SEAT CORDOBA 1996 test drive - 1999 sedan

Two competitors in the "welterweight"

Cordoba is a car for a young family, the production of a Spanish company Seat. It has been produced since 1993 at one of the most modern plants in Europe in Martorel with a sedan body in the trim levels SE, SXE, GTI, GTI16V and the SX coupe. It is equipped with a wide range of gasoline engines 1.4; 1.6 (in two versions); 1.8; 1.8 16V; 2.0 liters and four variants of a 1.9-liter diesel. On order, an automatic gearbox, steering wheel, air conditioning, electric windows, and hatch can be installed.
 

VAZ 2110 is a basic model of the long -awaited family of new Togliatti front -wheel drivers, the official debut of which took place in January 1995. Along with Sedan (2110), it is planned to issue a station wagon (2111) and a five -door hatchback (2112). A one and a half liter engine can be equipped with a carburetor or fuel injection system; The most powerful - with a sixteen -valve head. The alleged list of additional equipment includes the power steering, air conditioning, route computer, electric windows, hatch.
 

Well, finally, it happened! The first dozens - VAZ 2110 appeared on the VAZ dealers. And although they collect them so far with the widespread use of bypass technologies, the money for the car has to pay completely real, moreover, considerable - about 13 thousand dollars. Thus, the new model stepped over the next price The range is from 12 to 17 thousand dollars. Here she will have to seriously compete for the buyer’s wallet not only with Skoda, Ford, and Koreans. The last replenishment in the camp of aggressors is the Spanish Seat, which is part of the Volkswagen concern. Russian prices for three models - Ivisu, Cordoba and Toledo begin, respectively, from 16, 17 and 20 thousand dollars. The most noticeable difference between the first two is the step of the trunk of the cordova, direct competitors. It was we who chose them for a comparative test. So, the two new products of the Russian market are VAZ 2110 (the points they score were called the first) and the Seat -Kordov.
 

The body is 3.3 and 4.1 points. Externally, cars are similar to each other, like brothers. Only, perhaps, not relatives, but cousins. They have common clan features: a rounded, but without intelligence design, a chubby body with a heavy stern, a related section of the eyes. A dozen is a little longer and could claim the role of an older brother, but the impression is spoiled by disproportionately frail wheels. Cordoba has a complete order with this - fourteen -inch, widely placed, with beautiful silver caps.
 
Upon closer examination, the differences are much more. The planes of the body panels do not coincide, the gaps between them are from five to fifteen millimeters, one door is clearly lower than the others, and the framework of fixed side windows, on the contrary, rise above the roof. The rear lights entering the sidewall act as air intakes in the eared Zaporozhets. The thresholds seemed to be unfinished and designed so that even forever dirty nine seems to be an example of ergonomics: the gap between the door and the threshold is simply directed down and open to everything that flies from under the front wheel. Cordova did not disappoint nearby: everything is carefully and neatly fitted, the gaps can be checked with caliber. And the quality of its color is better.
 
To finish an external inspection, let's look under the bottom: neither one nor the other, but in the asset of the cordovas, the exhaust system made of stainless steel, moreover completely shielded from the body, and plastic shelters, have no engine protection.
 
Now let's evaluate the salon. On our top ten, eight seats are installed in front, but from the back - quite original, with headrests, more convenient than a nine shop. The reclining central armrest and table open access to the trunk, where you can now transport, for example, skis. The windows of the windows are very light, and a lantern of individual illumination settled between the solar visors.
 
The interior of the cordova is pleasant and functional. The seats are comfortable, and the backs of the front are curved so that they do not interfere with the knees of the sitting behind. An explicit ergonomic miscase - door handles shifted back, which is why you have to turn the hand. The standard package includes a central lock, but not with electric motors, but with pneumatic cylinders in the doors and a pump somewhere in the trunk. For transportation of children, the rear doors locks can be blocked from opening from the inside.
 
The trunk VAZ 2110 is the same as you expect to see - typical for a modern sedan, quite spacious, with a lid reaching the bumper. In the depths, he is noticeably pursed with wheeled niches. The cargo volume can be increased by taking one or two sections from the back of the rear seat. The central part of it with the armrest will remain in place, which will not allow transporting a large -sized cargo.
 
Cordova presented a surprise. Opening the long lid of a small -looking trunk, we found there such a cave! The height of the trunk is such that you can sit in it! In addition, the back and pillow of the rear seat are folded completely or in parts, in a ratio of 2: 3. That, indeed, is less outside than inside.
 
Under the floor of the trunk, a familiar, minimum necessary set of tools, a jack, a pump and a full -size reserve is placed in a Vazovskaya machine. In the seatom - a jack in a special case, a screwdriver, one key and a narrow dok of the spare wheel - reckoning for the low floor. There is no pump, as in many other foreign cars, but a special pallet with a handle is installed on Velcro - for any small things and an additional tool, including.
 
