Category: Large Family 
Price Range: £19,240 to £22,940
Robustness of an Audi for Seat money; strong diesel engines; smooth ride.
Offers nothing new; looks bland; competent but uninspiring drive.
If you can look beyond the Seat badge, the Exeo ST drives like a premium estate.
Seat hasn't wasted any time expanding its Exeo range, launching this estate straight after the saloon version of its first-ever large family car. And, on the face of it, the Exeo ST wagon is a far more appealing proposition than the competent but bland four-door saloon.
You may remember that the Seat Exeo is a last-generation Audi A4 in disguise, and the ST model is no different. Visually the bumpers at the front and rear, the grille, the lights and, obviously, the badges are new. But that's all. It's inoffensive and familiar, but not very exciting to look at.
Luckily, there's more to talk about beneath the bonnet. In common with the saloon, a fresh range of cleaner and more powerful VW-Audi Group engines has been fitted in the Exeo, including a range of modern 2.0-litre TDI diesels and a direct injection 2.0-litre TSI petrol.
The equipment list is generous too. Even mid-range models include Bluetooth, climate control, and leather; all part of an effort to make the Exeo ST stand out as a strong value proposition.
In fact, value for money is one of the most compelling points about this estate. Seat has been realistic when pricing it and, despite the Audi ancestry, the Exeo ST isn't pitched against premium brands such as Mercedes and BMW. Instead it is unashamedly a family load-lugger, running up against the Ford Mondeo Estate and Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer.
But, since both these middle-of-the-road models bring new levels of quality and driving dynamics to the segment, the Exeo ST will have its work cut out to compete. So is it good enough to pinch some customers?
