SEAT's bold step into the large family car market came as something of surprise in difficult times for the car industry.
The large family car segment has a mixture of buyers and breaking the hold of the likes of the Ford Mondeo and Vauxhall Insignia is a tough challenge.
Buyers range from the private purchaser looking for a big family car to the big fleets looking for reliable and economical company cars, so cornering a decent piece of the action is a must.
The Exeo took only 18 months from inception to production which is quite an achievement.
The new car retains trademark SEAT touches like the arrow grille, distinctive rear lights and the S-shaped boot catch and has SEAT's sporty driving qualities but there is no doubt it very much resembles that other quality VW-group stablemate, the Audi A4.
The interior definitely feels more compact than some of its rivals but four are accommodated comfortably; five, less so. Materials are of the highest quality with soft touch trim and everything clunk-clicks with a reassuring sound.
The centre console swoops down towards the driver and houses all the key controls including sat nav where fitted. The binnacle dials are clear and concise in a nice white on red combination.
The seats are sporty and comfortable, but it took a while to find the best way to enter the car without cracking my head. I have found sports cars easier to get into at first, but like most things, you soon get used to it.
Head and legroom is good for front seat occupants, but not so good in the rear, although far from uncomfortable. Boot space is excellent, if not class-leading with 460 litres of space.
As well as the luxury feel inside, there is plenty of standard kit, making the Exeo an attractive buy for the price. These include the usual electric windows and mirrors, climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, alloy wheels, twin halogen headlamps, multi-function steering wheel and USB port.
Safety equipment includes six airbags, anti lock brakes and stability control.
There are four trim levels and a choice of two-litre petrol and two two-litre diesel engines, all mated to a superb six-speed gearbox.
The 140bhp diesel on the test model proved both sporty and economical. Even when pushed hard, it seemed to sip the fuel and, driven carefully, you should get consumption in the mid-fifties.
However floor the accelerator and the car leaps forward and is capable of completing the 0-60mph sprint in under 10 seconds.
The engine is refined and flexible and mid-range torque is excellent which provides excellent overtaking on the motorways.
Handling is taut with the ride slightly on the firm side.
Carbon dioxide emissions are 139g/km which puts the test model in the £120 per year road tax bracket and 18 percent benefit in kind for company car drivers.
With prices starting at £18,240, the Exeo is very competitive, particularly with the high levels of equipment.
FAST FACTS
SEAT Exeo Sport 2.0 TDI CR
Price: £19,940
Mechanical: 143bhp, 1,968cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox.
Max speed: 133mph
0-62mph: 9.2 seconds ,
Combined mpg 53.3
Insurance group: 12
CO2 emissions: 139g/km
BIK rating: 18%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles