SEAT Córdoba

SEAT Córdoba
1999 SEAT Córdoba Mk1 facelift
Overview
Manufacturer	SEAT
Production	1993–2009
Body and chassis
Class	Supermini (B)
Platform	Volkswagen Group A0 series
Chronology
Predecessor	SEAT Málaga
Successor	SEAT Ibiza ST (wagon)

The SEAT Córdoba was the saloon, estate and coupé version of the SEAT Ibiza supermini car, built by the Spanish automaker SEAT. It was manufactured between 1993 and 2009, and was related with the second and third generations of the Ibiza.

First generation (Typ 6K; 1993–2002)

SEAT Córdoba Mk1 (6K)
1999 SEAT Córdoba (6K) SXE 1.8 sedan (Australia)
Overview
Production	1993–2002
Assembly	Martorell, Spain Pacheco, Argentina
Designer	Giorgetto Giugiaro
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door coupé 4-door saloon 5-door estate
Platform	Volkswagen Group A03
Related	SEAT Ibiza Mk2 Volkswagen Derby Volkswagen Polo Classic Volkswagen Polo Mk3 Volkswagen Golf Mk3 Volkswagen Vento
Powertrain
Engine	1.4 L I4 (petrol) 1.4 L I4 16V (petrol) 1.6 L I4 (petrol) 1.8 L I4 (petrol) 1.8 L I4 16V (petrol) 2.0 L I4 (petrol) 2.0 L I4 16V (petrol) 1.9 L I4 D (diesel) 1.9 L I4 TD (diesel) 1.9 L I4 SDI (diesel) 1.9 L I4 TDI (diesel)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,440 mm (96 in)
Length	4,109 mm (161.8 in)
Width	1,640 mm (65 in)
Height	1,408 mm (55.4 in)
Curb weight	990 kg (2,180 lb)

The first generation Córdoba was presented at the 1993 Frankfurt Motor Show, and launched in the summer of the same year, penned by Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro and based on the chassis of the SEAT Ibiza Mk2 which would spawn the Volkswagen Polo Mk3 the following year.

Its 1.4, 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0 litre petrol engines were also found in the Volkswagen Polo and Ibiza, as was the 1.9 TDI.

Though based on the Polo and Ibiza, its extended rear overhang meant its length was close to a Golf but still smaller than the Jetta. It featured a boot space of 455 litres (16.1 cu ft) which could be extended up to 762 litres (26.9 cu ft) by folding rear seats.^[1]

Variants

In 1996, the Córdoba range was extended with a coupé (Córdoba SX), and in 1998, with an estate (Córdoba Vario).^[2]

The Córdoba SX was a two-door coupé version of the Córdoba. It came with five engine variants: 1.6 litre 100 bhp (75 kW; 101 PS), 1.9 litre turbodiesel, a 1.8 litre 16 valve, 2.0 litre 8 valve (Cupra), which was also used in the Córdoba GTi, and a 2.0 litre 16 valve.^[2] The 2.0 litre engines was identical to the engines used in the third generation Golf GTi. The 2.0 litre 16 valve Córdoba SX also came with 16 inch multispoke alloys, 280 mm (11.0 in) front discs, ABS, traction control and air conditioning as standard. The model was slightly revised in 1996, with a new rear splitter which required the exhaust to be hidden, a revised front lower grill and splitter, and the leather interior which became standard.

The Córdoba 16V was £1,000 more expensive at list and one second slower from 0 to 60 mph because of the added weight of the rear end.

Facelift

In 1999, the Córdoba was facelifted with changes focusing on the bumpers, headlights, taillights and front grille,^[2] as well as in the interior, with new materials and upholstery. In the engine range, the 16 valve ABF engine was replaced with a 1.8 litre 156 bhp (116 kW; 158 PS) Turbo engine and joined the Cupra range.^[2] The SX was no longer available in the United Kingdom, and limited numbers are known to exist in the Republic of Ireland in RHD format. The estate variant "Córdoba Vario" dropped the "Cordóba" and now simply used the nameplate "Vario".

Motorsport

Rally

The Córdoba WRC was SEAT's official rally car in the World Rally Championship from 1998 to 2000. It featured a 2.0 litre turbocharged engine. The Córdoba WRC competed in the top category of the championship, as SEAT had homologated a World Rally Car version of the Córdoba 16v for competition in the FIA World Rally Championship and other international rallies. 1994 World Drivers' Champion Didier Auriol, of France, and Toni Gardemeister and Harri Rovanpera, both of Finland, were among those to drive the factory cars.

