SEAT Cordoba (03-06) - Review

It's roomy inside and there's comfortable seating for four adults or a family of five on long journeys. However, the middle rear seat is only suitable for occasional use, as it’s less supportive than the outer seats. The sloping roof compromises rear headroom but this shouldn’t be an issue for kids. Road noise can be irritating when driving on the motorway or poor road surfaces. The tasteful cloth upholstery is durable and could be chosen in a limited range of neutral tones, while top end models can also be specified with dark leather for a more upmarket look. Air conditioning is standard across the range.

Spillages shouldn’t be too frequent as there’s a couple of cupholders dotted throughout the cabin - including one that cleverly folds out of the centre console like a CD drawer and another situated between the front seats. The driver’s storage box is handy for keeping possessions out of harm’s way, and is large enough for a mobile phone or MP3 player plus a handful of coins. The 475-litre boot is more than 200 litres larger than the Ibiza, while luggage capacity can be further increased by folding the rear seats down.

The cabin is a little lacklustre and the basic centre console and dashboard design lacks the flair of the more upmarket Altea and Leon. Drivers of all shapes and sizes should be able to find a comfortable driving position, as the front seats are height adjustable, plus the steering wheel can be configured to reach and height, too. Rearward visibility is impaired by the high boot and small rear window, so reversing can be a little tricky in tight spots or low light.