SEAT Cordoba
The SEAT Cordoba is a compact car built by Spanish car maker SEAT. SEAT Cordoba Mk I (1993–2002) The original SEAT Cordoba was launched in the summer of 1993, based on the chassis of the SEAT Ibiza hatchback which would spawn the new VW Polo the following year. It was very much a saloon version of the smaller hatchback, but the Cordoba had a far bigger boot. Equipment levels were also good and prices were competitive. The Cordoba was generally well built and reliable. Its 1.4, 1.6 and 2.0 petrol engines were also found in the Volkswagen Polo and Ibiza, as was the 1.9 turbo-diesel. In 1996 the Cordoba range was extended to an estate (Vario) and a coupe (SX). Soon afterwards, Seat began to race the 2.0 Cordoba Cupra in international rallies where it enjoyed considerable success. SEAT Cordoba Mk II (2002–) Although the second generation of the SEAT Cordoba was entirely new, it was again the saloon version of the Ibiza hatchback; this time there would be no estate or coupe versions. The new Cordoba also shared its chassis and engines (1.4 and 1.6 petrol and 1.9 turbo-diesel) with the VW Polo IV and Skoda Fabia. Again, it had a big boot and spacious interior. But other than that, the Cordoba was virtually identical to the Ibiza hatchback with all of its twin's positive and negative points. Saloons based on successful hatchbacks rarely become a sales success, and the SEAT Cordoba has done little to change that. It is to Seat what the Jetta and Vento were to Volkswagen and what the Orion was to Ford.
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