Skip advert
Advertisement

SEAT Exeo ST

Updates don’t go as far on SEAT, but it’s still spacious

SEAT also calls its family estate a Sport Tourer, but it has taken a very different approach to Renault with its updates for 2012.

The Exeo is based on a four-door saloon rather than a five-door hatch like the Megane, but both cars combine style and space, and claim a sporty focus that other estates lack.

Advertisement - Article continues below

This recipe partly explains why the Exeo is now the third biggest-selling model in the SEAT range, behind the Ibiza and the Leon, and the company hopes the refresh should help the car build on this success. 

Sadly, the tweaks to the styling are rather subtle, with Sport versions benefiting from a set of new bi-xenon headlights. On higher-spec versions than our SE, these incorporate LEDs as standard; they’re optional on our car. Without the LEDs, it’s hard to tell the Exeo apart from the old model, even though the 17-inch alloys and honeycomb grille are new. It looks clean and simple, but is unlikely to attract many admiring glances on the road.

The cabin has also been updated, with the designers focusing on improving overall quality. But again, the changes feel a bit skin-deep. Smarter leather on the steering wheel and new seat materials aren’t enough to conceal the ageing dashboard design, while the Megane’s sleek and modern layout is a step ahead; the Exeo makes do with square climate control buttons, and a USB input is a £60 optional extra. 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Qashqai

2018 Nissan

Qashqai

52,849 milesManualDiesel1.5L

Cash £10,900
View Qashqai
5008

2022 Peugeot

5008

46,225 milesManualDiesel1.5L

Cash £18,506
View 5008
Puma

2023 Ford

Puma

67,042 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £12,506
View Puma
EQC

2023 Mercedes

EQC

21,307 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £26,000
View EQC

Everything feels solid enough, and clever features like the hidden slot for your phone work well. But the armrest catches your elbow when you change gear and the centre console needlessly intrudes into the driver’s footwell – niggles like this will soon irritate owners. The Exeo should be more practical, due to its longer body and saloon chassis. But again, it’s held back by its dated previous-generation Audi A4 underpinnings. The boot is smaller than the Renault’s with the rear seats in place, while the parcel shelf is heavy. So is the seat folding mechanism – it requires two hands.

This extra weight also had an impact at the track, where the Exeo took 17.8 seconds to go from 50-70mph in sixth – that’s a full eight seconds longer than the Megane. It was just as sluggish off the line, trailing the Renault by 2.6 seconds from 0-62mph, with a time of 12.4 seconds. The SEAT was hobbled by its tall gearing and the fact it has 30Nm less torque than its rival, at 290Nm.

Despite this limited performance, the Exeo can still tow 500kg more than the Megane, while the softer suspension makes it a comfier companion on long trips. As soon as you hit a twisty road, though, it feels heavy and cumbersome thanks to its vague steering.

The £21,605 SEAT is £995 cheaper than the Renault, and should hold on to its value better. But high running costs – poor economy in particular – mean it will be hard-pressed to beat the efficient and well equipped Megane. 

Details

Chart position: 2Why: SEAT’s business-minded Exeo is a comfortable and refined family holdall. Plus, the car’s roots as a saloon make the estate a far more practical proposition.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £25,915Avg. savings £2,116 off RRP*Used from £18,900
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £1,848 off RRP*Used from £7,649
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,568 off RRP*Used from £12,295
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £5,075 off RRP*Used from £14,448
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025