SEAT Exeo ST (2009 – 2013) Review

March 2009

ST measures 4,670mm in length and has a seats-up load capacity of 442 litres (less than the saloon). It is offered in S, SE, Sport and range-topping SE Lux trim levels, with an initial choice of three engines, all Euro V-compliant, two common rail turbodiesels producing 143 PS or 170 PS, as well as a 200 PS turbocharged petrol. They all have a standard six-speed manual gearbox.

All four turbocharged engines are EU5-compliant. Six-speed manual gearbox standard throughout.

Standard equipment on all models includes Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity, dual zone climate control, alloy wheels, one-touch electric windows all round; twin halogen headlamps with electric range adjustment, height and reach adjustable multi-function steering wheel; AM/FM radio/CD player with a minimum of four speakers; Aux-in connection; USB port; integrated rear window radio antennae; ABS; ESP + EBA; six airbags with front seat passenger airbag deactivation; remote central locking with deadlocks; volumetric alarm with back-up horn and tilt sensor; electronic engine immobiliser

Hi-tech options (depending on model) include solar sunroof; rear side airbags; DVD-based satellite navigation with SD HC card slots for MP3 playback and upgraded colour dash display; Bi-xenon headlights with AFS; double-glazed side windows with heat-reflective windscreen and electrically adjustable front seats with driver’s seat memory function.

July 2010

Multitronic CVT automatic transmission announced for 2.0TDI CR 143 diesel

This efficient automatic gearbox is mated to the 143 PS (105 kW) 2.0 TDI common rail diesel injection engine. With an average fuel consumption of only 5.8* litres per 100 kilometres (48.7 mpg), this variant combines SEAT's trademark refined dynamics and high efficiency with classic automatic ease of use.

The electronically controlled multitronic works with continuously variable ratios, enabling the engine to operate consistently at optimum efficiency. For dynamic drivers it offers both a Sport programme that results in gear shifts at higher revs, and a Manual mode controlled via steering wheel-mounted shift paddles.

Alongside comfort and dynamics the new multitronic ‘box delivers impressive economy. The mechanical efficiency and broad ratio spread of this hi-tech gearbox ensure low fuel consumption and emissions.

There have been other important changes to the Exeo range, too, which now make the cars even more roomy and comfortable.

Small but significant revisions to the front seat back and rear bench designs result in an appreciably larger rear passenger compartment. Thanks to the redesigned front seats and rear bench, room in the back has now increased by 44 millimetres without any sacrifice in seating comfort or luggage space.

Of course quality remains a key ingredient in the Exeo and the final revision unveiled on the Paris Show car further underline SEAT's ambition to make the model the most desirable in its class. New rear lights featuring LED technology - offered in combination with the bi-xenon headlights - make the hi-tech appeal of the Exeo immediately apparent.

August 2011

SEAT’s Exeo saloon and ST estate range is getting a new look, and some important new engineering upgrades. The revised Exeo ‘face’ with new bi-xenon headlights and stunning LED daytime running lights (standard on Sport, optional on SE), will make its public debut in the metal at the forthcoming Frankfurt Motor Show.

The styling enhancements, boosted by smart new alloy wheel designs, further underline the high value Exeo range’s premium look, while upgrades to interior materials – including upgraded leather on the steering wheel and revised upholstery – create a matching premium feel.

Meanwhile, improvements to the high quality SEAT saloon and estate’s 2.0 TDI common rail powerplant now see emissions cut to as little as 129 g/km. Economy is similarly improved, too, with the Exeo saloon now being capable of as much as 57.6 mpg on the EU’s combined cycle.

February 2012

The executive class 2012 SEAT Exeo is now available in the Spanish brand’s UK showrooms nationwide with even more style, economy and refinement available to savvy saloon and estate buyers. SEAT’s much-admired Exeo saloon and Exeo ST estate range boasts a new look and some important engineering upgrades.

The 2012 cars’ revised ‘face’ – with new bi-xenon headlights and stunning LED daytime running lights (standard on Sport models and optional on SE spec’ cars) – ensures it once again cuts a real dash in the executive car park.

The styling enhancements, boosted by smart new alloy wheel designs, further underline the high ue Exeo range’s premium look while upgrades to interior materials – including improved leather on the steering wheel and revised upholstery – create a matching premium feel.

Meanwhile, improvements to the high quality SEAT saloon and estate’s 2.0 TDI common rail powerplant see emissions cut to as little as 129g/km. Economy is similarly improved, too, with the Exeo saloon now being capable of as much as 58.9mpg on the EU’s combined cycle.

The Exeo’s elegant styling upgrades, allied to SEAT’s ongoing commitment to improving quality and fuel economy, as well as reducing emissions, are already generating even more interest in the range. The luxurious saloon and estate car line-up is the Spanish brand’s third best-seller in the UK behind the perennially popular Ibiza supermini and Leon five-door family hatch.

As 2012 unfolds the Exeo family is set for even more upgrades, too, with the likely arrival of an Ecomotive version. SEAT’s cleanest, greenest cars all bear the Ecomotive moniker and are synonymous with environmental efficiency. The Ibiza Ecomotive, for instance, emits just 92g/km of CO2 while the Leon Ecomotive is hot on its heels with a road tax- and London congestion charge-busting CO2 figure of just 99g/km.

The forthcoming Exeo Ecomotive will boast many of the same technologies that make its Ecomotive siblings such frugal propositions. SEAT’s effortless Start/Stop technology, for instance, will help deliver even more fuel efficiency.

SEAT is targeting an ambitious CO2 figure of less than 120 g/km for the Start/Stop-equipped Exeo which will, of course, enhance its appeal to both environmentally-conscious private buyers and UK fleet managers who demand such low emissions levels from even their executive models.

July 2012

SEAT now offers low tax Ecomotive versions of its Exeo Sport Tourer and saloon, powered by a 2.0-litre TDI common rail diesel engine mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. It comes in two states of tune: 120 PS and 143PS. Both emit just 117g/km of CO2 and return 62.8mpg on the combined cycle, so are Band C £30 annual VED and have a BIK rating of 17%.

The 143 PS Ecomotive is available with the full range of Exeo trim levels: S, SE, SE Tech, Sport, and Sport Tech.

The 120 PS Exeo Ecomotive S is now the most cost effective Exeo with a starting price of £20,040 RRP OTR. Standard kit includes 16-inch ‘Morfeo' alloy wheels, dual zone climate control, cruise control, voice-activated Bluetooth and a multi-function steering wheel - as well as the exceptional build quality that the Exeo is already well known for - it's hardly basic.

SE spec includes rain sensing wipers, automatic headlights, rear parking sensors and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Sport adds front sports seats, bi-xenon headlamps, LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, tinted rear windows and gloss black dashboard inserts. All Ecomotive cars come on 16-inch alloy wheels, irrespective of trim level.

The popular Tech pack remains, available with SE and Sport trims, which includes satellite navigation, black leather upholstery and a BOSE stereo of startling audio clarity and punch. Every Ecomotive trim variation is available in both saloon and ST body styles.