It made its debut at the 1998 Rally Finland, with Harri Rovanperaas the main driver, and achieved podiums at the 1999 Rally New Zealand, driven by Toni Gardemeister, the 1999 Rally of Great Britain, driven by Rovanpera, as well as in the 2000 Safari Rally, driven by Didier Auriol. The works programme concluded at the end of the 2000 season with the third evolution of the rally car. However the Córdoba WRC continued to compete with successful results in national championships in different countries. In Spain, the Córdoba won the national title of all the rallies on gravel with Pedro Diego and Marc Blázquez, and wins in tarmac rallies with Salvador Cañellas Jr.

Rallycross

A Cordoba has also been used in the FIA World Rallycross Championship. Danish driver Dennis Rømer contested the 2014 World RX of Germany, finishing 40th out of 41 entrants in the heat stage. To date this is - and most likely will remain - the only time a Cordoba has been used in World Championship rallycross, however the SEAT Ibiza has been used as a manufacturer entry.

Rebadged versions

The contemporary Volkswagen Polo Classic (saloon) and Variant (estate) were rebadged versions of the SEAT Córdoba Mk1 and Córdoba Vario respectively, and were not based on the Volkswagen Polo hatchback.

FAW-Volkswagen, Volkswagen's Chinese partner, manufactured the Córdoba Mk1 under the Volkswagen Citi-Golf name between 1997 and 2002.^[3] The Citi-Golf had the Córdoba rear and front design (not the European or South American versions), which helped distinguish the Córdoba from the Polo Classic models.

In Mexico it was rebadged as the Volkswagen Derby. In 1995, it was imported from Spain, but the 1996 model was assembled in the Volkswagen de México assembly plant in Puebla, Mexico. In 1998, the Spanish made Polo Classic was introduced in Mexico as the new Volkswagen Derby.

Gallery

• 
  SEAT Córdoba Mk1 pre-facelift
• 
  SEAT Córdoba SX coupé pre-facelift
• 
  SEAT Córdoba Vario estate
• 
  SEAT Córdoba Mk1 facelift
• 
  Daniel Solà with the SEAT Córdoba WRC at the Rallye de tierra de Cangas del Narcea
• 
  Volkswagen Derby, a rebadged SEAT Córdoba Mk1

