Seat Cordoba (2004)

Diesel strength: 130 hp 1.9 TDi

The range of engines powering the Seat Córdoba has also undergone a revolution. Three petrol and three Diesel engines offer a broad choice, with power outputs ranging from 64 to 130 hp.

The star performer is the 130 hp (96 kW) 1.9 TDi, which, for the first time in Seat Córdoba, is mated to a precise six-speed gearbox. But this engine is only part of the story: the Diesel range also includes a 100 hp (74 kW) turbocharged 1.9 TDi and a 64 hp (47 kW) normally aspirated 1.9 SDi.

The petrol offering includes a pair of efficient 1.4 litre, four cylinder engines: the 75 hp (55 kW), available with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearbox, and 100 hp (74 kW). The Seat Córdoba is also available in certain export markets with a new three-cylinder 64 hp (47 kW) 1.2 12V petrol engine.

Three finish levels - Stella, Sport and Signo - widen the Seat Córdoba range even further, with even the entry level Stella version including ABS, driver and passenger airbag, electro-hydraulic power steering, power windows, remote controlled central locking and quality audio equipment as standard. Sport, which is available with the more powerful engines, is aimed at more performance-minded drivers, while Signo adopts a more luxurious approach.

But a bespoke Seat Córdoba can be created by an owner thanks to a host of attractive options to increase its good looks, comfort and safety.

There are several exceptional options available, such as traction control (TCS), the electronic stability programme (ESP) and Xenon headlamps as well as a dynamic navigation system which is able to plan a new driving route if traffic conditions deteriorate.

DESIGN

Experience gained by Seat in the ultra competitive World Rally Championship can be found in the genetic makeup of all its models... and especially on the Seat Córdoba, from which the Seat World Rally Car was developed. The sporting character is strengthened by the adoption of unique styling signatures first seen in the Seat Salsa Concept car.

The face of the Seat Córdoba is now more expressive. Larger radiator air intakes, powerful headlamps - optionally available with Xenon bulbs - set beneath smooth, streamlined, transparent polycarbonate covers, and a dramatically flared bonnet balance the muscular shape of the front wings and make the front end of the car appear lower.

This sporting character is also evident at the rear which hints at muscular performance without having to resort to showy accessories. Styling highlights at the rear include a discreet, aerodynamic kite-tail-shaped spoiler integrated in the boot lid, and the stylised tail light clusters housed beneath a transparent casing. The third brake light is also integrated in the boot lid.

Also characteristic of the new design are the deep, body colour bumpers and side protection mouldings, both of which are perfectly integrated in the silhouette. Other distinctive features include the anti-theft 'bee-sting' roof aerial and - a regular feature on the brand's models - the large Seat logo in the centre of the boot lid, which doubles as the boot handle.

Its high, wedge-shaped waist line and wide tracks heighten the compact look of its proportions, but this sporting four-door saloon is altogether bigger than the previous model. The Seat Córdoba is 117 mm longer, 58 mm wider and 17 mm taller than before, while it sits on a wheelbase that has been increased by 17 mm... all of which translates into larger interior dimensions and greater passenger comfort.

A perfect finish

Attention to detail is shown in the panel joins, which have been laser welded. This system achieves smoother and more regular joints, without mouldings or edges and has led to the development of a new roof rack anchoring arrangement, with special systems for transporting skis, bicycles, surfboards or conventional luggage.

But the effect is not only visually pleasing. Both the purity of form and the neat finish have a positive influence on aerodynamics, which leads to comfort and performance gains. The result is an aerodynamic coefficient (Cd) of 0.30, a 6 per cent improvement over the previous model.

These attributes can, of course, be found on the entry level Stella version upwards. The enhanced Sport and Signo versions differ by the addition of double headlamps and efficient foglamps integrated in the lower valance. Signo versions are distinguished by a chrome surround on the central portion of the radiator grille. Sport and Signo models also feature 15 inch alloy rims as standard, while Sport versions can be optionally equipped with an impressive set of 16 inch rims.

Sporting atmosphere

The smooth, sculpted interior shapes combine perfectly with the distinctly sporty look of the passenger compartment. The high waist line, the dashboard that extends towards the door panels, prominent circular fresh air vents, the driver-oriented centre console, and the sporty design of the Seats all contribute to creating the perfect driving environment.

Set deep in a reflection-free housing, the sporty instrument panel emerges from behind a chunky three-spoke steering wheel, adjustable for height and reach. The two main dials, speedometer and tachometer, are augmented by two smaller dials for water temperature and fuel level.

There are two different instrument panel finishes: on Stella and Sport versions it's a dark anthracite grey, while the luxurious Signo has a two-tone effect - black over dark grey - with a soft and smooth slush-moulded finish on top. This finish is also standard on the 130 hp TDi Sport and on all cars with leather upholstery.

