We say Fairly dull but capable and reliable saloon with Audi underpinnings and VW engines. Also cheap, so worth a look.Performance There are three diesel and three petrol powertrains available on the Exeo saloon, all of which have a capacity of 2.0-litres.They kick off with a 118bhp 2.0-litre TDI CR unit which is the slowest in the range with a top speed of 125mph and a 0-60mph sprint time of 10.2 seconds. There’s also a 140bhp diesel – available with an automatic transmission – and a 167bhp unit capable of clearing 60mph in 8.9 and 8.1 seconds respectively.At the top of the range in terms of performance is the 197bhp Turbocharged unit. With its increased output, the petrol engine packs enough power to allows the Exeo to clear 60mph in 7.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 150mph.Emissions The Seat Exeo comes in at the middle of the parc in terms of CO2 emissions and fuel economy.At the top of the range CO2 emissions hit 179g/km and the official fuel economy figure is 36mpg, so expect less than that, however they’re an anomaly in the engine range.More common are CO2 emissions below 145g/km and fuel economy figures stay at around 50mpg. The most efficient engine is the 2.0-litre TDI CR which returns 57mpg and emits 129g/km in CO2 emissions, regardless of which output you plump for.Driving The Exeo’s drive and handling match its looks – middle of the road and inoffensive. It won’t excite you on the road but it won’t disappoint you either, instead you’ll feel relatively happy with its performance.It handles well around corners with only slight bodyroll, while steering is precise if a little heavy at low speeds. Above all its comfortable but there is a Sport trim level with stiffer suspension for those wanting a more enjoyable ride.Feel Bearing in mind that the Exeo is based heavily on the 2005 A4, refinement and feel is a little underwhelming with the Spanish saloon. There’s a fair bit of road noise and some vibration through the steering wheel and gearstick.The interior is well put together however and the engines are solid so there’s relatively little to get annoyed about, just not a lot to get excited about either.Space The Exeo comes with a 460-litre boot and a 60/40 split between front and rear seats – which also fold down flat. Unfortunately that means those in the rear will feel cramped for both head and legroom.Equipment Seat is looking to pick up buyers by flooding its cars with equipment, rather than dazzling them with performance or brilliant styling, on the Exeo at least, so the family saloon comes well equipped.As standard all cars come with dual-zone climate control, cruise control and alloy wheels while further up the range rear parking sensors, sports seats and automatic lights and wipers are added.Price The Seat Exeo is competitively priced costing anywhere between £19,480 and £24,595.Quality As mentioned, the Exeo is based on the Audi A4. While that isn’t likely to get the pulse racing you can rest safe in the knowledge that it’s finished to a high standard. There’s an abundance of high quality materials throughout the interior and it’s solid, too.Safety It doesn’t quite match the Audi A4 in terms of safety features and technology but there should be few concerns with regard to safety provision in the Exeo. There are six airbags and ESP as standard as well as ABS and an Emergency Brake Assist programme.Pros The Seat Exeo is a conservatively styled saloon that should cause few problems for buyers. CO2 emissions and fuel economy are good when it’s equipped with its diesel engines and it’s competitively priced, too. There is plenty of equipment inside.Cons The Exeo doesn’t handle as well as some of its rivals, including the Ford Mondeo, while passengers in the rear will be cramped for room. It’s also fairly boring to look at.Alternatives Ford Mondeo, Volkswagen Passat
