SEAT Exeo ST
by Tim Barnes-Clay, the man behind the wheel.
Date: 23 October 2011
DO YOU fancy a Spanish Audi A4 Avant? Sounds daft, but that, more or less, is what SEAT is offering you with the Exeo Sport Tourer.
The car isn’t quite as handsome as the German legend, but it’s not far off. The interior is almost identical to that of the previous generation A4 and the exterior, apart from the head and tail light clusters – and the obvious lack of four rings - is pretty much a carbon copy.
These are all good things because the SEAT Exeo ST feels solid, well screwed together and classy – just like an old generation Audi A4 in fact. And, guess what? It drives just as well. It really does.
SE Tech 2.0 TDI CR 143 PS Multitronic
The version I had on test was the SE Tech 2.0 TDI CR 143 PS Multitronic. The model’s automatic gearbox with steering wheel paddles makes the estate a perfect long distance, sporty, cruiser and, without any clutch in, clutch out action, city driving is a cinch. The car has bags of pulling power, however at slower speeds the steering feels slightly heavy, but there is little else to complain about.
Lift the tailgate and the cargo area of the SEAT Exeo ST is large, square and low, which makes for easy loading. Prams, golf clubs and boxes just slide in, and there’s a very handy, retractable load cover to hide everything from prying eyes.
Premium Appearance
So, what else should you know about this executive class SEAT? Well, recent styling enhancements, boosted by smart new alloy wheel designs, have further emphasized the Exeo’s premium appearance, while upgrades to interior materials – including better leather on the steering wheel and revised upholstery – have created a matching quality feel.
Meanwhile, improvements to the high-class SEAT estate’s 2.0 TDI common rail powerplant now sees emissions cut. Economy is similarly improved, too. In fact, looking to 2012, the Exeo family is in for further upgrades with the addition for the first time of SEAT’s effortless Start/Stop technology, which will help deliver even more fuel efficiency.
The Exeo’s styling changes, allied to SEAT’s ongoing commitment to improving quality while simultaneously cutting its cars’ emissions and improving fuel economy, are sure to generate further interest in the range – which is now the Spanish brand’s third best-seller in the UK behind the Ibiza supermini and sporty Leon five-door family hatch.
PROS ‘N’ CONS
PROS
- Classy
- Comfortable
- Good load area
- Economical
CONS
- Heavy steering at slow speeds
FAST FACTS
- Max speed: 125 mph
- 0-62 mph: 9.6 secs
- Combined mpg: 48.7
- Engine: 1968 cc 16v turbo diesel
- Max. power (bhp): 141 at 4200 rpm
- Max. torque (Ib/ft): 236 at 1750-2500 rpm
- CO2: 153 g/km
- Price: £24,270
