Paris Preshow: 2011 Seat Exeo with Interior Refinements, LED Tail Lights and New 7-Speed CVT

Seat is debuting the 2011 model year versions of its Exeo sedan and ST estate at this week's Paris Auto Show. The VW Group owned company says that both models, which are based on the previous generation Audi A4, are roomier, as there is more space available to backseat passengers after redesigning the front seats and rear bench, while other updates include the introduction of a 7-speed Multitronic transmission on the 2.0 TDI CR Diesel version.

Thanks to some minor revisions to the front seat back and rear bench designs, room in the back is said to have increased by 44 millimeters (+1.7-inches) without affecting seating comfort [according to Seat] or luggage space.

Under the hood, Seat has equipped the 143-hp 2.0 TDI CR Diesel version with the continuously variable Multitronic gearbox. The transmission on this model offers a sport program that delivers gear shifting at higher rev speeds, and a 7-speed manual mode controlled via steering wheel mounted shift paddles.

According to Seat, this combination returns an average fuel consumption of 5.8 liters per 100 kilometers, which is equal to 40.6 mpg US and 48.7 mpg UK.

Other changes include the revised tail lamps featuring LED technology and the addition of a new 230 V socket on the central console.

More details including availability will be released at the Paris motor show.

New Seat Exeo Tech Models with Additional Goodies

Seat is upgrading its Exeo (yes, that's the Spanish-ized version of the previous Audi A4) lineup in Britain with the introduction of two new trim levels called SE Tech and Sport Tech.

Available to order now with first deliveries to take place in the UK this summer, the Tech versions are said to add a total of £3,270 worth of extra equipment £3,270 for just £875 over the price of the standard SE and Sport models.

All Tech models get a DVD-based color screen satellite navigation, BOSE premium audio upgrade, black leather upholstery and an iPod connection in lieu of the standard glove compartment-mounted USB port

Included as standard in the new SE Tech and Sport Tech cars are DVD-based colour screen satellite navigation, BOSE premium audio upgrade, luxurious black leather upholstery and an iPod connection in lieu of the standard glove compartment-mounted USB port.

The Tech trim levels are offered on both the sedan and station-wagon versions of the Exeo with a choice of two 2.0-turbo diesel engines (143HP or 170HP). Prices start from £21,270.

Model derivative	Price (RRP)
SEAT Exeo 2.0 TDI CR 143 PS SE Tech	£21,270
SEAT Exeo 2.0 TDI CR 143 PS Sport Tech	£22,235
SEAT Exeo 2.0 TDI CR 170 PS Sport Tech	£23,155
SEAT Exeo ST 2.0 TDI CR 143 PS SE Tech	£22,290
SEAT Exeo ST 2.0 TDI CR 143 PS Sport Tech	£23,255
SEAT Exeo ST 2.0 TDI CR 170 PS Sport Tech	£24,175

JE-Design suits up the new SEAT Exeo Sedan

The new SEAT Exeo -or not so new if you consider that it's virtually a renosed previous generation Audi A4- may have only began arriving in dealerships across Europe but the tuning industry is already pumping out sport packages. One of the first companies to get their hands on the Exeo is Germany's JE-Design that specializes on the mainstream brands of the VW Group. For the Spanish firm's Mondeo-rivaling sedan, JE-Design has launched an aero kit that consists of a new sport radiator grille, a front spoiler, side skirts and a rear apron that incorporates diffuser panel in carbon look.

The car's looks are rounded off with a set of quad tailpipes and JE-Design's own mutlispoke light alloy wheels that are available in two dimensions, 7.5×18'' with 225/40 R18 tires or 8×19'' with 235/35 R19 tires. Buyers can also opt for a lowering kit that brings the Exeo 35mm closer to the ground.

New Seat Exeo Sport Tourer Breaks Cover

Having unveiled the sedan version of its rebadged previous-gen Audi A4 at the Paris Motor Show last October, SEAT is moving ahead with the presentation of the station-wagon variant of the Exeo that will make its global premiere in Geneva. Called Exeo ST that stands for Sport Tourer, the SEAT-branded A4 Avant will go on sale accros Europe before next summer with an engine range and equipment list that is identical to the for-door model. The only differences will be a longer body, at 4.666 meters in length, and a boot capacity of 442 liters.

