Don't get the new Seat Exeo ST mixed up with one of Ford's go-faster models, here the 'ST' moniker stands for 'Sports Tourer'.

This is the estate variant of the Seat Exeo saloon and it's based on the last-generation Audi A4 Avant.

With Seat's design tweaks, some new equipment and the latest generation common rail diesel and TSI petrol engines, it's a compelling package.

The fact the entry-level S and SE diesel models cost just over £19k also makes the Exeo ST something of a bargain.

Even the range-topping SE Lux fitted with 170bhp diesel engine and impressive equipment tally comes in at only £22,735.

Sports Tourer

So, how practical is the Exeo ST? The boot measures 442 litres in normal guise, and the rear seats can be split and folded down to liberate a grand total of 1,184 litres.

Open the rear hatch by pressing in the Seat badge and access is good, with a low and wide loading bay and extras including harnessing points, mesh stowage nets and a retractable boot cover to keep valuables hidden. Roof rails are also standard on the Exeo ST.

The interior has been taken from the Audi A4 Cabriolet, and has a high quality look and feel. It might not set the pulse racing, but it has a real design integrity and shouldn't date for a while yet.

Because all-new competitors including the Ford Mondeo, and the latest A4 have all grown in size, the Exeo actually feels smaller than class average, a fact reflected in its only-just-adequate rear legroom.

A six foot passenger can just about sit behind a six foot driver, but it's a tight squeeze.

Comfort or Sport?

S, SE and SE Lux models come fitted with comfort suspension as standard, while the Sport gets suspension made 30 per cent stiffer at the front, 20 per cent at the rear and lowered by 20mm.

Roll bars are 50 per cent more taut and wheels increase in size to 18 inches with low profile tyres.

It's quite a comprehensive suite of modifications, and the twisting roads north of Madrid exposed a real difference in feel between the cars.

The 'comfort' equipped Exeo rides softly and should be a very relaxed cruiser, but it's not that interested in having fun.

The Sport is much quicker to turn into bends, and feels more precise and enjoyable all the time. It also remains entirely acceptable over bumps and rough stretches of tarmac, so it's definitely the model we'd choose.

Sporty Exeo is better looking

That it also sits better on its bigger wheels and lower suspension, and pulls off quite a good impression of an Audi RS4, is a bonus too.

In the UK the 2-litre diesel is available with 143bhp or 170bhp at the time of  the model launch, and a 120bhp version will join the range before the end of the year.

Seat expects the 143bhp to be its biggest seller, and we don't doubt it, thanks to its balance of performance and economy. Emissions of 143g/km and combined fuel consumption of 51.4mpg make it very cheap to run for a big estate.

The 170bhp model does have a greater turn of speed, accelerating from 0-62mph in less than nine seconds, and its emissions only suffer by 10g/km. But, most of the time, its extra power isn't really necessary.

Golf GTi engine

As the Volkswagen Group's sporting brand, Seat is also bringing the 2-litre TSI petrol found in the Golf GTi, with an impressive 197bhp.

We won't get the 1.6-litre and 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol engines available in Europe, because Seat doesn't believe demand for them is high enough in diesel-loving Britain.

The TSI petrol Exeo ST is undoubtedly the top choice for those seeking some more Auto Emocion in their lives, and makes the most sense for customers graduating from Ibiza and Leon FRs and Cupras.

Thanks to direct fuel injection and a turbocharger which kicks in at low revs, it accelerates hard whenever you put your foot down. With long gearing it's also a stonking motorway mile-muncher.

Tight rear legroom aside, there is very little not to like about the Exeo. It's an honest car which has given buyers and fleet managers an alternative from the obvious.

And one thing is for sure: it's a heck of a lot of car for £20k.