Seat has officially announced the name of their new D-Segment car. The newcomer will be named "Exeo", pronounced (ex-ay-o) and not Bolero as previously thought. The Exeo is be based upon the 2005 Audi A4 and will use the latest Volkswagen engines. First to be launched will be the sedan next year, followed by the wagon. Rivals will include the Ford Mondeo, Renault Laguna, Peugeot 407, Honda Accord and Vauxhall/Opel Insignia etc.
Seat’s Director of Design, Luc Donckerwolke said “We believe the Seat brand will become established much faster in this highly competitive sector if the first model we offer has a proven record of quality and reliability. With the Audi A4-based model, there will be no room for doubt.”
A Geneva motorshow debut is likely since the project was announced just over 1 year ago. So far, only 1 prototype has been sighted undergoing altitude testing in the Swiss Alps during the night. Production will being this December with prices starting around £15,000.
Press Release:
SEAT’s new saloon will be called “EXEO”
In addition to the saloon, there will be a family versionTo be wholly manufactured at the Martorell plant
SEAT’s new saloon car will be called “EXEO”.
Its market launch that is scheduled for 2009 marks a new highlight in the history of the Spanish brand, which is expanding its model range towards new segments. The SEAT EXEO is an elegant, dynamic saloon with high quality and outstanding technology that faithfully reflects SEAT’s personality – design, sportiness and liveliness.
The name EXEO is advanced, forceful and technological, which signals excellence and is highly suggestive of driving pleasure.
Faithful to SEAT’s Mediterranean roots, the new name stems from the Latin word “Exire”, meaning ‘to go beyond’, ‘to go further’. The name differs from all the other range denominations, and indicates the beginning of a new period for the company, that takes the brand into an all new segment. The successful names of the models of the current range will be maintained.
The SEAT EXEO is a D-segment model which does not replace the SEAT Toledo.