IT was appropriate that I drove the SEAT Exeo to a horse racing festival - as it is a real thoroughbred.

Whether cruising up and down the motorway or negotiating winding country lanes the Spanish beauty was foot perfect and a pleasure to drive.

The Exeo has an excellent pedigree as it is based on the previous generation Audi A4 - with the benefit of sharing components and platforms evident in the fact that SEAT was able to launch the new model into the family saloon market in just two years.

The speed of development shouldn't put you off however as buying an Exeo is in many ways like getting an Audi for a fraction of the usual cost with the addition of SEAT's tweaks to the exterior styling that make it very much part of its family.

So for a shade over £21,000 you get a car that offers compact executive interior quality that is loaded with a ton of luxury and safety equipment that Audi would charge your other arm and leg for as optional extras.

Even the entry-level version of the Exeo is well equipped with climate control, cruise control, four electric windows, Bluetooth and iPod connectivity and alloy wheels fitted as standard.

The Exeo Sport model adds automatic lights and wipers, steering-wheel mounted audio and phone controls, dark tinted rear privacy glass, parking sensors, sports seats and fancy interior trim.

But having the ability to plug your iPod in and listen to the high quality stereo system is useless if the cabin is cramped and uncomfortable - and happily the Exeo avoids this pitfall.

It can easily accommodate four adults with good levels of leg, head and shoulder room. The boot is also a good size without ever being likely to threaten class-leading status.

The rear seats can be folded to increase capacity but it's a shame they can't be laid completely flat.

Drivers of all shapes and sizes should be able to get comfortable as the steering wheel adjusts for both rake and reach while the seat is height adjustable.

The dashboard layout is stylish with all the controls and dials logically set out and easy to see and use.

Safety was obviously a priority as the Exeo is fitted with front, side and curtain airbags as well as a driver's knee airbag and active anti-whiplash front head restraints to protect in the event of a crash. To help avoid a smash in the first place stability control and electronic braking aids are included.

The 2.0-litre diesel model is likely to be the most popular version of the Exeo in Britain and it's easy to see why as solid performance is allied to good fuel economy and relatively low carbon dioxide emissions.

The Exeo Sport features a relatively stiff suspension that combats any tendency to pitch and roll but doesn't result in the need for dental work after the many bumps and ruts that pass for our highways these days are negotiated.