Both dashboards are made using a new 'One Shot' mould technology. With this double-injection system, an invisible joint for the passenger airbag cover is pre-formed using a micro-perforating laser, which renders traditional metal hinges unnecessary. This simplifies the assembly and favours recycling.

Within arm's reach

All controls are within easy reach of the driver. Most can be found on the central console, such as those for the air conditioning, audio equipment (radio-cassette or CD-tuner with eight speakers, with the option of a six disc autochanger in the glove compartment), and navigation system. Controls for the power windows, central locking and door mirrors are easy to access on the top half of the driver door panel.

Practicality has been improved with the addition of several neat storage opportunities. Besides the traditional glove compartment on the passenger side and the generous storage compartments in both front doors, the Córdoba has another glove compartment on the driver's side, beneath the light switches. The centre console has a practical cup holder (depending on the version) and two further storage areas: one beneath the audio equipment and another behind the ashtray. A spacious and functional drawer beneath the passenger Seat rounds off the list of practical storage compartments in the cabin.

Roominess and great capacity

Larger exterior dimensions translate into a roomy, airy interior which is wider, taller and longer than before. As well as more head and shoulder room, the extra legroom results in a significant improvement in the 'Comfort Measurement' - the distance between the pedal assembly and the rear backrest - which has been increased by 56 mm.

Newly sculpted reclining front Seats have been anatomically designed and are height adjustable. The steering wheel is also height and reach adjustable to make it easy as possible to find the perfect driving position.

Wide opening doors make it easy to enter the Seat Córdoba which is especially comfortable in the back. Seating three passengers, the rear Seats feature two height adjustable headrests, Isofix fasteners for child Seats, and a split folding option that increases load capacity.

With 485 litres, the boot space is larger than its predecessor by 30 litres, even with the full sized spare now fitted. The boot also has fastening rings to ensure all goods can be transported safely.

In short, the Seat Córdoba is roomier in every dimension. There is more leg and shoulder room in both the front and rear while the Seat to roof height in the back Seat is noticeably greater than before. Compared to the previous model, the Seat Córdoba has 24 mm more shoulder room in the front and 23 mm more in the rear. There is 32 mm more legroom in the back and 13 mm more head room. All in all, it is more comfortable.

CHASSIS

Active safety, dynamic efficiency and super quick reactions are inherent qualities of a sporting chassis that can be summed up in a single word: agility.

It could be said that a sporting chassis is a precision instrument, and the Seat Córdoba has been developed with this in mind: the Technical Centre in Martorell has created a suspension set-up that delivers greater dynamic behaviour.

All the versions of the Seat Córdoba feature the Agile Chassis, a novel concept already acclaimed on the Ibiza and the León Cupra R. This innovative concept is known as DSR (Dynamic Steering Response).

The Agile Chassis makes the difference

DSR sets the Seat Córdoba apart from both its predecessor and its rivals. The combination of stiffer damping, softer springs, flexible silent-block mountings, low profile tyres and intelligent power steering results in more precise handling, greater feedback and greater steering 'feel' under all conditions.

The geometry of the MacPherson strut front suspension is a considerable evolution over the previous generation Córdoba. A three element sub-frame has a robust central stamped steel module and two aluminium consoles housing only the steering gear and the suspension wishbones. Revised spring/damper units are held rigidly in place resulting in improved steering.

Another innovation is the attachment of the anti-roll bar to the shock absorber itself to minimise effects caused by the vertical movement of the wheel. This has made it possible to install a smaller anti-roll bar which, despite its reduced diameter (18 mm), loses nothing in efficiency.

New technologies also feature at the back where the passively steered rear shaft has been moulded using water under extremely high pressure. This system gives a U-shape to a circular tube, which by increasing torsional resistance, renders an additional rear anti-roll bar unnecessary.

The passive rear steering element is now more precise thanks to the new, triple-joint silent-block mountings developed by the Seat Technical Centre. These combine considerable axial stiffness with relatively high torsional flexibility. The lateral support offered by these mountings has led to a significant decrease in reaction times making the vehicle much more agile.

Separating the springs and dampers at the rear provides further benefits. It enables the use of rubber bump stops of differing densities which harden progressively when the suspension compresses thus optimising the ride. It also ensures the widest possible width in the luggage space by reducing suspension intrusion in the boot.

Córdoba's unique pendulum engine mounting system is another innovation that contributes to the efficiency of the chassis. Instead of the traditional triangular support, this system has two upper supports and a lower horizontal brace to ensure the engine-transmission unit remainsindependent of the sub-frame, so the moments of inertia caused by acceleration or deceleration are not transmitted to the suspension structure.

