Seat Exeo Saloon Review

Exeo buyers can choose from four 2.0-litre turbo engines – 118-, 141- and 168bhp diesels, or a 208bhp petrol. We're yet to drive the weakest diesel or the petrol, but the other two are strong and flexible. Our favourite is the 141bhp diesel because it strikes the best balance between performance and affordability.

The Exeo is based on the previous-generation Audi A4, so it hangs on well through bends and feels stable on the motorway. That said, the standard suspension allows too much bounce over high-speed dips and crests. Sport models have a stiffer set-up that cures this, but it's combined with big, 18-inch wheels, so the ride is unforgiving. The steering isn’t ideal, because it’s heavy around town and light at speed.

The Exeo is pretty good on road noise, but there’s some wind noise to be heard on the motorway. The diesel engines are an issue, though. They’re not as quiet as the class best, and you feel way too much vibration through the steering wheel, pedals and gearstick.