SEAT Córdoba

In March 1996, the Córdoba range was extended with a coupé (Córdoba SX), and in August 1996, 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.

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  SEAT Córdoba Facelift (1996–1999)
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  SEAT Córdoba Facelift (1996–1999)
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  SEAT Córdoba Vario
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  SEAT Córdoba SX Coupé

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  SEAT Córdoba 6K GP01 (1999–2002)
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  SEAT Córdoba 6K GP01 (1999–2002)
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  SEAT Vario

The Córdoba was facelifted in August 1999, 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".

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 and achieved a total of three podiums.[3]

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.

Volkswagen Derby, a rebadged SEAT Córdoba Mk1

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 partner in China, manufactured the Córdoba Mk1 under the Volkswagen Citi Golf name between 1995 and 2001. The Citi Golf had the same exterior as the pre-facelift Córdoba and the 1.4 litre ABD engine was standard paired to a 5 speed manual gearbox. When it was new back in 1995, pricing was 240,000 yuan (35,640 USD - October 2020 exchange rate).[4]

In Mexico it was rebadged as the Volkswagen Derby. In 1995, it was imported from Spain, but the model of 1996 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.