The SEAT Córdoba is a B-segment car or a supermini produced by the Spanish automaker SEAT. It was underpinned by the VW Group A0 series platform initially and later by the VW Group A04 (PQ24) platform. It is the saloon, estate, and coupé version of the Ibiza, a hatchback.
The First Generation (1993-2002)
In 1993, SEAT unveiled the first-generation Córdoba at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro created the design. Petrol engines with capacity ranging from 1.4, 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0 litres, as well as a 1.9 TDI, powered it, the same engines utilized on the VW Polo and SEAT Ibiza. Its length was similar to VW Golf and smaller than the Jetta. Its boot space of 455L could expand to 760L by folding the rear seats.
Córdoba SX, a coupé, replaced the Córdoba range in March 1996, and later that year, was replaced by the Córdoba Vario, an estate.
The Córdoba SX had five engine variants, which were 1.6L 75kW, 1.9L turbo diesel, 1.8L 16-valve, 2.0L 8-valve, and a 2.0L 16-valve. It had 16-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, 280-mm front discs, ABS, traction control, and air conditioning as well.
Later that year, an update added a modern rear diffuser that concealed the exhaust, a front lower grille and splitter, as well as leather interior trim. Even though the Córdoba 16V was more expensive, it was slower because it was heavier at the rear end.
Not only was it facelifted by altering bumpers, headlights, taillights, and front grille, it also received interior modifications, including new upholstery.
Regarding the engines, the 1.8L 116kW turbo engine was used instead of the 16-valve ABF engine.
The Australian market received GLX, Alpine, SE, and SXE trim levels.
- GLX trim level features: Central locking, Power steering, Power windows in the front, Radio cassette with six speakers, and a Rear spoiler
Powertrain: 1.8L inline-four petrol engine producing 66kW and 145Nm of torque, paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox
- Alpine trim level features: Dual front airbags package, Alarm system/remote anti-theft, Alloy wheels, Central locking with remote control, Fog lights-front, Power mirrors, Power steering, Power windows, Radio cassette with six speakers, Roof racks, Rear spoiler
Powertrain: the same engine as in the GLX but used a 4-speed automatic transmission
- SE trim level features: Cloth trim, Fog lights-front, Engine immobilizer, Power steering, Radio cassette with six speakers, Rear spoiler
Powertrain: 1.6L inline-four petrol engine producing 55kW and 125Nm of torque, paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox
- SXE trim level features: Cloth trim, Fog lights-front, Engine immobilizer, Power steering, Radio cassette with six speakers, Rear spoiler, Dual front airbags package, Air conditioning, Compact disc player, Central locking, Power mirrors, Power windows
Powertrain: either the same engine as in the GLX and a 4-speed automatic gearbox or a 1.6L inline-four petrol engine producing 74kW and 145Nm of torque, paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox
Motorsport
The Cordoba figured in the following motorsport events:
- Rally - Featuring a 2.0L turbocharged engine, the Córdoba WRC represented SEAT’s official rally car in the World Rally Championship for 1998-2000.
- Rallycross - In 2014 at the FIA World Rallycross Championship, a Córdoba was used by a Danish driver. In the heat stage, he ended up being 40th out of 41 entrants.
Rebadged Versions
The rebadged and relaunched models of the SEAT Córdoba Mk1 and Córdoba Vario were the VW Polo Classic and Polo Variant.
The Second Generation (2002-2008)
Represented at the 2002 Paris Motor Show, the second-generation Córdoba was the four-door-saloon model of the Seat Ibiza Mk3 hatchback. Its boot capacity could be increased from 485L to 800L by bending the rear seats. There were no estate and coupé versions in this generation.
The chassis of the Córdoba Mark II was the same as that of the VW Polo Mk4 and Škoda Fabia Mk1 and Mk2.
With the basic package, Córdoba included 3x3-point rear seatbelts, ABS, body-colored bumpers, CD, cloth seat trim, driver’s airbag, folding rear seats, front electric windows, height-adjustable driver’s seat, PAS, passenger’s airbag, remote locking, steering wheel rake and reach adjustment.
After the 1990s, the SEAT Córdoba’s saloons enjoyed huge sales in Europe.
Sales in the UK ended in 2006, followed by the rest of Europe by 2009. Production ceased in November 2008.
The highest number of SEAT Córdobas manufactured, which was 111,894 units, took place in 1999, produced from SEAT and other VW Group’s factories. In 2009, ten years later, this number reduced drastically to 4,861 units.
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Author: Andrijana Pavlovic