Exeo
The new Exeo has been met with high praise in the press following its Paris motor show launch; news that is sending a shockwave around our new competitors in the upper-medium class market.
The saloon, set to make its UK showroom debut in the first half of 2009, takes SEAT into the hard-fought D-segment, targeting drivers who put class-leading quality, smart style and value for money at the top of their new car shopping list.
Exeo prices and full details of the model line-up are now confirmed, but already the car has caused quite a stir among the country’s best-known motoring titles - much of this due to the new car’s Audi provenance
The car is based on the previous model A4, including taking the cabin from the higher-spec cabriolet (left). SEAT detractors have used this fact to deride the new Exeo; which, let’s be honest, is like laughing at a new boxer for having the pedigree of Joe Calzaghe.
But nonetheless, it’s a fact that is being used by our observers in the motoring press to set knees knocking among our competitors:
“Watch out Mondeo – SEAT is taking on the traditional family car class for the first time with the Exeo. It's based on the previous-generation Audi A4, but the Exeo gets styling tweaks inspired by the latest Ibiza.
“As well as some handy association with the Audi brand, the firm is hoping the Exeo will appeal to buyers looking for a premium feel without the hefty price tag.” - Auto Express.
“The Exeo arrives in UK showrooms in the first half of 2009. Marvel at just how much Audi is left in this new 'SEAT'. Even the interior is left virtually untouched. Which makes us think the Exeo is the perfect illustration of the component sharing that besets the industry, and the VW Group in particular.
“What's not to like about buying an Audi in drag for thousands less than the real thing? Even if it is last year's model?” - Car Magazine.
““The SEAT Exeo is basically a re-badged version of the last generation Audi A4. Even the dash has been pulled straight out of the current A4 Cabriolet, but that’s no mistake. Borrowing the chassis and architecture of an existing model from the Volkswagen family is the quickest and most cost effective way of launching into this ultra competitive segment. Having an association with Audi should also help establish the Exeo quickly as a quality product.” - Sky Motoring.
"So what does the Spanish division of the VW group offer that nobody else currently does? Well, if the Exeo looks familiar that’s because it is – it’s basically a re-clothed previous-shape Audi A4. Which is no bad thing. And expect it to be very keenly priced – think Seat’s equivalent to the Skoda Superb. If SEAT can repeat the same trick of bargain luxury with its own sporty twist it could be onto a winner.” - MSN Cars.
And “onto a winner” with good reason; every Exeo four-door offered in the UK will feature a generous array of comfort and convenience features as standard. Among the goodies guaranteed to appear across the new range are: USB connectivity (allowing MP3 music players to be used in-car); cruise control; steering wheel-mounted audio controls; dual zone climate control and stylish alloy wheels.
SEAT UK’s Exeo product manager, James Buckell, said: “In today’s challenging market, we know car buyers are looking for the very best value possible and, to that end, we are doing our utmost to make the forthcoming Exeo the class leader in terms of both price and equipment.
“The fitting of luxurious features such as dual zone climate control across the entire range, as well as convenience additions such as USB connectivity, underlines our determination to make our new saloon a particularly well-specified drive.”
With its high-pedigree underpinnings and luxurious specification, the Exeo truly throws down the gauntlet to our new competitors in the upper-medium class four-door marketplace.