SEAT Córdoba

In 1996, the Córdoba range was extended with a coupé (Córdoba SX) and an estate (Córdoba Vario).[4]

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; 1.8 litre, 16 valve; 2.0 litre, 8 valve (which was also used in the Córdoba GTi); and a 2.0 litre, 16 valve.[4] The top of the range engine delivers 150 horsepower. The 2.0 litre ABF engine in this model was also used in the third-generation Golf GTi and the first Ibiza Cupra.

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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
• 
  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 1999, with changes focusing on the bumpers, headlights, taillights and front grille,[4] 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.[4]

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 "Córdoba Vario" estate variant dropped the "Cordóba" and became simply the "Vario".

The Córdoba WRC was SEAT's 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 podium finishes.[5]

A Córdoba 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 Córdoba 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 estate variant 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 1994[6] and 2001. The Citi Golf had the same exterior as the pre-facelift Córdoba and the 1.4-litre ABD engine was standard paired with a five-speed manual gearbox. When it was new in 1995, pricing was 240,000 yuan (US$35,640 - October 2020 exchange rate).[7]

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.

The Volkswagen Polo Classic was also sold in the Philippines from 1996 to 1999, and in South Africa from 1996 to 2002.