[martinbo]

I admire the rationale behind the Exeo. Unfortunately, the execution isn't ideal.

Look, the A4 B6/B7, introduced a whole new level of sophistication in the FWD premium compact class. It was this series that stepped up to the plate and placed Audi in true contention in the 3 series class. To this day, the underpinnings remain sophisticated and surpassed only by the new B8 when it comes to FWD platforms. So the strategy is spot on; it's like keeping all those hardly worn, expensive designer kids wear for the second child. Why go and tool up an entire plant for a SEAT that's never really going to be anything more than a left-field buyer's choice. Rather get some more mileage out of the existing plant and tooling - much better for ROI.

Unfortunately, the B6/B7 is quite distinctive in its shape and so attempts to hide the obvious lineage have fallen short of the mark. The front styling is iffy, the wing mirrors on stalks are ugly and the rear end detailing is dull with a capital D.

So, in all, right idea, wrong answer. Pity.

[Centurion]

Originally Posted by Tumbo

And imo, this is the biggest rip-off and whoever came up wit hthat idea should be shot!!!!! To put a Seat grille on an Audi...!?

I'm really pissed off...

This is emberassing!!!

VAG are cutting costs. The Golf IV mk.II is a version of the previous generation with redesigned panels.

[martinbo]

I think you mean Golf V Mk II or actually Golf VI, Luw. Not Golf IV.

It is more of a newer generation than the B7 was over the B6. So it's not really the Mk II everyone is on about. A very incremental change granted but give it its due for having new engines, new transmissions, a new interior, new styling (it looks quite different from a Golf V) and a host of new technology.

[Yannis]

Originally Posted by Centurion

VAG are cutting costs. The Golf IV mk.II is a version of the previous generation with redesigned panels.

Keeping the same basic stracture and changing other vital aspects of the car like the interior and the engines is not a bad idea. I much prefer it to a facial facelift that changes only the exterior and keeps everything else the same like Audi did with the B7 A4.

[Giannis]

So will this car be sold in Europe?

[Centurion]

I like it!! The colour combo is awesome. Unexpectedly the exterior looks better than I anticipated. The rear end is pretty good and the front is alright. Add a sports package, RS4 rims and you're good to go. The B7 was a marvel in quality feel and the B8 is a step back, so this car can actually turn out to have a more premium quality feel than the B8 That is if Audi haven't dumbed down the quality.

Overall it a car offering a lot of value for money and will be of interest to Passat buyers or people struggling to buy a decent equipped entry level B8. I for one wouldn't mind driving this car at all. It shall be interesting to see the pricing.

[martinbo]

I just love the unintentional yet true irony of this picture!

[mc_blue]

If you removed the rubbing strips from the side (functional yes but there aren't any on the front or back so from a design perspective they stick out like a sore thumb) and managed to change door handles and side repeater it would look a lot less like the donor car. The real life pictures aren't too bad.