The driver's seat is 3.5 and 4.0 points. In terms of landing, the driver’s place VAZ 2110 differs little from the nine: the same seat, the same steering wheel, however, with height adjustment, and steering wheel switches. The gearbox control algorithm is the same, but to turn on the rear, the lever is now, in theory, you need to drown down, although for some reason it turns on in our car without lifting. The dashboard has changed radically. It is a completely different species, with switches on the edges of the visor, however, with some manipulations, they sometimes remain in the hands of the driver. The speedometer, which is flattering, is marked up to 200 km/h. A tachometer appeared next to him - excellent. On the central panel - the indicator of the onboard control system. And, as if in contrast to this delight, a large, clumsy -looking red key of the alarm, a cutting look.
 
Now cross the Cordoba’s wheel. In it you catch yourself thinking that you don’t have to get used to anything. It is enough to fit the seat, and it, in addition to two standard ones, also has an height adjustment, and the legs themselves find pedals, the hands lie on the steering wheel and the gearbox lever. Only the location of the devices is unusual - the speedometer on the left, and the tachometer on the right, and not vice versa, as, for example, on vases. At night, the dashboard is illuminated by orange light - it is still more familiar green. But the second glove compartment under the steering column is great.
 
Both machines have good overview forward and to the sides, and dozens, potentially, and backward, due to narrow racks of the roof and less high trunk. But the internal rear -view mirrors are small in both cases, in addition, the viewing sector through them is partially overlapped by the headlines of the second row of a vase and anti -winged on a seatom. At the same time, this wing allows you to feel good in reversing.
 
Movement - 3.8 (excluding failures) and 4.0 points. On our VAZ 2110, the engine, transmission and chassis were migrated with minimal changes with the good old eight. Due to another weightlifting, as well as other characteristics of springs and shock absorbers of a dozen on the go, more softer and more stable, and its control is less acute than that of the aggregate donor. Dynamic qualities remained about the same.
 
There were refusals on our ten, but we did not attribute them to typical and reduce their assessment for this. However, we cannot keep silent about them. For some reason, the wipers sometimes turned on with the near light of headlights. Some kind of plastic cover of rather big size was periodically dumped from under the dashboard. Over a hundred kilometers of mileage, the engine three times for five to ten minutes (apparently something with electronics), and in the end, the second gear seemed to disappear. True, then smart people showed how to turn it on, but not everyone has such consultants. Instead of the first transmission, the back and the third periodically stuck it - perhaps from the habit. But why is such a habit not required in the same seat? The gearbox clearly needs to be adjusted, however, like an engine that does not get torque at low speeds. It’s not to the subtle matters of stability and controllability, to get to the place.
 
Now let's ride on the cordov. The overall impression is an obedient and well -balanced car. The engine is subjectively more powerful than it really is. This is a considerable merit of a perfectly selected gearbox with a clear and easy inclusion. A rather stiff suspension is clearly designed for active steering on good coating. Quick turns the car passes with a small roll, tenaciously holding on to the asphalt. The steering is not too sharp, but not cotton - what you need to drive to the city crowd.
 
Comfort - 3.5 and 4.0 points. Of all the domestic vehicles VAZ 2110, perhaps the most comfortable. Road irregularities are smoothly, vibrations and the noise of the engine in the salon are almost imperceptible. And the salon is much quieter than the usual nine. But at speeds above 80 km/h, the aerodynamic noise begins to annoy somewhere at the front rack racks, as well as the whistle of wind through the seals. The ten climate control system is installed on the top ten, that is, you do not just open the heater valve with the handle with the handle, but set the desired temperature in the cabin, after which the automation already supports it yourself. In general, the heating and ventilation system here is almost European - powerful, with a simple and understandable control algorithm. True, icon on lateral deflectors are mixed up.
 
Noise and vibrations in the Cordoba salon are also practically imperceptibly. The suspension with a progressive characteristic gently swallows small irregularities, but largely conscientiously conveys to the body. When accelerating on the rear seats, the sound of the exhaust is clearly heard. The heating and ventilation system is at least no worse than in the top ten.
 
Operation, service - 4.0 and 3.3 points. Both machines consume ninety -first gasoline, and you can fill in ethylated - there are no catalytic neutralizers. The fuel consumption of Cordoba is slightly less, an average of half a liter per hundred kilometers.
 
In terms of service, the absolute leader is a dozen. In her service book - 166 addresses of VAZ maintenance stations! True, their willingness to maintain a new model is an open question. Seam can contrast this armada today only two branded STOs in Moscow. Subsequently, it is supposed to maintain at 74 stations AO Moskvich-Service, which will bring the seama to the leaders among foreign cars in the service base. If we do not take into account, to put it mildly, the different quality of manufacture, visit the service for periodic maintenance in both cases is prescribed after 2, 15 and then every 15 thousand km of run. The guarantees are the same - one year without limiting a run.
 
