NEW SEAT EXEO AND EXEO ST Now also in a family size version
03/03/2009
Seat
Unveiled at the Paris Motor Show last October, the Spanish brand's sporty SEAT Exeo sedan has paved the way for the company's entry into the mid-sized sedan B segment, and is currently going on sale in different markets.
At the same time, SEAT is introducing the family version of the new model. The same as with the sedan, it combines luxury, comfort and spaciousness with the traditional sports philosophy that characterises all the SEAT models.
Named Exeo ST, the station wagon version of the new Exeo will go on sale before next summer, and its engine range and equipment list will be identical to those of the four-door version. The only differences lay in the length of the body, which is 4.666 metres long, and the boot volume, of 442 litres.
But the new Exeo ST goes one better in terms of practicality and functionality. Its family styling and new rear hatch increase load capabilities and comfort, with broader access and a flat cargo area.
Besides, the new model features greater storage volume compared to the sedan by allowing objects to be loaded up to the ceiling. The Exeo ST is also equipped with an upper cargo net that increases safety by preventing objects from falling into the passenger compartment.
The SEAT Exeo ST offer, as well as the sedan, includes six engine choices, three petrol and three Diesel equipped with common rail technology for the first time. The entire range complies with stringent EU5 emissions legislation, and is available in three trim levels - Reference, Style and Sport. Both versions will be manufactured at the company's factory in Martorell, near Barcelona.
New challenges
The arrival of the new SEAT Exeo signals the Spanish brand's move into the B segment, which is the third most important in the European market. Not only will this move attract new customers, but will also allow current SEAT model owners to step up to a better, larger model. Besides, many of these new SEAT customers will hail from what is known as the "company car" sector, which makes up a broad percentage of sales in this segment.
The Martorell factory has been adapted in record time to begin production of the SEAT Exeo. The total process has taken 18 months for its development and to organise the 15,000 square metres of facilities to suit production of the Spanish brand's new sedan. The sheet metal shop has the capacity to produce 450 car bodies daily of the sedan and ST versions, although the initial production output will be lower. The Shingijutsu system has been applied to deliver the highest productivity, which optimises all the processes in order to achieve the highest quality in the shortest time.
A quick look at the exterior of the new Exeo reveals its masterful lines. On one hand, its size and distinctive touches display its sedan traits, while the characteristic SEAT features insinuate its sporty philosophy and enhance its sporty looks, with the Arrow Design at the front, the brand logo that doubles as a boot latch at the rear, and the side mirrors located on the door panels.
The Agile Chassis concept on the new Exeo also bears the brand's DNA, providing a livelier, more energetic response in line with the performance status of the rest of the SEAT range. Both shafts are equipped with a multi-link suspension system, and work has been done to improve its agility by modifying the tyres and the shock absorber settings, on both the coils and bars. The result is a sporty vehicle coupled with the driving comfort expected of a car in this segment.
Some of the versions of the new SEAT Exeo will be equipped with Servotronic power steering (standard on the 200 hp TSI and 170 hp TDI CR and optional on the rest of the range except on the 102 hp 1.6), where the degree of assistance depends on the car's speed, providing greater driving comfort. Greater assistance is provided at low speeds, such as during parking manoeuvres. At higher speeds, an electronic sensor gradually diminishes assistance, and the driver can control the vehicle with greater precision than with conventional power steering.
Three petrol and three common rail Diesel engines
The arrival of common rail Diesel engines of the new Exeo is the big novelty in the range. The launch includes five engine choices, three petrol and two Diesel, of which four are turbocharged. They all comply with the EU5 emissions legislation, making SEAT's new sedan the first model in this segment whose entire range is compliant.
The entry-level petrol engine is the 1.6. It has 4 cylinders with 1,595 cc and delivers 102 hp (75 kW) with a maximum torque of 148 Nm at 3,800 rpm. It features a newly designed catalyst, and thanks to its six-speed gearbox delivers an average combined fuel consumption of 7.5 litres for every 100 kilometres, and 175 grammes of CO2 per kilometre. It is the only aspired model in the entire Exeo range.
The intermediate petrol engine is the 150 hp (110 kW) 1.8 turbo. It is equipped with a turbo intercooler and delivers a maximum torque of 220 Nm at 1,800 rpm. Its average combined fuel consumption is 7.9 litres per 100 kilometres and its emissions level is 184 grammes of CO2.
The most powerful engine in the Exeo range is the 200 hp (147 kW) 2.0 TSI. This direct injection dual intercooler turbocharged four cylinder engine delivers a maximum torque of 280 Nm at 1,800 rpm, a fuel consumption figure of only 7.7 litres/100 km and CO2 emissions of 179 g/km.
As previously mentioned, the great novelty is the arrival of common rail Diesel engines on the new SEAT Exeo. They all share the 2 litre 4 cylinder engine basis of the Volkswagen Group, which delivers 120, 143 and 170 hp. They all feature piezoelectric injectors for faster injection, and the common rail system that enhances flexibility. The specially shaped pistons improve combustion, and pre-combustion has also been worked on. They are all equipped with a DPF particulate filter near the engine, which improves efficiency. A complete acoustics package has also been developed, where the engine cover and the counter rotating shaft considerably reduce engine noise.
The 120 hp (88 kW) version is arriving in September, whose emissions figures will be143 grammes of CO2 per kilometre (figure pending homologation). The basic launch version features an output of 143 hp (105 kW) and maximum engine torque of 320 Nm between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm. Its combined average fuel consumption is 5.5 litres for every 100 kilometres with emissions of 143 grammes of CO2 per kilometre.
