Seat Exeo

All Euro V-compliant, the powerplant selection include a brace of common rail turbodiesels producing 143 PS or 170 PS, as well as a potent 200 PS turbocharged petrol. They are all mated, as standard, to a six-speed manual gearbox.

At launch, the new Seat saloon's 0 to 62 mph times range from 9.2 seconds (for the 143 PS TDI) through 8.4 seconds (170 PS TDI) to 7.3 seconds for the 200 PS TSI petrol-powered version. Maximum speeds, where legal, are 133 mph, 142 mph and 149 mph respectively. Depending on engine, the Exeo is capable of up to 51.4 mpg (on the combined cycle) with an official CO2 emissions figure of as little as 143 g/km.

Among the equipment highlights guaranteed to appear across the new range are USB connectivity (allowing MP3 music players to be used in-car); cruise control; steering wheel-mounted audio controls; dual zone climate control and stylish alloy wheels. Front fog lamps, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, electric windows all round and colour-coded door handles and mirrors are also standard on every Exeo.

Step up to the Exeo SE and buyers can look forward to rear parking sensors, automatic lights and wipers, auto-dimming rear view mirror, leather steering wheel and gearknob, and an acoustic windscreen among the standard features.

As well as the equipment found in SE spec' cars, Exeo Sport buyers naturally benefit from the likes of sports suspension, sports seats and 18 inch alloys, while those who opt for the range-topping SE Lux will enjoy black leather upholstery and bi-xenon headlights with AFS among their standard-fit kit.

Finally, an extensive array of options allows Exeo buyers to precisely personalise their cars. A DVD-based satellite navigation system, double-glazed side windows, electrically adjustable and heated front seats, and hi-tech solar sunroof all number among the extras available.