Paris Show: Seat reveals all-new Exeo saloon

Seat has debuted the Exeo saloon - another entry into the crowded European D-segment market, and Seat's first model in the segment, due out in the first six months of 2009.

Undeniably a Seat model, the Exeo features the trademark grille, twin exhausts and prominent wings. Seat's niche in the Volkswagen group is for sporty cars, so the Exeo will undoubtedly be puhsed in this way, as the 18-inch alloys attest to.

The Exeo is powered by a 198bhp turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine delivering 215lb-ft of torque at 1,800 rpm. Fuel consumption comes in at 36.6 mpg on the (provisional) combined cycle, while CO2 emissions fall below 185g/km.

Inside, a two-tone instrument panel gets dark brown wood inserts, while leather and Alcantara trim enhance the interior.

Front seats have four automatic memory positions, while a rear sunshade can be controlled electrically to reduce incoming glare. The Seat Exeo has a boot volume of 460 litres.

A steel monocoque structure with integrated aluminium components reduces weight and promises 'excellent' results in both occupant and pedestrian protection.

Built on the Volkswagen Group’s Premium platform, found on mid-sized saloons,the Exeo features a front independent multilink suspension, with a trapezoidal link at the rear.

The Exeo is tech-heavy, with speed-dependent Servotronic power steering, where the degree of assistance depends on the car’s speed, included on the Spanish saloon.

A ‘solar roof’ provides enough electrical power to activate the car’s ventilation system, allowing it to continue to work when the engine is turned off.

Latest-generation Xenon Plus headlights adapt to the direction of the car at speeds of above seven miles an hour.

The twin-zone automatic climate control system is equipped with an air quality sensor, which not only provides independent climate control on the driver and front passenger sides, but also detects and avoids the entry of noxious gases.

The new car also naturally features a sophisticated satellite navigation system with two SD ports, MP3-type audio player and hard disc, including a map database of the whole of Western Europe.

Safety kit includes two front airbags that deploy in two stages depending on the severity of the collision, two front side airbags, two curtain-type head airbags, driver knee airbag and rear side airbags.

The car also features active front seat head restraints that protect driver and passenger from whiplash caused by a rear-end collision.

Seat’s new saloon is also equipped with numerous active safety elements including ABS, TCS and ESP +, EBA and tyre pressure monitoring.

Sat calls the Exeo an executive saloon, but the Mondeo, Insignia, C5, Passat, Superb, Avensis, Accord and Laguna will be more liekly rivals than the 3 Series', A4s and C-Classes of this world.

Further details, prices and specification will be announced closer to the SEAT Exeo’s UK launch during the first half of 2009.

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