Electro-hydraulic servo-steering

One of the main components of DSR is the electro-hydraulic power-assisted steering. This uses a variable intensity electric pump to vary the amounts of steering assistance provided according to how the car is being driven. Higher levels of assistance are provided during slow speed manoeuvring, but this reduces as speeds rise.

To evaluate the amount of assistance needed in every situation, the control module, installed in the pump itself, processes the information received from a sensor located in the steering column (which measures its turning speed) and from the CAN-Bus (car data network). According to the driving mode, angle of the steering wheel and the vehicle speed, the programme delivers just the right level of assistance.

Since this new system operates independently of the engine, it doesn't sap engine power, is not affected by changes in engine speed and consumes up to 20 times less energy than a conventional servo-steering mechanism. But its most significant contribution to the dynamics of the Seat Córdoba is as an integral part of the Agile Chassis. Steering response is much quicker, with more wheel/asphalt feedback given to the driver.

Agile Chassis Sport

For those who want even more dynamic handling, the Seat Córdoba offers the Sport versions which are equipped with stiffer suspension with revised coil and damper ratings that deliver greater driving agility.

SAFETY

Special attention has been paid to safety during the development of the Seat Córdoba. Besides the highly rigid safety shell, which guarantees an excellent level of protection for all occupants, the new design includes a collapsible steering wheel, frangible brake pedal assembly, twin front airbags, side airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), traction control (TCS), electronic stability programme (ESP) and emergency brake assistance (EBA).

Every Seat Córdoba has ABS as standard, a significant breakthrough in active safety. TCS is standard on the 130 hp 1.9 TDi and optional on all other models, bar the 64 hp SDi.

ESP with EBA: stability and efficient braking

One element designed to improve active safety is the electronic stability programme (ESP), available across the entire range, except on the 64 hp SDi. This system controls skids by automatically activating the brakes - either on individual wheels or all together - or by reducing engine torque to allow the driver to steer out of trouble.

ESP can be disconnected via a switch next to the handbrake on the central tunnel. If the system detects an emergency from the way the brake pedal is pressed, however, it will automatically be reactivated. It is also activated whenever the car is started.

Integral to ESP is the new brake assistance system (EBA). In an emergency, EBA ensures full braking effort is maintained until the car comes to a stop, even if the driver reduces pedal pressure slightly, with ABS ensures the wheels never skid.

Córdoba's braking system meets the most demanding requirements. The entry level versions are equipped with ventilated front discs (256 mm in diameter) and 200 mm rear drums; ESP-equipped models and all versions with 100 hp or more have 232 mm rear discs. The potent 130 hp 1.9 TDi has larger 288 mm front ventilated discs.

Passenger airbag disconnection

Driver and front passenger airbags are standard across the entire Seat Córdoba range. The passenger airbag can be disconnected when a child or infant is being carried in a Reboard child Seat in the front Seat. A standard feature on Signo versions and optional on Stella and Sport models, the airbag is disconnected by turning the ignition key in a special lock in the glove compartment. When disconnected, a warning light is illuminated on the centre console.

Side airbags - standard on Sport and Signo, optional on Stella - on the Seat Córdoba have also evolved; the volume has been increased from 9 to 13 litres, giving greater protection to the chest and pelvic areas of passengers in the event of a side impact. When the model is equipped with the passenger airbag disconnection option, the side airbag is also disconnected.

In the event of a collision, and as an added safety feature, the airbag control unit delivers a signal through the CAN-Bus line that automatically unlocks the doors and turns on the interior and hazard lights.

Passenger compartment: non-deforming safety cell

The structural design of the Seat Córdoba features six intertwined safety rings, three horizontal and three vertical. This construction, built with high strength steel, makes up a highly resistant safety cell that ensures minimal deformation in the event of a collision.

Another safety risk all but eliminated in the Seat Córdoba is the intrusion of elements inside the passenger compartment in a crash, hence the collapsible steering column and frangible pedal block.

In a severe frontal collision, the steering column can be pushed backwards to injure the driver. To avoid or lessen the consequences of this, Córdoba's steering column has energy absorption zones near the pedal block and where it joins the steering wheel. These telescopic tubes fold inward in the event of an impact, reducing the risk of chest injury to the driver.

A novel safety element on the Seat Córdoba is the frangible pedal block. In the same way the steering column may move toward the interior of the cabin in the event of a severe frontal collision, so a shifting pedal block can cause foot and ankle injuries. The new system ensures the pedal block folds forward, out of harm's way, even though the brake pedal is most likely to be pressed down at the moment of impact.

The Seat Córdoba also features front Seat belts with electric, pyrotechnic pre-tensioners, which are standard across the entire range. The airbag sensor activates this system itself, instantly tensing the Seat belt to restrict any forward movement of the body in a collision.