Dali art and Gaudi architecture featured in the conversation of Seat's representatives at the launch of the new Cordoba. But how does this latest version of the four-door saloon stack up in such illustrious company? Michael McAleer drives Seat's latest Cordoba models
According to Seat's president, Dr Andreas Schleef, the Cordoba is "another pillar of the bridge between our current range of products and the future generation of Seat cars". These new designs are due for launch over the next two or three years.
In fairness to the Cordoba, there are other models in the Seat stable more appropriate to conversations on innovative design - most notably the two concept cars, the Salsa and Tango, from where many of the latest models from the VW-owned marque can claim their lineage.
Seat has been able to create an image of youth and fun that others envy. On the back of rising interest in Spanish culture and art, Seat has built a reputation for stylish designs and reliability, the latter coming from lessons from its German owner.
Dr Schleef points to the firm's "new values of sportiness and design-orientation, together with Audi and Lamborghini, within the framework of the Audi Brand Group".
However, family orientated four-door saloons are not always part of the "sporty" equation.
The Cordoba, first introduced back in 1994, has previously been regarded as an Ibiza with a boot. The latest version has not cast off such opinions, with the rear seat space being the same as in the latest version of the sportier hatchback.
There is only so much extra space that can be accommodated, considering the Cordoba is based on the new Ibiza platform, itself essentially a new VW Polo.
And in a four-door saloon body the new Cordoba is higher, wider and longer than its predecessor. Key here is boot space (why else would you go for this over the Ibiza?) and the new version has 30 litres more, bringing it to 485 litres.
In design terms, the new rear light design follows the current style of smaller sharper lighting clusters.
The Irish market will see three petrol versions on offer: a new three cylinder 1.2-litre 12V 64 bhp unit; and two 1.4-litre 16V options, 75 bhp and 100 bhp respectively. The two diesel options are both 1.9 litres, a Sdi with 64 bhp and a Tdi with 130 bhp.
We opted to drive the diesel versions and while we found the 64 bhp did struggle to find form on faster motorways we were really impressed by the torquey 130 bhp turbodiesel. A very competent diesel engine, it offers a 0-60 mph of 9.7 seconds with a top speed of 130 mph.
It is combined with a six-speed transmission to get the most from the power output and is the star in the Cordoba range. Seat claims it is the most powerful diesel engine in its class. The three Seat specification levels - Stella, Sport and Signo - will be available here. The base Stella specification will include dual airbags, ABS, and front electric windows. Due here in time for the 03-registration rush in January, prices have yet to be confirmed.