The introduction of the multitronic transmission to the Exeo range has been widely praised by UK motoring journalists.
“Mated solely to the 143PS 2.0-litre TDI common rail unit, the Exeo multitronic uses the healthy low down torque to good effect and stop-start traffic is hassle-free,” said Autocar.
“A sport mode for the gearbox keeps engine revs higher for more of the time, but more spirited driving is best served by the manual mode. Seven pre-programmed ratios are offered with changes made using the paddles behind the wheel or the lever itself, and although it can’t match the rapid changes of a DSG system it’s brisk enough to make it entertaining and is a useful option to have.
“The Exeo remains a car to fill a particular gap in the SEAT range, but the flip side of the familiar design and technology is that it offers unquestionable value for money on proven mechanicals.”
“The gearbox and engine complement each other nicely if you’re looking for a smooth, refined drive,” said What Car?, which gave this new derivative four stars out of five. “The reshaped seats result in a substantial 44mm more legroom for people in the back, and it’s a bit easier to get into and out of there, too.
“[It’s] a very pleasant choice if you want a relaxing, refined diesel auto saloon.”
“The Exeo is an accomplished motorway cruiser,” said Auto Express. “The multitronic is so good in drive that you don’t need to bother swapping between the seven stepped ratios on offer. Instead, enjoy the unruffled progress and the smart cabin.”
Fifth Gear also liked the Exeo’s new transmission: “The CVT [Continuously Variable Transmission] in the Exeo is a pleasingly smooth-changing system, with no noticeable jerkiness at either town-based speeds or on more energetic drives, whether you are using the paddles or allowing it to shift as it sees fit.
“If you are set on a good value saloon with an auto ‘box mated to a diesel engine then the Exeo is certainly worth considering. It is smooth and refined, and the boost in rear legroom will be a welcome addition across the range.”
“The Exeo feels grown up and thoroughly pulled together if not especially distinctive in the way it drives, which is exactly what a lot of people want,” said Auto Trader.
“[It] is very composed, riding firmly but always comfortably, even on poor surfaces. The suspension remains composed and quiet even when being made to work hard, when there’s a commendable lack of crashing and banging about.
“It’s a clever development of a good model, and even if it’s an old design with a makeover, that makeover is very thorough, and the model is classy, well made, well-equipped and good value.”
“The Exeo might not be the newest car out there, but it does feel a bit like you’re cheating the system,” said Yahoo! Cars. “It’s solid, and while the styling isn’t quite as exciting as the smaller SEAT hatchbacks, in the more conservative marketplace the Exeo competes in that’s no bad thing.
“It feels like the premium car it is, with a great looking interior that works with the fine precision that Audi has long been praised for. Only now it’s wearing SEAT badges.”
The Independent said the new multitronic gearbox was a “worthwhile” and “interesting” addition to the Exeo’s options list: “Instead of a conventional automatic, or the Volkswagen group’s dual-clutch DSG gearbox that is available on other SEATs, [SEAT] has gone for a type of continuously variable transmission (CVT), branded multitronic, that is usually found in Audis.
“That Audi link isn’t a matter of chance, of course; the Exeo is a surprisingly appealing and effective revamp of the last-generation Audi A4, so SEAT has done the obvious thing and chosen automatic gearbox technology that has always been associated with this car.
“The Exeo is a sharper drive than the old A4, and SEAT seems broadly to have maintained the high quality levels set by this car in its previous incarnation, while constantly updating its technology and equipment to keep it fresh. The multitronic gearbox can only enhance its appeal.”
Read more Exeo multitronic reviews:
