Seat Exeo - any old iron?

The Ibiza looks punchy and puts in an awesome performance. With their latest contribution to the compact class, the Spanish manufacturer seems to have hit on the right formula. Exactly what the marque requires at the moment. Seat were even the first VAG subsidiary to be allowed to use the small-car platform of its later brother, the Polo. In the B segment, the Spaniards don't seem to have all that much new material to call on.

The Exeo being unveiled at Paris is supposed to make us forget the failure of the botched-up Toledo. If you look at the pictures, you'll wonder if that's even possible. The differences between the old Audi A4 and the Seat Exeo are purely down to the bonnet, boot lid and bumpers, front and rear. Not even the now rather naff side protector mouldings have been dispensed with. Inside the cabin, everything is just as before except for a new steering wheel and a rejigged dashboard.

At least the price of around €22,000 is a true reflection of the minimal effort made in redeveloping the model. For anyone reluctant to spend too much on a 'new' Seat mid-range model, the company could perhaps sell an upgrade kit for A4 owners, consisting of bumper and bonnet.