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SEAT Exeo TDI Multitronic

Does CVT box make family car a contender?

SEAT Exeo TDI Multitronic rear

Text: Kyle Fortune / Photos: Andy Morgan

February 2011

It's the old Audi A4 in disguise – and now, SEAT’s Exeo is borrowing more from the four rings, in the shape of a new automatic box. 

The Multitronic CVT is available with the 143bhp 2.0-litre diesel in generously equipped SE Tech or Sport Tech trims. And it adds around £1,500 to the price of the saloon or ST estate. 

The set-up works well with the TDI engine’s plentiful low-rev torque, although there is a racket as the revs rise under full acceleration. SEAT quotes a 0-62mph time of 9.3 seconds.

Cruising is this Exeo’s strength, and we recommend you leave the paddleshifters alone. The Mutlitronic is so good in Drive that you don’t need to bother swapping between the seven stepped ratios on offer. Instead, enjoy the unruffled progress and the smart cabin.

There’s some wind noise at speed, but otherwise the Exeo is an accomplished motorway cruiser. Find a more challenging road and it’s able, if not quite as involving as a Ford Mondeo with the twin-clutch Powershift auto.

It feels smaller inside than its rivals, too, especially in the back. SEAT has addressed this, adding 44mm of rear legroom across the range by altering the seat cushions and scalloping out the front seatbacks. 

The Exeo is well equipped, with leather upholstery, climate control and parking sensors as standard. But the automatic box hits its green credentials slightly, with fuel consumption increasing to 48.7mpg and CO2 emissions to 153g/km – more than the conventional manual version. 

For an alternative review of the latest SEAT Exeo visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

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1 Comment

Huh

A lot to pay for a SEAT!!! But not much for an Audi...
Badge engineering snobs...

By Leonidas on 7 February, 2011, 7:12pm

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Pictures

SEAT Exeo TDI Multitronic rear
SEAT Exeo TDI Multitronic rear
SEAT Exeo TDI Multitronic engine
SEAT Exeo TDI Multitronic interior

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FIRST OPINION

    Buyers now have even more choice with the addition of this automatic to the Exeo range. It works well with the 143bhp TDI diesel, even if economy and emissions suffer slightly. Yet while standard equipment is generous and the Audi-sourced premium feel shines through, there are more spacious and enjoyable rivals. Plus, £24,000 is a lot to pay for a SEAT. 

 

AT A GLANCE

    Price: £24,260 (est)
    Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbodiesel
    Transmission: Seven-speed  CVT automatic, front-wheel drive
    Power/torque: 143bhp/320Nm
    0-62mph: 9.3 seconds
    Top speed: 129mph
    Econ/CO2: 48.7mpg/153g/km (est)
    Equipment: Climate control, leather seats, alloys, rear parking sensors 
    On sale: Now
     
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