Engines

Engine	Code	Type	Displacement	Max. power at rpm	Max. torque at rpm	Top speed	Years	Coupé	Saloon	Estate
Petrol engines (Typ 6K; 1992-1999)
1.4 i	ABD	I4 SOHC 8V	1,391 cc	60 PS (44 kW; 59 hp) at 5,200	107 N·m (79 lb·ft) at 2,400–2,800	145 km/h (90.1 mph)	1993–1995	N		N
1.4 MPI	AEX/APQ	I4 SOHC 8V	1,390 cc	60 PS (44 kW; 59 hp) at 4,700	116 N·m (86 lb·ft) at 2,800–3,200	145 km/h (90.1 mph)	1995–1999
1.4 MPI	AFH	I4 DOHC 16V	1,390 cc	100 PS (74 kW; 99 hp) at 6,000	128 N·m (94 lb·ft) at 4,400	165 km/h (102.5 mph)	1996–1999
1.6 i	ABU	I4 SOHC 8V	1,598 cc	75 PS (55 kW; 74 hp) at 5,200	125 N·m (92 lb·ft) at 3,400	155 km/h (96.3 mph)	1993–1994	N		N
1.6 i	1F	I4 SOHC 8V	1,595 cc	75 PS (55 kW; 74 hp) at 5,500	125 N·m (92 lb·ft) at 2,600	155 km/h (96.3 mph)	1994–1997			N
1.6 MPI	AEE	I4 SOHC 8V	1,598 cc	75 PS (55 kW; 74 hp) at 4,800	135 N·m (100 lb·ft) at 2,800–3,600	155 km/h (96.3 mph)	1997–1999	N
1.6 MPI	Alm/AKS	I4 DOHC 16V	1,595 cc	101 PS (74 kW; 100 hp) at 5,800	140 N·m (103 lb·ft) at 3,500	165 km/h (102.5 mph)	1996–1999
1.8 i	ABS/ADZ	I4 SOHC 8V	1,781 cc	90 PS (66 kW; 89 hp) at 5,500	145 N·m (107 lb·ft) at 2,700–2,900	160 km/h (99.4 mph)	1993–1996			N
1.8 MPI	ADL	I4 DOHC 16V	1,781 cc	130 PS (96 kW; 128 hp) at 6,000	165 N·m (122 lb·ft) at 4,800	195 km/h (121.2 mph)	1994–1996			N
2.0 MPI	2E/AGG	I4 SOHC 8V	1,984 cc	116 PS (85 kW; 114 hp) at 5,400	165 N·m (122 lb·ft) at 3,200 (2E)/2,600 (AGG)	185 km/h (115.0 mph)	1993–1999			N
2.0 MPI	ABF	I4 DOHC 16V	1,984 cc	150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp) at 6,000	180 N·m (133 lb·ft) at 4,200–5,000	210 km/h (130.5 mph)	1996–1999			N
Petrol engines (Typ 6K2; 1999-2002)
1.0 MPI	ALD/ANV/AUC	I4 DOHC 8V	999 cc	50 PS (37 kW; 49 hp) at 5,000	86 N·m (63 lb·ft) at 3,000–3,600	145 km/h (90.1 mph)	1999–2002
1.0 MPI
1.4 MPI
1.4 MPI
1.6 MPI
1.6 MPI
20VT, 1.8T Cupra
1.8T Cupra R
Diesel engines (Typ 6K; 1992-1999)
1.9 D	1Y	I4 SOHC 8V	1,896 cc	64 PS (47 kW; 63 hp) at 4,400	124 N·m (91 lb·ft) at 2,000–3,000	150 km/h (93.2 mph)	1993–1999			N
1.9 TD	AAZ	I4 SOHC 8V	1,896 cc	75 PS (55 kW; 74 hp) at 4,200	150 N·m (111 lb·ft) at 2,400–3,400	155 km/h (96.3 mph)	1993–1996			N
1.9 SDI	AEY	I4 SOHC 8V	1,896 cc	64 PS (47 kW; 63 hp) at 4,200	125 N·m (92 lb·ft) at 2,200–2,800	150 km/h (93.2 mph)	1996–1999
1.9 TDI	1Z/AHU	I4 SOHC 8V	1,896 cc	90 PS (66 kW; 89 hp) at 4,000	202 N·m (149 lb·ft) at 1,900	160 km/h (99.4 mph)	1996–1999
1.9 TDI	AFN/AVG	I4 SOHC 8V	1,896 cc	110 PS (81 kW; 108 hp) at 4,150	235 N·m (173 lb·ft) at 1,900	193 km/h (119.9 mph)	1996–1999
Diesel engines (Typ 6K2; 1999-2002)
1.9 SDI	AGP/AQM	I4 SOHC 8V	1,896 cc	68 PS (50 kW; 67 hp) at 4,200	133 N·m (98 lb·ft) at 2,200–2,600	161 km/h (100.0 mph)	1999–2002
1.9 TDI	AGR/ALH	I4 SOHC 8V	1,896 cc	90 PS (66 kW; 89 hp) at 3,750	210 N·m (155 lb·ft) at 1,900	180 km/h (111.8 mph)	1999–2002
1.9 TDI	ASK/ASV	I4 SOHC 8V	1,896 cc	110 PS (81 kW; 108 hp) at 4,150	235 N·m (173 lb·ft) at 1,900	193 km/h (119.9 mph)	1999–2002

Second generation (Typ 6L; 2002–2009)

SEAT Córdoba Mk2 (6L)
Overview
Production	2002–2009
Designer	Walter de'Silva
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door saloon
Platform	Volkswagen Group A04 (PQ24)
Related	SEAT Ibiza Mk3 Volkswagen Polo Mk4 Škoda Fabia Mk1 Škoda Fabia Mk2
Powertrain
Engine	1.2 L I3 12v (petrol) 1.4 L I4 16v (petrol) 1.6 L I4 8v (petrol) 1.6 L I4 16v (petrol) 2.0 L I4 8v (petrol) 1.4 L I3 TDI (diesel) 1.9 L I4 SDI (diesel) 1.9 L I4 TDI (diesel)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,460 mm (96.9 in)
Length	4,280 mm (168.5 in)
Width	1,698 mm (66.9 in)
Height	1,441 mm (56.7 in)
Curb weight	1,260 kg (2,780 lb)

Seat Córdoba (6L) rear

The second generation Córdoba was presented at the 2002 Paris Motor Show as the four door saloon version of the SEAT Ibiza Mk3 hatchback, featuring a boot capacity of 485 litres (17.1 cu ft), which could be increased to 800 litres (28 cu ft) by folding the rear seats.^[4][5] No estate or coupé versions of the second generation were developed. The Córdoba Mk2 shares its chassis and engines with the Volkswagen Polo Mk4 and Škoda Fabia Mk1 and Mk2.

