Seat Exeo ST car review
Specifications
Model tested: Seat Exeo ST 2.0 TDI 143PS SE estate
Price as tested: £20,755 (£19,495 - £24,285)
Insurance group as tested: 24E
CO2 emissions as tested: 143 g/km
CO2 emissions range: 143-179 g/km
Company car tax %: 19%
EuroNCAP result: N/A
Date tested: January 2010
Road tester: Stuart Milne
Auto Trader Ten Point Test rating: 81%
The Seat Exeo marks the Spanish car maker’s first foray into the lucrative large family car market. And that’s a market that has some big name players, from the BMW 3 Series through to the Ford Mondeo.
It’s also a market where company cars play a huge part, so Seat is aiming the Exeo squarely at car fleets, but is hoping to pick up a few private sales too. And now the Exeo ST estate widens the appeal.
Seat Exeo ST gallery:
Looks | Looks Inside | Practicality | Ride and Handling | Performance
Running Costs | Reliability | Safety | Equipment | X-Factor
1. Looks
If the shape of the Seat Exeo looks strangely familiar, you’re not imagining things. It might sport a new front and back, but the Seat Exeo is actually an Audi A4 of 2005 to 2009 vintage. Seat did this to bring a car to market quickly and cheaply to dip a toe into the water. But it’s no bad thing – the Audi A4 had nice lines, and it’s the same story with the Exeo. The ‘Arrow’ design face – which premiered on the Seat Ibiza - may take more getting used to than some of its rivals, but it is stylish and cuts a dash among more sober rivals. The Seat Exeo ST’s sleek looks make it even more attractive than the saloon.
7/10
2. Looks inside
The interior might look familiar too – and it should, as it is another Audi development – but it’s the first time this particular cabin has appeared in a hatchback or saloon; it previously called the Audi A4 Cabriolet home. As you would expect, there’s a solidity rare in a car of any price, let alone a £20,000 family car. There’s a decent amount of storage space, and the controls are well laid out and easy to use. The intense red lighting will be familiar to current Seat – or Audi – owners and the dials are very easy to read.
9/10
3. Practicality
There’s plenty of room for front passengers, although rear legroom is somewhat limited. Headroom is good for all occupants, and it’s easy for the driver to get a good seating position. The Seat Exeo ST estate we tested is first rate, offering a flat floor, low sill and 442 litres of room, rising to a cavernous 1,354 litres. The boot floor lifts and can be angled to create a barrier to stop luggage sliding.
8/10
4. Ride and Handling
The Seat Exeo is more about ride than handling. There’s a slightly artificial feel to the steering, but it is precise. Comfort impresses, although Sport models, shod with 18-inch wheels rather than the 17s fitted to our SE test car, provide a firmer ride. On the move the cabin is quiet and refined, making for a relaxed motorway cruiser.
7/10
5. Performance
Three engines are offered – two diesels and a petrol; all two litre. We tested the 143bhp version of the diesel and is the biggest seller in the range thanks to capable performance blended with low running costs. It has a slick six-speed gearbox and is very tractable. It will reach 62mph in 9.2 seconds, before hitting a 133mph maximum, while the estate is slightly slower. A 170bhp diesel is also offered, which will hit 62mph in 8.4 seconds before running on to 142mph. The 200bhp 2-litre turbocharged engine from the Volkswagen Golf GTi is also available, offering a 7.3 second 0-62mph and a 149mph top speed. It is one of the most intriguing Q cars on the market, but high running costs will seriously limit appeal.
8/10
6. Running Costs
Given its impressive specification, the Seat Exeo is very well priced. Seat is hoping to find the Exeo has appeal for company car drivers who want a premium product with a low benefit-in-kind rating. The 143bhp version of the 2-litre TDI we tested can return around 50mpg and emits 143g/km, while the 170bhp version’s figures are 48mpg and 153g/km. The petrol emits 179g/km and returns just 37mpg. Servicing is every 10,000 miles/12 months.
8/10
7. Reliability
The Audi A4 on which the Seat Exeo is based has a reputation for build quality inside and out. The engines and transmissions have been fitted to countless Audis, Seats and Volkswagens so should prove robust.
8/10
8. Safety
The Seat Exeo hasn’t been put through the EuroNCAP crash test programme, but comes with a good level of equipment. All models feature six airbags, ISOFIX child seat mountings and tethers to minimise movement of child seats in a crash. ESP and brake assistance is also available as standard.
9/10
9. Equipment
Three trim levels are available: SE, Sport and SE Lux. All models feature electric windows front and back, electric folding mirrors, climate control, a CD player with Ipod connectivity and steering wheel-mounted controls and a trip computer.
9/10
If you’re looking for a new Audi estate on a budget, the Seat Exeo ST is the perfect choice; it offers more car for your pound than pretty much anything else on the market. Critics cite a used Audi A4 as a better bet, but for those needing to choose a new car – either as a private purchase or a company car – the Seat Exeo has much to offer.
8/10
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