SEAT's drip feed of Geneva info continued today as it announced the Exeo ST will indeed take a space on SEAT's show floor stand in March. That's the estate version of the forthcoming Exeo saloon, just in case you thought it was a high-performance version and started getting all excited. It probably stands for 'Sport Tourer'.
We were already quite certain it was going to appear
at Geneva, but now we've got some proper information on the estate version of a car that started life as the previous generation Audi A4. But there was nothing much wrong with the old Audi A4, so maybe SEAT's onto a good thing by repackaging it and making it significantly cheaper? We'll find out for sure when we drive it
next week, but in the meantime let's get into the specifics of the load-lugging version.
The boot is 442-litres big, which by way of comparison is 48-litres down on the A4 Avant's, and the newcomer will be available in four trim levels: S, SE, Sport and SE Lux, with three engines providing power. There's a pair of common rail diesels with 141bhp or 168bhp, and a 197bhp turbocharged petrol unit, all linked to a six-speed manual 'box as standard. Don't bet against DSG making an appearance at some point, too.
Available to order from April, with deliveries expected in the summer, standard equipment includes Bluetooth phone connectivity, cruise control, dual-zone climate control and alloy wheels. You can also spec up to electric heated front seats, satnav and double-glazing. Rumours of a roof-mounted conservatory with accompanying patio are as yet unconfirmed.
Mark Nichol - 11 Feb 2009