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. The new saloon was revealed at the Paris Motor Show and goes on sale early next year with a starting price of around £16,000.
Three petrol and three diesel engines will be available, and SEAT expects to sell up to 4,000 models. It has the same cabin as the outgoing Audi A4 Cabriolet – which boasted a higher quality finish than the regular saloon version. 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.
SEAT also took the wraps off two Ibiza variants – the Cupra and the ECOmotive. The former gets a 178bhp 1.4-litre supercharged and turbocharged engine, which is mated to a seven-speed DSG twin-clutch gearbox complete with steering wheel-mounted paddleshifters. It hits 0-60mph in 7.5 seconds and 140mph, but it’s also clean and green, too, returning 42mpg and emitting 159g/km of CO2. Helping it put its power down is a new traction control system and uprated suspension.
Meanwhile, the ECOmotive sits at the other end of the range. With a 79bhp 1.4-litre TDI diesel and tweaks to the aerodynamics, gearing and engine management, it returns 76.3mpg and emits a tax-friendly 98g/km of CO2.
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