So yesterday, I picked up the Audi.
I drove it the 60-odd miles back. It didn’t take even 2 miles of driving to reaffirm my belief, that despite the cheaper MRSP and the non-Audi
badge, the Spanish car trumps the German, both in handling and equipment levels.
The SEAT feels more nimble and composed on twisty roads, where the Audi feels cumbersome and unsettled in certain road conditions, at certain speeds. The 2.0T motor in stock form, despite its 200hp output, lacks the urgent punch the 2.0 CR TDI 170 has, despite the 30hp deficit.
I drove the Audi last night, and I’d forgotten just how poor the halogen non-projector headlamps were. Facelift B5 halogen projectors are like in a different league. I found myself toggling between main and dipped beams. With the SEAT, the BiXenon setup is out of this world.
Both cars are Sport models.
Audi A4 Avant 2.0T Quattro S-Aline.
SEAT Exeo ST 2.0 CR TDI 170 Sport Tech.
The Audi’s equipment level is pretty basic, compared to the SEAT. The only extra the Audi has over the SEAT, is a sunroof! It doesn’t even have a front arm rest.
The Audi has the following as extras:
- Electric lumbar support.
- Electric sunroof.
- Rear door blinds.
The SEAT has the following as extras:
- RNS-E.
- BOSE.
- Colour DIS.
- Full DIS (Highline).
- Front and rear PDC.
- BiXenon headlamps with AFS.
- Electric folding mirrors.
- Auto-dim interior mirror.
- Black sports heated leather interior.
- Front armrest.
- Headlamp wash.
- Auto headlamps.
- Coming / leaving home.
- Auto wipers.
- LED DRL’s.
The Audi has the following as standard:
- Audi Symphony I.
The SEAT has the following as standard:
- Bluetooth.
- MFSW.
- SDS.
- Cruise.
- Shift light.
Even the base Exeo, the 2.0 CR TDI 120 S has the same standard equipment, which is standard on the 2.0 CR TDI 170 Sport Tech.
The Audi needs a LOT of retrofits, to get it even close to the SEAT trim level, but I’m going to enjoy doing so. I won’t be making any big changes though, until at least Phase 1 is completed on the SEAT.