Engines
- Three diesel engines, plus one potent petrol
-
State-of-the-art common rail and DPF technology in diesels
-
The entire turbocharged range complies with EU5 emissions legislation
The arrival of state-of-the-art common rail diesel engines in the new Exeo is another major coup for the range. The Exeo offers three engine choices, one petrol and two diesel, and all three are turbocharged. They all comply with forthcoming tough new EU5 emissions legislation, making SEAT’s new saloon the first model in this segment whose entire range is EU5-compliant.
All models are equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox, although a 2.0 TSI engine with Multitronic automatic sequential gearbox is in the pipeline.
This, incidentally, also doubles as the most powerful engine in the Exeo range. The 200 PS direct injection dual intercooler turbocharged four cylinder engine delivers a maximum torque of 280 Nm at 1,800 rpm, a fuel consumption figure of only 36.7 mpg (combined) and CO2 emissions of 179 g/km.
Common rail diesel engines
All three existing and forthcoming SEAT Exeo common rail diesel engines share the 2.0-litre four cylinder engine basis of the Volkswagen Group, delivering 120 PS, 143 PS and 170 PS.
They all feature piezoelectric injectors for faster injection, and the common rail system that enhances flexibility. Specially shaped pistons improve combustion, and pre-combustion has also been worked on to improve refinement and efficiency.
All are equipped with a DPF particulate filter near the engine, which further improves efficiency. A complete acoustics package has also been developed, where the engine cover and a counter rotating shaft considerably reduce engine NVH (Noise / Vibration / Harshness).
The 120 PS version arriving in the autumn boasts emissions figures of around 143 grammes of CO2 per kilometre (figure pending homologation). The lowest powered launch version features an output of 143 PS and maximum engine torque of no less than 320 Nm between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm. Its combined average fuel consumption is 51.4 mpg with emissions of 143 grammes of CO2 per kilometre.
The most powerful diesel engine delivers a spirited 170 PS. This performance figure stems from greater turbo pressure and an enhanced water pump, as well as the addition of a double intercooler, compared with the single unit on the 143 PS version. It delivers maximum engine torque of 350 Nm between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm, and despite its power boost, combined fuel consumption is only 48.7 mpg, with emission levels of 153 g of CO2 per kilometre.
Chassis
As agile as any SEAT
-
The Agile Chassis concept is used on SEAT’s new saloon
-
Sophisticated all-round multi-link suspension technology
-
Servotronic steering calibrated according to speed and turning angle
SEAT’s chassis engineers had just one thought in mind when developing the settings for the new car: just because the Exeo is a saloon it does not have to lack the sporty nature of the rest of the SEAT range.
Despite its dimensions and family car bias, the new model’s chassis performance provides a much sportier driving experience than that of its rivals’.
When developing the new Exeo, the Agile Chassis concept was introduced to provide it with lively, energetic reactions in line with the performance of the rest of the SEAT range. To improve its agility, work has been done on the tyres, the coils and stabiliser bars, and the shock absorber ratings. The result is an extremely sporty vehicle, but with the driving comfort demanded of a car in this segment.
Greater performance with multi-link suspension
The new Exeo is equipped with a multi-link assembly at the front made up of two pairs of arms with double ball-joint on both pairs, giving a total of four suspension ball-joints per wheel – in addition to the ones associated with the steering. This system allows better slip angle and wheel camber control, limiting its variation along the combined suspension and steering movement, resulting in better tyre grip in any wheel position. The result is greater resistance and linear stability on bumpy roads, and fewer jolts to the steering wheel, as well as smoother braking in curves and greater driving comfort.
At the rear there’s a similarly advanced multi-link system where the robust lower aluminium wishbone carries out the functions of the traditional lower arms. This way the accumulation of assembly and adjustment tolerances is restricted, resulting in less variation in controlling slip angle and camber.
On all versions of the Exeo the front and rear springs feature T-Shape technology on the piston seals, which reduces the already low piston displacement flow leaks, resulting in greater suspension ratings and enhanced comfort.
The Sport version’s shock absorbers are equipped with DSI technology which allows for optimising the adjustment possibilities of a specific rating. The result? Greater comfort, despite the stiffer settings associated with these versions.
Intelligent steering
Some versions of the new SEAT Exeo feature a Servotronic steering system, standard on the 200 PS TSI and 170 PS TDI CR in ‘Sport’ and ‘SE Lux’ trim. With this system the degree of assistance depends on the car’s speed, providing the driver with a more comfortable, involving and precise steering experience.
More assistance is given at low speeds, for example during parking, which makes manoeuvring easier. At higher speeds, an electronic sensor gradually reduces assistance and the driver can control the car more precisely than with conventional power steering.
The new Exeo is also equipped with all the electronic safety systems available on the market, including ABS + TCS, and ESP with EBA emergency braking as standard across the range.
