SEAT Exeo (2009 – 2013) Review

October 2008

Compact executive saloon launched Paris Motor Show

Boot space of 460 litres, with generous 1,000 mm between wheel arches. Front suspension set-up is an independent multilink, with a trapezoidal link at the rear. Light alloy elements on both shafts also considerably reduce the unsuspended mass.

Double-thickness door windows which significantly reduce noise inside the car and are also a theft deterrent. It is also equipped with a tilt sensor alarm and an innovative ‘solar roof’, which provides enough electrical power to activate the car’s ventilation system even allowing it to continue to work when the engine is turned off. Twin-zone automatic climate control system is equipped with a sophisticated air quality sensor, which not only provides independent climate control on the driver and front passenger sides, but also detects and avoids the entry of noxious gases, maintaining a constant air quality for the vehicle’s occupants.

Satellite navigation system with two SD ports, MP3-type audio player and hard disc, including a map database of the whole of Western Europe. The Exeo shown in Paris had a turbo-charged direct injection 200 PS 2.0-litre TSI. It delivers maximum torque of 280 Nm at only 1,800 rpm. Fuel consumption 36.6 mpg on the (provisional) combined cycle, with CO2 under 185 g/km.

May 2010

'Tech' models launched with £3,270 of satnav, black leather upholstery and BOSE sound system for £875 extra. Tech models join the existing Exeo line-up of S, SE, Sport and SE Lux versions, add thousands of pounds worth of extra standard equipment to the already well-specified models for the paltry sum of just £875.

Included as standard in the new SE Tech and Sport Tech cars are DVD-based colour screen satellite navigation, BOSE premium audio upgrade, luxurious black leather upholstery and an iPod connection in lieu of the standard glove compartment-mounted USB port.

Together, priced as options, these highly desirable extras would previously have cost an Exeo SE or Sport customer £3,270 yet the price of the same Exeo SE Tech or Exeo ST Sport Tech, featuring the enhanced specification, rises by just £875. Or, to put it another way, by opting for a Tech model the Exeo buyer is saving a very handy £2,395 RRP.

July 2010

Multitronic CVT automatic transmission announced for 2.0 TDI CR 143 diesel

This efficient automatic gearbox is mated to the 143 PS (105 kW) 2.0 TDI common rail diesel injection engine. With an average fuel consumption of only 5.8* litres per 100 kilometres (48.7 mpg), this variant combines SEAT's trademark refined dynamics and high efficiency with classic automatic ease of use.

The electronically controlled multitronic works with continuously variable ratios, enabling the engine to operate consistently at optimum efficiency. For dynamic drivers it offers both a Sport programme that results in gear shifts at higher revs, and a Manual mode controlled via steering wheel-mounted shift paddles.

Alongside comfort and dynamics the new multitronic ‘box delivers impressive economy. The mechanical efficiency and broad ratio spread of this hi-tech gearbox ensure low fuel consumption and emissions.

There have been other important changes to the Exeo range, too, which now make the cars even more roomy and comfortable. Small but significant revisions to the front seat back and rear bench designs result in an appreciably larger rear passenger compartment. Thanks to the redesigned front seats and rear bench, room in the back has now increased by 44 millimetres without any sacrifice in seating comfort or luggage space.

November 2010

120PS version of 2.0TDI CR offered, with 290Nm torque from 1,750-2,500rpm, but in fact plenty from much lower revs and is happy on the flat at 1,000rpm. Real Life Fuel Economy? We got 48mpg. Pricve of 2.0TDI CR 120 SE: £19,675.

August 2011

SEAT’s Exeo saloon and ST estate range is getting a new look, and some important new engineering upgrades. The revised Exeo ‘face’ with new xenon headlights and stunning LED daytime running lights (standard on Sport, optional on SE). The styling enhancements, boosted by smart new alloy wheel designs, further underline the high value Exeo range’s premium look, while upgrades to interior materials – including upgraded leather on the steering wheel and revised upholstery – create a matching premium feel.

Meanwhile, improvements to the high quality SEAT saloon and estate’s 2.0 TDI common rail powerplant now see emissions cut to as little as 129 g/km. Economy is similarly improved, too, with the Exeo saloon now being capable of as much as 57.6 mpg on the EU’s combined cycle.

February 2012

The executive class 2012 SEAT Exeo is now available in the Spanish brand’s UK showrooms nationwide with even more style, economy and refinement available to savvy saloon and estate buyers.

SEAT’s much-admired Exeo saloon and Exeo ST estate range boasts a new look and some important engineering upgrades. The 2012 cars’ revised ‘face’ – with new bi-xenon headlights and stunning LED daytime running lights (standard on Sport models and optional on SE spec’ cars) – ensures it once again cuts a real dash in the executive car park.

The styling enhancements, boosted by smart new alloy wheel designs, further underline the high ue Exeo range’s premium look while upgrades to interior materials – including improved leather on the steering wheel and revised upholstery – create a matching premium feel.

Meanwhile, improvements to the high quality SEAT saloon and estate’s 2.0 TDI common rail powerplant see emissions cut to as little as 129g/km. Economy is similarly improved, too, with the Exeo saloon now being capable of as much as 58.9mpg on the EU’s combined cycle.

The Exeo’s elegant styling upgrades, allied to SEAT’s ongoing commitment to improving quality and fuel economy, as well as reducing emissions, are already generating even more interest in the range. The luxurious saloon and estate car line-up is the Spanish brand’s third best-seller in the UK behind the perennially popular Ibiza supermini and Leon five-door family hatch.

As 2012 unfolds the Exeo family is set for even more upgrades, too, with the likely arrival of an Ecomotive version. SEAT’s cleanest, greenest cars all bear the Ecomotive moniker and are synonymous with environmental efficiency. The Ibiza Ecomotive, for instance, emits just 92 g/km of CO2 while the Leon Ecomotive is hot on its heels with a road tax- and London congestion charge-busting CO2 figure of just 99 g/km.

July 2012

SEAT now offers low tax Ecomotive versions of its Exeo saloon and Sport Tourer, powered by a 2.0-litre TDI common rail diesel engine mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. It comes in two states of tune: 120 PS and 143PS. Both emit just 117g/km of CO2 and return 62.8mpg on the combined cycle, so are Band C £30 annual VED and have a BIK rating of 17%.

The 143 PS Ecomotive is available with the full range of Exeo trim levels: S, SE, SE Tech, Sport, and Sport Tech.

The 120 PS Exeo Ecomotive S is now the most cost effective Exeo with a starting price of £20,040 RRP OTR. Standard kit includes 16-inch ‘Morfeo' alloy wheels, dual zone climate control, cruise control, voice-activated Bluetooth and a multi-function steering wheel - as well as the exceptional build quality that the Exeo is already well known for - it's hardly basic.

SE spec includes rain sensing wipers, automatic headlights, rear parking sensors and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Sport adds front sports seats, bi-xenon headlamps, LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, tinted rear windows and gloss black dashboard inserts. All Ecomotive cars come on 16-inch alloy wheels, irrespective of trim level.

The popular Tech pack remains, available with SE and Sport trims, which includes satellite navigation, black leather upholstery and a BOSE stereo of startling audio clarity and punch. Every Ecomotive trim variation is available in both saloon and ST body styles.