The Exeo ST's initial range will include three petrol engines – VW Group's undying 102HP 1.6-liter, a 150HP 1.8-liter turbo and the 200HP 2.0 TSI, and two diesel versions – the 143HP and the 170HP 2.0-liter equipped with the DPF particulate filter and common rail technology. The entire range is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox and complies with the stringent EU5 emissions legislation that becomes effective in 2011. Like the sedan, the Exeo ST is available in three trim levels, Reference, Style and Sport.

Video: SEAT Exeo Sport Tourer 3D Renderings

Volkswagen Group's Spanish subsidiary SEAT has released a new teaser video of the Exeo Sport Tourer which, as we informed you in a previous post, will be revealed at the Geneva Show in March. With the Exeo Sport Tourer the firm's German bosses are giving the previous Audi A4 Avant a second chance in life as the differences between the two models are limited to a few styling adjustments on the front and rear end of the car.

Like the sedan variant, the Exeo Sport Tourer will be launched with three 4-cylinder petrol-engines ranging a 102 HP 1.6-liter unit to a 2.0-liter TFSI producing 200 HP and three common rail Diesel engines with outputs ranging from 120 HP to 170 HP.

Via: es.Autblog.com

Geneva Show: SEAT to Reveal Leon and Altea Facelift, and Exeo Break

Despite the gloomy outlook on the automotive sector, this year's Geneva Salon looks like it is going to be packed with new cars that will be making their world premiere at the Swiss show. The latest piece of information to come by our hands is that VW Group's Spanish brand SEAT will take the veil off the facelifted Leon and Altea range that includes the Altea XL and Altea Freetrack crossover, as well as the station-wagon variant of the Exeo that as you already know, is in essence a re-skinned previous-gen Audi A4. We'll have more details on all the new SEATs closer to the opening of the Geneva Show in March.

New Seat Exeo Priced from £17,740 in the U.K.

Seat has revealed U.K. pricing and full specification details for its all-new Exeo saloon that is due to go on sale in April. The previous-generation Audi A4-based saloon is offered in S, SE, Sport and range-topping SE Lux trim levels, with an initial choice of three engines, a 2.0 TDI turbodiesel producing 143 HP or 170 HP, as well as a 2.0 TSI turbocharged petrol unit with 200 PS. All engines are mated, as standard, to a six-speed manual gearbox. Prices for the Exeo start from £17,740 for the entry-level 2.0 TDI S. Comparatively, a similarly powered Ford Mondeo sedan 2.0 TDCi 140 Edge starts from £18,449, though Ford does offer discounts.

All Exeos will come equipped with standard USB connectivity that allows MP3 music players to be used in-car; cruise control; steering wheel-mounted audio controls; dual zone climate control; alloy wheels; front fog lamps; electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors; electric windows; ESP; ABS; six airbags; volumetric alarm with tilt sensor and remote central locking.

Stepping up to the Exeo SE adds rear parking sensors, automatic lights and wipers, auto-dimming rear view mirror, leather steering wheel and gearknob, and an acoustic windscreen to the standard features.

Exeo Sport buyers will benefit from the likes of sports suspension, sports seats and 18-inch alloys, while those who opt for the range-topping SE Lux will enjoy black leather upholstery and bi-xenon headlights with AFS among their standard-fit kit.

Model	Engine	PS	Recommended On The Road Price
S	2.0 TDI	143	£17,740.00
SE	2.0 TDI	143	£18,345.00
Sport	2.0 TDI	143	£19,230.00
SE Lux	2.0 TDI	143	£20,410.00
Sport	2.0 TDI	170	£20,160.00
SE Lux	2.0 TDI	170	£21,340.00
Sport	2.0 TSI	200	£19,410.00

SEAT Exeo: A Few More Pics, A Few More Details

In view of the fact that we're still several months away from the European market debut of the redesigned Audi A4 Exeo, SEAT decided to keep us on our feet by revealing a few more pictures of the mid-size sedan dress in black along with further details on the UK specification model. According to the Spanish automaker, all UK market Exeos will feature cruise control, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, dual zone climate control, USB connectivity (allowing MP3 music players to be used in-car) and alloy wheels as standard. -Continued

SEAT UK Exeo Product Manager James Buckell said: "In today's challenging market, we know car buyers are looking for the very best value possible and, to that end, are doing our utmost to make the forthcoming Exeo the class leader in terms of both price and equipment."

"The fitting of luxurious features such as dual zone climate control across the entire range, as well as convenience additions such as USB connectivity, underlines our determination to make our new saloon a particularly well-specified drive."

The new medium class four-door sedan is scheduled to go on sale in spring of 2009. Available engine options will include 102HP 1.6-liter and 200HP 2.0 TFSI units as well as three turbo diesels with outputs ranging from 120 to 170HP.

See more pictures and details on the new SEAT Exeo by clicking here or if you prefer to watch a static video, click here.

Video: SEAT Exeo Sedan

We have pretty much summed up our thoughts on the VW Group’s decision to morph the previous Audi A4 into the SEAT Exeo sedan in our previous post and we’ve also offered you a full high-resolution gallery along with all the initial details (click here). So now its time to see the first official video of Audi’s low-cost SEAT’s Ford Mondeo and Toyota Avensis rival. Just click read more below and watch the Exeo spinning around. -Continued

SEAT’s Badge Engineering: What’s next, the Cupra R8?

Badge engineering is a term used to describe the rebadging of one vehicle to another with minimum aesthetic changes. One example is the Korean Daewoo Gentra that has been morphed into the Chevy Aveo and quite recently, into the Pontiac G3. Another example is the SEAT Exeo sedan that premiered in Paris which is basically a previous-gen Audi A4 with a new fascia and tail lamps. But while no one actually cares if the Aveo is a rebadged Gentra (or the other way around), we reckon that VW Group’s decision to remask the B7 Audi A4 will have a negative effect on both brands and especially on Audi. -Continued

The VW Group has come a long way with Audi which until the early 90’s, was seen by most consumers as more of an alternative to BMW and Mercedes than an equal opponent. It took money, time and tremendous effort to establish Audi as a worldwide recognized premium brand.

The Germans have also been trying for years now to cultivate an image for SEAT as the youthful, sporty brand within the VW family –something like a Spanish version of Alfa Romeo. The results of course, are far from triumphant but no one is to blame than VW’s high-rank execs who for one decided to produce cars like the Toledo and its siblings, a vehicle that does not know if it’s a minivan, a hatchback, a liftback or a sedan.

It’s no secret that like other major players in the industry, the VW Group exercises component, platform and engine sharing within its brand portfolio that includes Skoda, VW, Audi, SEAT, Lamborghini and Bentley. But by introducing a car like the Exeo that is clearly recognizable as a rebadged A4, one of Audi’s most important and well sold models, you’re basically weakening the brand’s premium image (at least in Europe) in the same way that Chinese knockoffs do.

As for SEAT, while the Exeo might bring new clientele into its showrooms, we believe it further deepens the problem with the Spanish marque’s identity crisis. Just take a look at the automaker’s vehicle line-up: Ibiza, Leon, Toledo, Altea, Altea XL, Altea Freetrack, Alhambra and Exeo. The only (relatively) sporty and youthful cars we see here are the Ibiza and Leon.

SEAT Exeo Update: Official High-Res Photos and Details

While SEAT would like us to believe that the Exeo is an all-new proposal in the mid-size sedan segment, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist with a microscope to clearly see the previous-gen Audi A4 lurking between the restyled fascia and tail lights. Don’t get us a wrong, even with today’s standards, the A4 is a great car and hopefully SEAT will retain the German sedan’s qualities. It’s just that we were expecting something more unique from the Spanish automaker and not a 'Cordoba-ized' Audi... -Continued

Commenting on the Exeo, SEAT’s president Erich Schmitt said: “With the Exeo we are offering a car for dynamic and sporty drivers of the B segment. Furthermore now we have a vehicle for our current customers who are ascending from the A segment. The Exeo is also an interesting alternative for quality aware company car drivers who are looking for driving fun but who are cost aware and pay attention to low fuel consumption and low emissions.”

The Exeo, which also be available as an Avant err station-wagon, will be launched with three 4-cylinder petrol-engines ranging from the –please let me die- 102 HP 1.6-liter unit to a more modern 2.0-liter TFSI with 200 HP and three common rail Diesel engines with outputs ranging 120 HP to 170 HP. SEAT said that five of these six engines are turbocharged meaning that the Exeo will also be offered either with a 1.4-liter TSI or a 1.8-liter TSI petrol engine as well.

Concerning the vehicle features the Exeo will be offered with a latest generation navigation system, a new infotainment system with multiple functions and connections (MP3, MPEG4, IPOD, USB, Bluetooth), as well as for the first time a sun roof with solar cells powering a ventilation system.

SEAT's Opel Insignia and Toyota Avensis rival will be manufactured in Martorell near Barcelona, Spain with sales set to start in Europe as of spring 2009. There will be three versions: Reference, Stylance and Sport with an entry price of around 22.000 Euros.