All aboard: the stylish new SEAT Exeo
at the Millbrook Proving Ground
(Photo: Andy Paradise)
It almost seems a shame to do what we are about to do. One brand new SEAT Exeo 2.0 TDI SE saloon sits gleaming in the summer sun. With its smart executive styling it looks perfect for a business trip or a visit to the golf course. instead, we are about to put it through a day of torture on the test track. Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire is the venue for the day’s testing and assisting in the process are guest testers and Telegraph readers, Rod Ashley and Paul Lombardelli.
It almost seems a shame to do what we are about to do. One brand new SEAT Exeo 2.0 TDI SE saloon sits gleaming in the summer sun. With its smart executive styling it looks perfect for a business trip or a visit to the golf course. instead, we are about to put it through a day of torture on the test track. Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire is the venue for the day’s testing and assisting in the process are guest testers and Telegraph readers, Rod Ashley and Paul Lombardelli.
Once out on the track, our team wastes no time in putting the SEAT’s 2-litre turbodiesel engine to the test. The engine produces 143PS and a hefty 320Nm of pulling power. The Exeo uses the same TDI turbodiesel engine technology that has already powered SEAT to back-to-back 2008/9 World Touring Car Championship manufacturer and driver titles. So coping with Millbrook is not exactly a problem.
The Exeo’s quick-changing, six-speed manual gearbox helps the drivers exploit the performance to the full. Losing speed is easy too, thanks to anti-lock braking as standard and emergency brake assist, which significantly enhances the car’s stopping ability and stability under braking.
Just as impressive as the engine’s performance is its fuel economy. The Exeo returns a combined 53.3mpg and emits just 139g/km of CO2, resulting in a benefit in kind tax rating of just 19%. The Exeo 2.0 TDI CR (143PS) SE saloon is keenly priced at £20,395, and comes with a high-level, high technology specification as standard. Car cost expert CAP places the future used value of the Exeo well ahead of that of key rivals, rendering it a strong financial proposition for private and business users alike.
Happily we don’t have to worry about such mundane matters just at the moment — and the same goes for speed limits. Millbrook’s challenging high-speed, five-lane, two-mile circular bowl allows our testers to experience the stability of the Exeo at its 133mph top speed. Afterwards, it’s onto the Alpine Hill route and its challenging hairpin bends.
Our team pushes the car right to the limit and a little bit beyond at times. But there’s no deception in the SEAT’s sporty looks. The front-wheel-drive chassis turns into corners with poise as the steering feeds plenty of information to the drivers.
The tyres wrapped around the standard 17in alloy wheels provide plenty of grip. But it’s comforting to know that the car’s electronic stability programme is constantly monitoring information from the steering wheel, tyres, brakes and accelerator and making adjustments when necessary to keep everyone safe.
No matter how eagerly our testers attack the hairpin bends, life inside the spacious, finely detailed cabin remains both calm and comfortable.
The Exeo’s suspension smoothes out the bumps with ease, its standard, dual-zone climate control air-conditioning keeps cabin temperature just right and the supportive front seats hold driver and passenger firmly in place. Rear seat passengers are well catered for too, while a capacious 460-litre boot takes care of luggage. SEAT, of course, also offers a five-door ST model, which looks every inch as sporting as the saloon.
Our day at the track draws to a close and our test team drivers get together to compare notes. All agree that the SEAT Exeo has come through with flying colours. The car’s keen pricing and sound business credentials make it perfect for private and business buyers alike, while SEAT’s quality engineering has enabled it to soak up an extremely tough day’s testing with consummate ease.
Happily the Exeo looks every bit as smart and as sporting as it did first thing this morning and its paintwork is still gleaming. The one difference is there may not be quite as much tread left on the tyres.
The Telegraph reader test team
Tester: Rod Ashley
Age: 57
Occupation: Education Consultancy Director
Lives: Swansea
Current mileage: Mazda 6
Annual mileage: 12,000
Car usage: Business and pleasure
“This is a very smart looking car from the outside. Sometimes when you open a car door you can feel a bit let down by the plastics, but these are good, nice and soft and very high quality.
The Exeo’s seats are comfortable and you can really feel them holding you in, plus visibility is excellent too.
I know there is also an ST five-door model, but the boot on the saloon is huge, the rear seats split and the chrome luggage tie-hooks are a nice touch.
Overall I’m impressed by the Exeo’s dynamic feel, the finish and quality, and the running costs.”
Tester: Paul Lombardelli
Age: 30
Occupation: Chartered Accountant
Lives: Rugby
Current car: Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Annual mileage: 20,000
Car usage: Business and pleasure
“I was really impressed with the diesel engine. I’ve never liked diesel engines before but the one in the Exeo genuinely did leave me with a smile on my face. It truly is so smooth and refined you just wouldn’t know it was a diesel.
It was fantastic to be able to push the car really hard around the test track today and I thought it handled very well — composed, very stable and very precise. Resale values are important to me too, and the fact that the Exeo will hold on to its value so well makes it a hugely tempting offer.”
Technical Data
SEAT Exeo 2.0 TDI Cr (143PS) SE Saloon
Price: £20,395
Engine: 2.0-litre turbodiesel
Power: 143PS, 320nm
0-62mph: 9.2 seconds
Combined mpg: 53.3mpg
CO2: 139g/km
Benefit in kind tax rating: 19%
Equipment fitted as standard includes integrated Bluetooth with voice control, MP3 CD stereo with eight speakers, cruise control, dual zone climate control, electric one-touch windows front and rear, rear parking sensors, driver and front passenger airbags, front and side curtain airbags, tyre pressure monitoring, multi-function trip computer and 17in alloy wheels.
Experience this fabulous car for yourself. Take a test drive in the new SEAT Exeo by calling 01698 225 055 or fill out the test drive request form
