SEAT Exeo

Styling/Image
If the Exeo looks a little familiar then there’s a good reason. Look beyond the SEAT badges and you’ll find the newcomer is essentially a last generation Audi A4. A sharp new nose and revised rear end help to freshen the looks, but there’s no disguising the design’s age. As with the German original buyers can choose from either a four-door saloon or practical estate called the Sport Tourer. There are four trim levels to pick from – S, SE, Sport and Lux – and all get alloy wheels and sporty twin exit exhausts.

Interior/Practicality
Like the exterior, the SEAT’s cabin will be familiar to owners of the old A4. There are restyled faces for the instruments, a new steering wheel and seats, but other wise the well-built interior is identical to the Audi. Sadly, that means the dimensions are exactly the same too, meaning the occupants in the rear will feel a little cramped. At least boot space is healthy, with the saloon able to swallow 460-litres of luggage. All versions get Bluetooth phone connection and air-conditioning, while the rang-topping SE Lux adds xenon headlamps.

Engines/Performance
While the SEAT is a little old hat on the outside, its engines are bang up to date. All the units come from parent firm VW and include the new 2.0-litre common-rail diesel – in 118, 141 and 168bhp tune – and smooth and punchy 197bhp 2.0-litre petrol from the MkV Golf GTI. However, the refined, punchy and frugal oil-burners are the pick of the bunch. All are mated to a six-speed manual transmission, while a version of Audi’s Multitronic automatic transmission will be available at a later date.

Driving experience
On the move the similarities between the Exeo and previous generation are obvious – although that’s no bad thing. The chassis is composed on twisty roads thanks to direct steering, strong grip and good body control. Sport models get a lowered and stiffened suspension set-up for sharper responses, although the firm ride can become harsh over big bumps.

Ownership costs
SEAT’s trademark value pricing means the Exeo undercuts its premium rivals. However, with plenty of a kit and solid build the Spanish car certainly doesn’t feel bargain basement. Better still, diesel versions will return over 50mpg, while lower powered versions emit 139g/km. The only fly in the ointment is the car’s disappointing residuals. Go for an oil-burner and you’ll get between 38 and 39 percent of your initial outlay back after three years, while the petrol model retains 36 percent.

Safety/Environment
As yet the Exeo hasn’t been subjected to EuroNCAP crash testing. However, the pervious generation Audi A4 achieved a five-star rating, which means the Spanish car should be equally strong. All versions get six airbags and electronic stability control, while SE, Sport and SE Lux trim adds tire pressure monitoring. The diesel engines are the most eco-friendly, emitting between 139 and 153g/km. Go for the 2.0-litre TSI petrol and this figure leaps to 179g/km.

Our choice: Exeo SE TDI 143