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Seat may have pinched the previous generation Audi A4’s structure for its Exeo range, but that hasn’t stopped the Spanish arm of the Volkswagen Group using the latest turbodiesel engine on offer. The 2.0-litre turbodiesel produces 143PS, or 141bhp in old money, and it’s a cracking engine thanks to 236lb ft of punch generously spread between 1750- and 2500rpm. This is exactly the rev range where most drivers spend most of their time in the car, whether it’s nipping around town or whisking down the motorway. Use all of the engine’s free-revving nature and you’ll dash off 0-62mph in 9.6 seconds, which puts the Seat estate on a par with the bulk of the compact executive pack, and it has a top speed of 129mph, so cross-Europe trips are more than easily undertaken where higher speeds are permitted. The six-speed manual gearbox is the only option with this engine, regardless of which trim you choose, but that’s no bad thing as it’s slick and the clutch is also light when stuck in traffic jams. There’s a little engine noise at low revs and when it’s worked hard, but when in that big sweet spot of power it’s hushed and easy on the ears.

Using an Audi as the starting point is a good thing for the Seat Exeo, but the Spanish firm’s engineers are not content to stick with the Germans’ suspension settings. So, the Exeo ST has revised spring and damper rates and is all the better for it. There’s plenty of mid-corner traction and grip, but the Exeo turns into bends with more precision than the old Audi ever managed and the steering has a degree more feel to make the Exeo more fun to drive. There’s still some of the Audi’s squidginess over sharp crests and sudden dips, but it’s better controlled and, even with the larger alloy wheels fitted to some models, the ride remains composed and cosseting. Sport models come with firmed up suspension to live up to the badge, but even then the Exeo ST still works as a very comfortable executive express.

Seat sits in the upper half of the 2009 JD Power Satisfaction Survey and, perhaps more relevant for the Exeo, Audi sits even closer to the top spot. This all bodes extremely well for the Exeo ST, which uses Audi A4 Avant parts and an Audi A4 Cabriolet dash. It all comes together very well in the Seat to give the feel of a high grade machine. There were no creaks, rattles or squeaks in any of the cars we tested. On the mechanical front, the Seat Exeo ST should prove to be long lived thanks to proven engines and gearboxes.

The Seat Exeo ST scores top marks on both fronts here thanks to deadlocks, alarm and an immobiliser to make sure the car remains where you parked it. There are twin front, side and curtain airbags, as well as a driver’s knee airbag to protect the car’s occupants. Electronic stability control, along with electronic braking aids, all help the Exeo driver avoid accidents, while anti-whiplash head rests minimise the risk of injury to those in the front should the worst happen.

Compare the Seat Exeo ST to other small executive estates and it’s alongside the best for boot capacity and passenger space. The front occupants have plenty of room to relax and the driver enjoys a lot of adjustment in the seat and steering wheel position to obtain the perfect driving position. Rear seat passengers could do with a little more leg room, but it’s far from cramped and children are afforded a decent view out to help avoid car sickness. The boot is stoutly made and offers up 442-litres of space in its usual configuration. Drop the 60/40 split and fold rear seats and you can free up 1354-litres of cargo space, which is more than enough for those trips to Ikea. The only downside is the Exeo doesn’t offer as big a load bay as many other estates that cost the same, such as the Ford Mondeo or Vauxhall Insignia.

Associations with Audi will do the Seat Exeo no harm when it comes to used values and the extremely keen pricing of this Seat estate also make it a very attractive choice. Company car drivers will no doubt be pleased to see emissions of 143g/km for all versions with the 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine, which takes the Seat into a cost-effective range for Benefit in Kind. With combined economy of 51.4mpg on tap, the Exeo ST has appeal for private buyers too. Seat offers four versions of the Exeo ST 2.0 TDi, covering S, SE, Sport and SE Lux. All come with alloy wheels, climate and cruise controls, electric windows all round and a good CD stereo.

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