The most powerful Diesel engine on the new Exeo delivers 170 hp (125 kW). This performance figure stems from greater turbo pressure and enhanced water pump, as well as the addition of a double intercooler as the one on the 143 hp version. It delivers a maximum engine torque of 350 Nm between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm, and despite its power surge, combined fuel consumption is only 5.9 litres for every 100 kilometres, with emission levels of 153 g of CO2 per kilometre.
All the models are equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox, although a 2.0 TSI engine with Multitronic automatic sequential gearbox is in the pipeline.
Complete standard equipment list
A close look at the new SEAT Exeo reveals a notable leap in quality, luxury and standard equipment level. From its silhouette to its cosy interior and extensive range of elements, luxury and comfort combine with the sportiness that is characteristic of the brand's products.
There is a range of 14 body colours and six interior trim levels to choose from. The entry-level Reference version features seven airbags as standard, with two additional rear seat thorax airbags optionally available across the entire range. The Reference version also features as standard dual zone climate control, ABS + TCS, ESP with EBA emergency braking, trip computer, front and rear power windows, heated electric door mirrors, foglights, remote controlled central locking, CD radio with MP3, aux-in, and Isofix anchoring points on the front passenger seat and rear window seats with the additional Top Tether, among others. For those looking for more, the Style and Sport versions are equipped with even more standard elements.
The Style versions build on Reference equipment with the following elements: height adjustable passenger seat, front seats with lumbar support, speed control, lighting package, smoker's package, parking position door mirrors, rear parking sensor, rain sensing wipers, automatic lights on, anti-dazzle rear-view mirror, acoustic windscreen, grey anti-glare stripe, Coming Home, front/rear armrests with compartment + 2 cupholders, chrome window frames + shiny B/C pillars + aluminium inserts on inside door sills, glove compartment cooler, leather steering wheel and gearknob, steering wheel controls, 4 additional speakers, volumetric alarm with tilt sensor, low tyre pressure warning and 205/55 tyres on 16 inch alloy rims.
The Sport version builds on Reference with dark glass, sport seats, height adjustable passenger seat, front seats with lumbar support, speed control, front/rear armrests with compartment + 2 cupholders, smoker's package, leather steering wheel and gearknob, steering wheel controls, 4 additional speakers, volumetric alarm with tilt sensor, low tyre pressure warning and 225/45 tyres on 17 inch alloy rims. Customers can also opt for sports suspension at no additional cost.
The SEAT Exeo features a long list of optional equipment that significantly increases onboard comfort and safety.
The Spanish brand's new sedan comes with such interesting options as the special Convenience (on Reference), Style Plus (on Style) and Sport Plus (on Sport) packages. The first one features multi-function steering wheel, cruise control, Bluetooth, passenger floor mat, manual driver and passenger seat height adjustment and front central armrest, while the second includes 17 inch light alloy rims, interior wood inserts, dual xenon headlights + AFS, headlight washers, daytime driving lights with assistant, Coming Home and Bluetooth.
The Sport Plus package is a cut above with 18 inch light alloy rims, dual xenon headlights + AFS, daytime driving lights, Bluetooth and electrical package 1, which features park position door mirrors, rear parking sensor, rain sensing wipers, automatic lights on, anti-dazzle rear-view mirror, acoustic protection windscreen, grey anti-glare windscreen stripe and Coming Home.
Besides the above-mentioned electrical package 1 (available as standard on Style and as an option on Reference and Sport), the electrical package 3 is available on Style and Sport and includes front parking sensor, air quality sensor, remote boot opening, electric rear sun shade and colour instrument panel screen.
The storage package is also available on the Exeo on all three trim levels, featuring storage drawers beneath the front seats, a storage net on the right side, as well as a ski bag, a 12 volt socket in the boot and hooks for carrying bags.
The list of optional equipment includes the following elements:
- Volumetric alarm with tilt sensor -optional on Reference, standard on Style and Sport
- Rear side airbags -optional on Reference, Style and Sport
- Navigation system (high resolution 6.5" colour screen, 3D map display, DVD route planner, SD memory card slots for MP3, and colour instrument panel screen) optional on Style and Sport
- Dark rear glass -optional on Reference and Style, standard on Sport
- Double pane door windows -optional on Style
- Acoustic windscreen with additional thermal protection -optional on Style and Sport
- Chrome window frames + shiny B/C pillar + aluminium inserts on inside door sills -standard on Style, optional on Sport
- Bi xenon headlights + AFS + headlight washers (with daytime lights) -optional on Style and Sport
- Electric front seats with seat position and door mirror memory for 4 drivers -optional on Style and Sport
- Black leather upholstery -optional on Style and Sport
- Beige interior with beige leather upholstery -optional on Style
- Navigation system + dark glass -optional on Style
- Heated front seats + headlight washers + heated washer nozzles -optional on all three trim levels
- Electric sunroof -optional on all three trim levels
- Electric sunroof with solar cells -optional on Style and Sport
- Synthetic wood inserts on door panels, dashboard and central console -optional on Style
- Cooler in glove compartment -standard on Style, optional on Sport
- Servotronic Plus -optional on Reference, Style and Sport and standard with the 200 hp petrol engine and the 170 hp TDI CR. Not available on the 102 hp 1.6
- 4 additional speakers -optional on Reference, standard on Style and Sport
- Bluetooth -optional on Reference, Style and Sport
- USB -optional on Reference, Style and Sport
- iPod -optional on Reference, Style and Sport
- Trailer hitch -optional on Reference, Style and Sport
- Sports suspension -optional on Sport at no extra cost
- Metallic paint; emoción red and Custom Color -optional on Reference, Style and Sport