SEAT Exeo Reference 1.8 TSI 120 CV (2011-2012)

2012
Gasolina
FWD
Manual 6v
SEAT Exeo - Vista 1
SEAT Exeo - Vista 2
SEAT Exeo - Vista 3
SEAT Exeo - Vista 4

Especificaciones y análisis del SEAT Exeo

Power

120HP

Torque

230Nm

Consumption

7.3l/100

Emissions

169g/km

0-100 km/h

10.6s

Top Speed

202km/h

Weight

1485kg

Price

22,320

Technical summary

Fuel

Gasolina

Transmission

Manual 6v

Traction

FWD

Seats

5 / 4 doors

Trunk

460 L

Tank

70 L

Power

88 kW

Status

Current

Technical specifications

Engine

Maximum power120 CV / 88 kW
Maximum torque230 Nm
Fuel typeGasolina
TransmissionManual 6v

Capacities

Tank70 L
Trunk460 L

Detailed analysis of the SEAT Exeo Reference 1.8 TSI 120 CV (2011-2012)

General description

The 2012 SEAT Exeo, in its Reference 1.8 TSI 120 hp sedan version, presents itself as a sensible and mature option within the mid-size sedan segment. Derived from the previous generation Audi A4, this model offered an interesting value proposition, combining the reliability and build quality of the Volkswagen Group with a more accessible price. It was a car designed for those looking for a spacious, comfortable vehicle with a touch of distinction, without being ostentatious. Its 120 hp 1.8 TSI engine, although not the most powerful in the range, promised an adequate balance between performance and efficiency for everyday use.

Driving experience

Behind the wheel of the SEAT Exeo 1.8 TSI 120 hp, the predominant sensation is one of solidity and composure. The hydraulic steering, although lacking the immediacy of more modern systems, transmits a good connection with the road, offering a predictable and safe response. The suspension, with its multi-link scheme both front and rear, effectively filters out road irregularities, providing remarkable ride comfort, ideal for long journeys. The engine, despite its 120 hp, is eager from low revolutions thanks to its turbo and direct injection, delivering 230 Nm of torque at just 1500 rpm. This translates into good recovery capability and relaxed driving in most situations. However, don't expect blistering acceleration; the 10.6 seconds to reach 100 km/h from a standstill places it in the segment average. The 6-speed manual gearbox is precise and pleasant to use, contributing to a satisfying and uneventful driving experience. In short, the Exeo offers a mature and comfortable driving experience, designed for stress-free enjoyment of miles.

Design and aesthetics

The design of the 2012 SEAT Exeo is a clear example of timeless elegance and functionality. Inheriting the main lines of the Audi A4 B7, its silhouette is classic and proportionate, with a front end that integrates SEAT's characteristic grille of the era and headlights that give it a determined look. The four-door sedan has a length of 4661 mm, a width of 1772 mm, and a height of 1430 mm, dimensions that give it an imposing presence on the road. The 16-inch wheels with 205/55 R16 tires, although not the largest, complement the overall package harmoniously. Inside, sobriety and ergonomics are the protagonists. The materials, although not reaching the luxury level of its Audi cousin, are of good quality and the adjustments are precise, conveying a sense of durability. The cabin is spacious, especially in the front seats, and the 460-liter trunk offers generous capacity for luggage. It is a design that, without being revolutionary, has aged with dignity, maintaining its appeal over time.

Technology and features

In terms of technology, the 2012 SEAT Exeo 1.8 TSI incorporated proven and efficient solutions. Its 1.8 TSI gasoline engine, with direct injection, turbo, and intercooler, was an example of Volkswagen Group engineering, seeking to optimize performance and efficiency. The well-geared 6-speed manual gearbox allowed maximum use of the engine's power delivery. In terms of safety, it had ventilated disc brakes at the front and solid discs at the rear, ensuring effective braking. The hydraulic power steering, although not the most modern, offered good feedback. Inside, technology focused on functionality and comfort, with equipment that, in the Reference version, was adequate without great luxuries. However, the technological base of the Audi A4 B7 gave it a solidity and reliability that few rivals could match in its segment and price range. It was a car that opted for useful and proven technology, without experiments.

Competition

In the competitive mid-size sedan segment, the 120 hp SEAT Exeo 1.8 TSI faced tough contenders. Its main rivals included models such as the Volkswagen Passat, Ford Mondeo, Opel Insignia, Renault Laguna, and Peugeot 508. Compared to them, the Exeo offered the advantage of an Audi platform and mechanical base, which gave it a plus in ride quality and perceived reliability. Its price, more adjusted than some of its direct competitors, made it a very attractive option for those looking for a well-built car with a premium touch without paying the premium price of luxury brands. Although its design was not the most avant-garde, its classic elegance and focus on functionality made it stand out in a saturated market of options.

Conclusion

The 2012 SEAT Exeo 1.8 TSI 120 hp sedan was a car that, despite its 'recycled' origin, managed to find its own space in the market. It offered a very attractive combination of build quality, ride comfort, interior space, and a competitive price. Its engine, although not an abundance of power, more than met the demands for daily use and travel, standing out for its elasticity and reasonable fuel consumption for the time. It was an honest car, without pretensions of extreme sportiness, but with a great capacity to cover miles with comfort and safety. For those who valued solidity, reliability, and timeless design, the Exeo was, and still is, a highly recommended option in the used car market. A car that, without great fanfare, more than fulfilled its purpose and left a pleasant feeling of satisfaction.