In what amounts to the lamest attempt at cost-cutting, Seat has just unveiled a “new” sedan model at the 2008 Paris Auto Show, called the Exeo. It would’ve been interesting, except for the fact that it is just an older-generation Audi A4 sedan with new front and rear designs. Seat was a source of unique designs relative to VW’s boring overpriced cars, but now it seems to be transitioning into a dumping ground for the VW Group’s unwanted designs.

Engines will include everything from VW’s Golf range. That means the base model houses the useless 102 hp 1.6-litre while the top model gets the 200 hp 2.0-litre turbo.

The interior somewhat mimics Audi’s designs, with conservative details and nice seats, although we suspect low-quality materials all over, like recent Seat models we saw in the showroom. Seat vehicles continue to be a rare sight in Dubai and, most likely, the rest of the GCC.

The Exeo is definitely a bit of a conundrum. On one hand, you can buy a brand new affordable Audi-like sedan and get the dealer to fix its numerous expected problems under warranty. Or you can buy a second-hand real Audi for peanuts and spend the money you save on its numerous expected problems. Either way, the consumer wins. Or rather, loses.