When the Exeo ST first arrived, I hadn’t recalled seeing any others on the road.

But in recent weeks there has certainly been a step change, most notably with four sightings in one day. Indeed, a Seat spokesman told me recently that sales of the Exeo ST are “quietly gaining momentum”. Passing an old-generation Audi A4 Avant recently also reminded me quite how similar the two cars are, yet somehow the Exeo manages to look far more modern. As much as I like our striking red, a dark grey model is by far the most flattering colour I have spotted yet.

Seat Exeo ST 2.0 TDI 143hp
Mileage 5079
Claimed combined
consumption
51.4mpg
Our average
consumption
36.8mpg
P11D price £21,215
Model price range £19,775-£24,285
CO2 (tax) 143g/km (20%)
BIK 20/40% per month £71/£141
Service interval £1937
Why we’re running it To see whether Seat’s first
upper medium competitor
is a serious proposition
Positive Better looks from
good colour choice
Negative Old Audi A4
Avant heritage