The amount of points is 18.1 and 19.4. In the world, the concept of KIT car has long been there. This is a set of parts, components and assemblies for independent assembly of the machine, a sort of designer for adults. At the same time, the buyer kills two birds with one stone at once - satisfies a craving for needlework and saves a fair amount of money. By civilized standards, any domestic car, including a dozen, is such a whale, but, however, without savings. In order to confidently drive it, you just need to disassemble the car, and then gently, assemble your head. VAZ 2110 is conceived well and excellent, but made hardly on satisfactory. You can say about Seat - okay, it is cut, firmly sewn.


Machines are elusively similar to each other's chubby body, a high waist line ...

... and the cumbersome of the stern. The towing eye seat (right) is closed with a neat plastic lid.

On the top ten so far they install a well -known one and a half liter engine from VAZ 21083.

Under the hood of Cordoba is the most modest of the proposed gamut of a motor with a volume of 1.4 liters.

If you do not find fault with the little things, the interior VAZ 2110 is quite modern. The thrown armrest and table open access to the trunk from the cabin.

Cordoba inside looks richer. In the picture - a half -loading option, with partially folded rear seat.

The trunk of dozens is quite spacious, but it will not be possible to radically increase the cargo volume with the dismantling of the rear seat - the middle part of the back is fixed.

But the Cordu trunk seems unexpectedly large and very high. Under his floor, a convenient trace for the tool, alas, is empty.

Governing bodies in VAZ 2110 while nine and when the reverse move the lever leaves under the knee of the driver.

The dashboard in the cordova is even a little easier than in the top ten, but made much more carefully. A convenient trifle - on the back of the solar visor - a mirror under the curtain and holders for the handle and pass.
 

Summary. VAZ 2110, of course, a big step forward, almost Europe. But this is almost the difference between what the designers and designers initially planned, and what the buyer received: there is a little crooked, it does not coincide there slightly, something does not work here. You can justify the lack of funds, old equipment, low production discipline, in the end. But the buyer pays 70 million rubles not for listening to complaints for difficult times. He needs a modern, reliable car. Such, for example, as Seat-Kordov.
 

Technical characteristics of the car
VAZ 2110-011-00
General data: number of places - 5; equipped mass - 1000 kg; Full mass - 1475 kg; maximum speed - 162 km/h; acceleration time from a place to 100 km/h - 15 s; fuel consumption at 90, 120 km/h and Hz - 5.5; 6.8; 8.9 l/100 km; fuel supply - 43 liters; Fuel - gasoline (ethyl) with an octane number 91. Sizes, mm: length - 4265; width - 1680; height - 1420; base - 2492; The track in front/back - 1400/1370; clearance - 140; trunk volume - 480 l; The turning radius is 5.5 m. Engine: gasoline, carburetor, four -cylinder in line, two valves per cylinder, such as 21083, is located in front; working volume - 1499 cm; the diameter and stroke of the piston - 82x71 mm; compression degree - 9.9; Power - 51 kW/69 hp at 5600 rpm; Maximum torque - 112 NM at 3400 rpm. Transmission: drive - on the front wheels; gearbox - mechanical five -speed; Transporting numbers: I - 3.64; II - 1.95; III - 1.36; IV - 0.94; V - 0.78; Z.Kh. - 3.5; The main program is 3.94. Suspension: front - independent, such as McEferson; The back is half -dependent, with an elastic transverse beam, longitudinal levers and spring racks. Brakes: hydraulic, with a vacuum amplifier, front - ventilated disk, rear - drum. Steering: rheck without an amplifier. Tire size: 175/70R13.
 

Technical characteristics of the car
Seat-Kordova 1.4SE
General data: number of places - 5; Equipped mass - 975 kg; full weight - 1435 kg; maximum speed - 157 km/h; acceleration time from a place to 100 km/h - 15.6 s; fuel consumption at 90, 120 km/h and Hz - 5.1; 7.0; 8.0 l/100 km; fuel supply - 45 liters; Fuel - gasoline (ethyl) with an octane number 91. Sizes, mm: length - 4144; width - 1640; height - 1424; base - 2443; The track in front/back - 1430/1394; clearance - 130; trunk volume - 455/762 l; The turning radius is 5.2 m. The engine: gasoline, with distributed injection, four -cylinder in line, two valves per cylinder, is located in front; working volume - 1390 cm; the diameter and stroke of the piston - 76.5x75.6 mm; compression degree - 10.2; Power - 44 kW/60 hp at 4700 rpm; The maximum torque is 116 N.M at 2800-3200 rpm. Transmission: drive - on the front wheels; gearbox - five -speed; Transporting numbers: I - 3.46; II - 2.10; III - 1.45; IV - 1.10; V - 0.85; Z.Kh. - 3.39; The main program is 3.88. Suspension: front - independent, such as McEferson; The back is half -dependent, with an elastic transverse beam, longitudinal levers and spring racks. Brakes: hydraulic, with a vacuum amplifier; Front - disk, rear - drum. Steering: rheck without an amplifier. Tire size: 185/60R14.
 

The editors thanks the Department of Development of AvtoVAZ for the tests and the Rosinka company for help for help in conducting a test. Information about the sale of machines - in the section of prices driving.
 
Yuri Nechetov
Photo by Sergey Ivanov
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A source: The magazine "Driving"