In Mexico, Córdoba production continues in the Volkswagen de México Puebla assembly plant. It has the four cylinder 2.0 litre 115 bhp (86 kW; 117 PS) engine combined with a 5-speed manual or an optional 6-speed Tiptronic transmission.

Saloons based on successful hatchbacks very rarely become a sales success in Europe, and the SEAT Córdoba has done little to change that. It is to SEAT what the Jetta and Vento were to Volkswagen, and what the Belmont was to Vauxhall.

In February 2006, the Córdoba was withdrawn from sale in the United Kingdom, and shortly was removed from SEAT UK's official website. In other European countries, sales ended in 2009.

Engines

Model	Engine code	Max. power	Dates
Petrol engines
1.2 12V	AZQ/BME	64 hp (48 kW; 65 PS)	10/02-06/06
1.2 12V	BXV	69 hp (51 kW; 70 PS)	05/06-11/09
1.4 16V	BBY/BKY	75 hp (56 kW; 76 PS)	09/02-12/07
1.4 16V	BXW	86 hp (64 kW; 87 PS)	05/06-11/09
1.4 16V	BBZ	100 hp (75 kW; 101 PS)	10/02-11/09
1.6 8V	BAH	100 hp (75 kW; 101 PS)	04/03-11/09
1.6 16V	BTS	105 hp (78 kW; 106 PS)	11/06-11/09
2.0 8V	AZL/BBX	115 hp (86 kW; 117 PS)	09/02-11/09
Diesel engines
1.4 TDI	BNM	68 hp (51 kW; 69 PS)	05/05-11/09
1.4 TDI	AMF	75 hp (56 kW; 76 PS)	10/02-12/05
1.4 TDI	BMS/BNV	80 hp (60 kW; 81 PS)	05/05-11/09
1.9 SDI	ASY	64 hp (48 kW; 65 PS)	09/02-12/05
1.9 TDI	ATD/AXR/BMT	100 hp (75 kW; 101 PS)	09/02-11/09
1.9 TDI	ASZ/BLT	131 hp (98 kW; 133 PS)	10/02-07/09

Sales and production figures

The total production per year of SEAT Córdoba cars, manufactured in SEAT and other Volkswagen group's plants, is shown in the following table:

Model	1998[6]	1999[6]	2000[7]	2001[8]	2002[9]	2003[10]	2004[11]	2005[12]	2006[13]	2007[14]	2008[15]	2009[16]
Total annual production	108,749	111,894	97,685	78,770	58,646	59,348	46,821	37,568	31,058	29,747	20,439	4,861

References

1. "SEAT Cordoba specifications". HobbyAutos.com. Retrieved 19 June 2011.
2. "Auto Specificaties - SEAT". Autotrader.nl. Retrieved 19 June 2011.
3. "Volkswagen City-Golf". Histomobile.com. Retrieved 25 September 2010.
4. "Seat revealed the new SEAT Cordoba at Paris Motor Show". Car.kak.net. 26 September 2002. Retrieved 19 June 2011.
5. "Grossansicht Seite 5 von SEAT Cordoba Preisliste" (in German). Produkte24.com. Retrieved 19 June 2011.
6. "Volkswagen AG Annual Report 1999" (PDF). Volkswagen AG. 27 May 2003. Retrieved 16 September 2010.
7. "Volkswagen AG Annual Report 2000" (PDF). Volkswagen AG. 27 May 2003. Retrieved 16 September 2010.
8. "Volkswagen AG Annual Report 2001" (PDF). Volkswagen AG. 27 May 2003. Retrieved 16 September 2010.
9. "Volkswagen AG Annual Report 2002" (PDF). Volkswagen AG. 27 May 2003. Retrieved 16 September 2010.
10. "Volkswagen AG Annual Report 2003" (PDF). Volkswagen AG. 9 March 2004. Retrieved 16 September 2010.
11. "Volkswagen AG Annual Report 2004" (PDF). Volkswagen AG. 4 March 2005. Retrieved 16 September 2010.
12. "Volkswagen AG Annual Report 2005" (PDF). Volkswagen AG. 1 March 2006. Retrieved 16 September 2010.
13. "Volkswagen AG Annual Report 2006" (PDF). Volkswagen AG. 8 March 2007. Retrieved 16 September 2010.
14. "Volkswagen AG Annual Report 2007" (PDF). Volkswagen AG. 10 March 2008. Retrieved 16 September 2010.
15. "Volkswagen AG Annual Report 2008" (PDF). Volkswagen AG. 7 April 2009. Retrieved 16 September 2010.
16. "Volkswagen AG Annual Report 2009" (PDF). Volkswagen AG. 22 March 2010. Retrieved 16 September 2010.

External links