First Drive: Seat Exeo diesel automatic

Seat’s fleet penetration has increased significantly in recent years, thanks not just to some tax-friendly models, but the addition of the Exeo. If it’s escaped you, it is basically a rebranded previous-generation Audi A4.

That’s good news for those wanting a premium car for mainstream money. It is hardly surprising then that around 75% of Exeos purchased are done so with company money. Increasing its appeal is the addition of a diesel automatic to the range, with a Multitronic CVT automatic mated to Seat’s 143bhp 2.0-litre TDI.

CVT automatic transmissions rarely have praise heaped upon them, but the Exeo’s Multitronic works reasonably well. For that you can thank the engine’s ample low range torque, which negates the need for the Multitronic to hold on to high revs. Ask for lots of acceleration and the familiar flare of revs does little for refinement, but for the most part the Multitronic and engine are fine, quiet, companions. 0-62mph comes in 9.3 seconds and if you want to control the automatic, there are paddle shifters and seven stepped gears.

The gearbox really is the news here, as otherwise the Exeo drives as it did before. That’s to say it’s competent, comfortable and refined. It’s more spacious in the back now too, with Seat re-profiling the rear seats to add 44mm extra legroom.

Seat has yet to confirm pricing and exact CO2 and consumption figures, but it’s suggesting a premium of £1,500 and emissions of 153g/km. Fuel consumption rises a bit too, with 48.7mpg quoted.

So it’s simply a case of working out the numbers, whether you’re prepared to pay a bit more for the automatic, or stick with the six-speed manual.