The Cordoba, derived from three versions of the Ibiza, received its second generation at the end of 2002, sporting the attractive image of the new Ibiza. The new Cordoba emphasised design and sportiness, in a more family-oriented and versatile version than the Ibiza... (read more)
Launch: September 2002
Production ceased: October 2009
Price: €12,520 (1.4 Stella)
Number built: 245,402
Diesel, 4 cylinders in line
Layout: Front transverse
Bore x stroke: 79.5 mm x 95.5 mm
Capacity: 1896 cc
Valve train: Overhead camshaft, 2 valves per cylinder
Fuel system: Direct injection, turbocharger
Max. power: 130 HP at 4000 rpm
Max. torque: 310 Nm at 1900 rpm
Top speed: 209 km/h
Type: Front-wheel drive
Gearbox: 6-speed manual, with reverse gear
Clutch: Dry single plate
Front suspension:
Independent, McPherson type, coil springs, hydraulic dampers and anti-roll bar
Rear suspension:
Independent, torsion beam, coil springs, hydraulic dampers and anti-roll bar
Steering: Rack and pinion, power-assisted
Front/rear: Ventilated discs/discs
195/55 R 15
Body: 3-box saloon, 4 doors, 5 seats
Length/width/height: 4280/1770/1440 mm
Wheelbase: 2460 mm
Weight: 1160 kg
The Cordoba, the three-box derivative of the Ibiza, received its second generation at the end of 2002, sporting the attractive image of the new Ibiza. The new Cordoba emphasised design and sportiness, in a more family-oriented and versatile offering than the Ibiza.
The first Cordoba, launched in September 1993, had been the 4-door version of the Ibiza II with a separate boot. When the third generation of the Ibiza appeared in December 2001, the countdown began for a new Cordoba, which was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in 2002, also in September.
Like the Ibiza, the Cordoba II represented another step forward in SEAT's commitment to sportiness and design, concepts that had been advanced by the Salsa and Tango concept cars and already embodied in the new Ibiza. All of them reflected the new philosophy of SEAT's design department, under the guidance of the renowned Walter de Silva.
Its compact shape and expressive, evocative front end, shared with the Ibiza, as well as its highly aerodynamic profile, conveyed strength, character and personality. The new Cordoba offered improved aesthetics, comfort, safety and efficiency.
Like the Ibiza, it stood out for its good handling, as it also incorporated the innovative Agile Chassis concept, developed at the Martorell Technical Centre under the leadership of engineer Jaume Xifré (creator of the Selex chassis for the Formula SEAT 1430 in the 1970s) and already used in the León CUPRA R, as well as the Ibiza III. However, the Cordoba was more family-oriented than its sibling, the Ibiza.
This was particularly noticeable in the engine range, as the Cordoba did not offer the more powerful versions, unlike the first generation, which even had CUPRA versions. Thus, there were two petrol variants of the 1.4 16v, with 75 HP and 100 HP. There were three diesel options: 1.9 SDI with 64 HP and 1.9 TDI in 100 HP and 130 HP variants. In some export markets, a 1.2 16v petrol engine with 64 HP was also available.
Thus, the most powerful Cordoba was the TDI 130, coupled with a 6-speed manual gearbox. It remained so when, at the 2003 Barcelona Motor Show, the 115 HP 2.0 naturally aspirated petrol engine appeared, also available in the Ibiza and, in both models, in combination with the Sport trim. Shortly before, the Cordoba had also received a 75 HP variant of the 1.9 TDI engine.
What did not change in the new Cordoba was its great versatility. Eleven centimetres longer than the Cordoba I, it measured 4.28 metres and gained 30 litres of boot capacity. The Cordoba now had a capacity of 485 litres and, above all, offered a much wider loading aperture, with the possibility of folding down the rear seat backs.
The Cordoba's family-friendly approach was evident in details such as a device to disconnect the passenger airbag in the Signa trim, a highly recommended safety feature if a child seat is to be fitted in the front passenger seat. Of course, the Cordoba also had Isofix anchorages for child seats in the rear seats.
Other safety features included ABS as standard across the range, ESP (except on the SDI) and optional head airbags. All Cordoba models came with two front airbags as standard, and the Sport and Signa trims also featured side airbags as standard (optional on the Stella).
There were three trim levels available: Stella, Sport and Signa. The Stella already had electro-hydraulic power steering, one touch electric front windows with anti-trap, remote control central locking, split rear seats (already with Isofix), height and reach adjustable steering wheel, etc.
The Sport added 15-inch alloy wheels, sports suspension, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, foglamps, on-board computer, radio-CD player with six speakers, leather steering wheel and gear knob, and TCS (traction control on the TDI 130). The Signa offered similar equipment to the Sport, but with a more luxury focus. Optional extras included xenon headlamps, navigation system, cruise control, rain-sensing windscreen wipers and telephone pre-installation.
Another significant change was that the Cordoba II family was considerably simpler than the first generation. The only body available was the 4-door version: the Cordoba II did not have the 2-door SX coupé version (on which the Cordoba WRC World Rally Championship car had been based) or the Vario estate version.
In autumn 2006, the Cordoba underwent a restyling, in parallel with the Ibiza III, which updated its interior and exterior design. In 2008, the fourth generation of the Ibiza appeared, and the Cordoba II was discontinued in autumn 2009. The Ibiza IV was not to have a 4-door derivative, but it did have an ST estate version, heir to the first-generation Cordoba Vario.