2008 Paris Special: The ‘new’ Seat Exeo

Probably one of the most controversial cars on display at the Paris Motor Show was Seat’s new sedan, the Seat Exeo. We can’t actually say it’s a new car, because the Exeo is practically a rebadged previous generation Audi A4 B7. A lot of people started saying that this was not a good move from Audi, but I actually think it’s a good idea. Of course, they could’ve changed at least the exterior styling a little more, but except that, I see no reason a great platform like the one on the A4 B7 shouldn’t be still used. The problem is the pricing, which is still pretty high (starts at around 22,000 Euros).

What I really didn’t like was the press release. I mean, ok, I know that’s a rebadged A4, I don’t mind, but the press release is ridiculuos: “clearly indicative of the Spanish brand’s image”, “Distinctive elegant styling abounds on the new Exeo”, or “with the arrival of the Exeo, SEAT is demonstrating its efforts to create and manufacture made-to-measure vehicles”. Except for the front fascia, which tells you that’s a Seat, and the restyled rear lights, the car is absolutely identical (including the interior, which looks exactly like the A4 cabrio) to the A4.

The new Seat EXEO will be launched with three petrol-engines, from 102 HP (75kW) to 200 HP (147 kW) and three common rail Diesel engines from 120 HP (88 kW) to 170 HP (125 kW), all of them being future Euro 5 standard compliant. The new Seat Exeo will be available starting with spring 2009.

Photo Gallery: The Seat Exeo at the Paris Motor Show

Post tags: Tags: paris motor show, Seat, seat exeo