Seat Adds Exeo 143HP 2.0-liter Diesel Engine with Multitronic CVT Transmission to the Mix

The Seat Exeo is essentially a previous generation Audi A4 with some “auto emocion” touches here and there. However, having an older platform doesn’t mean that it’s a bad car, especially when it comes with the VW Group’s latest powerplants and transmissions. The Multitronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) gearbox is one of them and now it has been paired with the 143HP 2.0-liter TDI diesel engine available on both the Exeo sedan and station wagon (ST) models.

Although it comes with 7 pre-configured gears, the CVT transmission can virtually provide infinite gear ratios, better exploiting the engine’s resources, while reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

In terms of performance, the diesel-powered sedan accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 9.3 seconds and can reach a top speed of 208 km/h (129 mph). The station wagon is marginally slower (0-100 kmh/0-62 mph in 9.6 seconds, top speed of 201 km/h or 125 mph), but both versions are equally frugal, requiring 5.8 lt/100 km (40.5 US mpg) in the combined cycle.

The Seat Exeo and Exeo ST equipped with the 143-horsepower diesel and Multitronic gearbox come as standard with seven airbags, dual-zone air conditioning, front and rear power windows, foglights, chrome roof rails (on the Exeo ST), remote-controlled central locking, cruise control, Bluetooth, auto-dimming rear view mirror, CD MP3 radio with 8 speakers and 17-inch alloys.

Besides the transmission addition, Seat says that all new Exeos benefit from a repositioned the rear seat configuration, which increases legroom by an impressive 4.4 cm (1.73 inches) without affecting the comfort or cargo space.

The new version of the German-sourced Spanish sedan is available for sale in Europe.

By Csaba Daradics

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Paris Preshow: 2011 Seat Exeo with Interior Refinements, LED Tail Lights and New 7-Speed CVT

Seat is debuting the 2011 model year versions of its Exeo sedan and ST estate at this week's Paris Auto Show. The VW Group owned company says that both models, which are based on the previous generation Audi A4, are roomier, as there is more space available to backseat passengers after redesigning the front seats and rear bench, while other updates include the introduction of a 7-speed Multitronic transmission on the 2.0 TDI CR Diesel version.

Thanks to some minor revisions to the front seat back and rear bench designs, room in the back is said to have increased by 44 millimeters (+1.7-inches) without affecting seating comfort [according to Seat] or luggage space.

Under the hood, Seat has equipped the 143-hp 2.0 TDI CR Diesel version with the continuously variable Multitronic gearbox. The transmission on this model offers a sport program that delivers gear shifting at higher rev speeds, and a 7-speed manual mode controlled via steering wheel mounted shift paddles.

According to Seat, this combination returns an average fuel consumption of 5.8 liters per 100 kilometers, which is equal to 40.6 mpg US and 48.7 mpg UK.

Other changes include the revised tail lamps featuring LED technology and the addition of a new 230 V socket on the central console.

More details including availability will be released at the Paris motor show.