The 2.0-litre common-rail diesel engine impresses with both its refinement and linearity. This is an engine that will dish out traditional turbodiesel-style whoosh if you so desire, but there is also a broad spread of torque and plenty of throttle precision.
0-60mph takes 9.1sec and 30-70mph is dispatched in 8.8sec, quicker than we recorded for the current A4 2.0 TDI. The gearchange quality is another area where the Exeo tops the current offering from Audi; the movement is precise and pleasantly mechanical, but smooth-shifting and ideally weighted.
A dry stopping distance of 45.8m from 70mph is bang on the money for a VW Group car, slightly bettering the Mk6 Golf, if not quite matching the new A4.
The Exeo’s performance in our wet tests actually betters its group counterparts. In less extreme use, though, the Seat’s middle pedal impresses less, having inherited the Audi tendency for a period of dead travel followed by a sharp bite.
Although it did improve during its life cycle, the old A4 was bugged by its longitudinally arranged forward-set engine, producing nose-heavy handling and an unsettled ride.
It’s fair to say that the changes to the suspension have improved matters considerably. The driving characteristics are still recognisable as that of an Audi, but one with fewer concessions.
We selected an Exeo in Sport trim, meaning a lowered, stiffer suspension and 18in wheels as standard. At town speeds the ride is relatively firm. Things improve with speed, but there remains unwanted movement over, say, motorway expansion joints. What rescues the Exeo is that this movement is sufficiently damped as to not become harsh or unsettling.
Although its enthusiasm for corners doesn’t match that of the class-leading Mondeo, the Exeo is well controlled and keen to turn in. There is grip and composure, and the hydraulic steering’s accuracy and consistent weighting makes it easy to place the car.
