SEAT enter family saloon market

Oct 20 2008 Peter Hayward

THE Paris Motor Show was our first chance to see SEAT's upcoming new four door saloon - the Exeo - which should be in UK showrooms in the first half of 2009.

It's certainly very sleek and looks sophisticated enough to compete head to head with cars in the upper medium sector like the Ford Mondeo and new Vauxhall Insignia.

The Exeo is based on the same platform as the VW Passat, so interior space should be excellent, and it will also use most of the same VW group engines.

But the company is looking to price the car below the competition to make it exceptional value for money.

No prices or exact details have yet been released but SEAT says every model will have a generous list of standard kit.

The Exeo will be SEAT's first entry into the upper medium saloon market and the Spanish maker is keen to underline its quality.

Interior

Goodies guaranteed to be included are a USB connection allowing MP3 music players to be used, cruise control, steering wheel-mounted audio control, dual zone climate control and alloys wheels.

FAST FACTS

SEAT Exeo 140bhp turbodiesel

Price : £N/A

Mechanical : 140bhp, 1,968cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 6spd manual gearbox

Max speed : 125mph

0-62mph : 9 secs

Combined mpg : 45

Insurance group : N/A

CO2 emissions : 160g/km

BiK rating : 22%

Warranty : 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 12yrs anti-rust

Marks : 9/10

Main rival : Ford Mondeo