SEAT Córdoba Vario 1.9 TDi Stella · 90 CV (1999-2002)

1999
Gasóleo
FWD
Manual 5v
SEAT Córdoba - Vista 1
SEAT Córdoba - Vista 2
SEAT Córdoba - Vista 3
SEAT Córdoba - Vista 4

Especificaciones y análisis del SEAT Córdoba

Power

90HP

Torque

210Nm

Consumption

5.1l/100

Emissions

-g/km

0-100 km/h

12.9s

Top Speed

176km/h

Weight

1174kg

Price

15,220

Technical summary

Fuel

Gasóleo

Transmission

Manual 5v

Traction

FWD

Seats

5 / 5 doors

Trunk

390 L

Tank

45 L

Power

66 kW

Status

Current

Technical specifications

Engine

Maximum power90 CV / 66 kW
Maximum torque210 Nm
Fuel typeGasóleo
TransmissionManual 5v

Capacities

Tank45 L
Trunk390 L

Detailed analysis of the SEAT Córdoba Vario 1.9 TDi Stella · 90 CV (1999-2002)

General description

The 1999 SEAT Córdoba Vario 1.9 TDi Stella is a vehicle that, at first glance, transports us to an era where functionality and economy were fundamental pillars. This model, with its station wagon body, sought to offer generous space and proven mechanics for everyday use. It is not a car that seeks to dazzle with luxuries, but rather to convince with its practicality and a diesel engine that promised efficiency.

Driving experience

Behind the wheel of the Córdoba Vario 1.9 TDi Stella, the predominant feeling is one of robustness and reliability. The 90 hp diesel engine, although not an abundance of power, delivers its 210 Nm of torque at low revolutions (1900 rpm), which translates into an energetic response for its segment and relaxed driving on the highway. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 12.9 seconds and a top speed of 176 km/h are honest figures for the time. The suspension, McPherson type at the front and trailing arm with torsional element at the rear, offers a balance between comfort and stability, albeit without sporting pretensions. The rack-and-pinion steering, without variable assistance, provides a direct connection to the road, although it can be somewhat heavy in low-speed maneuvers. In general, it is a car that conveys confidence and solidity, ideal for long journeys without surprises.

Design and aesthetics

The design of the 1999 SEAT Córdoba Vario is eminently functional. Its station wagon body, or 'Vario' as SEAT called it, prioritizes interior space and load capacity. The lines are sober and straight, characteristic of the late 90s aesthetic, without great flourishes. The front shares features with the Ibiza of the time, with simple design headlights and a discreet grille. The rear, with its wide tailgate, is the key to its versatility, offering a 390-liter trunk, very competitive for its size. The 13-inch wheels with 175/70 R13 tires reinforce its practical and economical character, although aesthetically they are not the most striking. It is a design that ages with dignity, without fanfare, focused on utility.

Technology and features

In the technology section, the 1999 Córdoba Vario 1.9 TDi Stella sticks to the essential and proven. Its 1.9 TDi engine is the protagonist, a direct injection diesel engine with turbo and intercooler, a technology that at the time was synonymous with efficiency and good performance. With 90 hp and 210 Nm of torque, it offered a combined consumption of 5.1 l/100km, an excellent figure for the time. The 5-speed manual gearbox is robust and precise. In terms of safety, it had the basics for its segment, without great electronic boasts. Rack-and-pinion steering and ventilated front disc brakes with rear drums were the norm. It is a car that represents the reliable and mature technology of its time, without experiments or unnecessary complexities.

Competition

In its time, the SEAT Córdoba Vario 1.9 TDi Stella faced varied competition in the compact station wagon segment. Its main rivals included models such as the Volkswagen Polo Variant, with which it shared platform and engines, the Skoda Fabia Combi, which offered a similar proposal of space and economy, and others such as the Renault Clio Grandtour or the Peugeot 206 SW. Compared to them, the Córdoba Vario stood out for its TDi engine, renowned for its reliability and low consumption, and for an attractive price-quality ratio, maintaining the essence of German engineering under the Spanish seal.

Conclusion

The 1999 SEAT Córdoba Vario 1.9 TDi Stella is a car that embodies the essence of practicality and economy of use. It does not seek to be a style icon or a marvel of performance, but rather a faithful and efficient companion for everyday life. Its 1.9 TDi engine is a jewel of diesel engineering of its time, offering an enviable balance between performance and consumption. Its functional design and large trunk make it an ideal option for families or for those who need space without sacrificing the agility of a compact. It is an honest car, unpretentious, that more than fulfills its purpose and that, even today, can be an interesting option for those looking for a robust and economical vehicle to maintain.