like the Exeo? Yes, but would I buy a new Seat Exeo? No.
The SEAT brand isn't posh enough in this sector. For more or less the same money I could buy a year-old equivalent Audi A4 instead.
SEAT simply cannot beat the Audi badge even when it is... an Audi!
Michael Sheridan
