MOST four door cars that pass through my hands for testing are aimed at the business community, but there are a few that place family values at the top of the list.
One such is the latest SEAT Cordoba which combines the now familiar SEAT 'auto emocion' branding with a sound, good value package for a smart family transport.
The Cordoba is one of the models that has reaped a harvest of strength, security and style from its parent company, the Volkswagen Group.
SEAT is the Spanish arm of Volkswagen and builds into its models a sunny character that has really taken off in Britain, especially the latest Ibiza which is now considered a choice of the style- conscious.
Hard to think that years ago the early Ibizas to enter Britain were treated with a considerable amount of scorn because their build quality just did not cut the mustard with discerning British buyers.
But, as with Skoda, the Volkswagen magic wand was waved and the company has never looked back.
One of the choices of the Cordoba range is the 1.9TDi SE which has a hefty high-tech diesel under the bonnet pounding out 130bhp.
Although this car has a great family appeal it is no sluggard, being capable of 128mph and having the the capability to sprint to 62mph from standstill in 9.7 seconds.
This model feels like a Golf in its solidity and unwavering handling. There may be faster and more sporty SEATs but this is an all round tour de force of what this manufacturer is capable of delivering. It has a massive boot and superbly comfortable seating.
Best of all, you can enjoy the performance AND get a combined mpg of 54.3mph.
Part of the package is the SEAT Dynamic Steering Response system which utilises carefully chosen suspension settings to achieve cornering feel only found on much more expensive cars.
FAST FACTS
SEAT Cordoba 1.9 TDi SE
Price: £14,000
Mechanical: 130bhp, 1,896cc 4 cyl turbo diesel engine driving front wheels via 6-spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 128 mph
0-62mph: 9.8 secs
Combined mpg: 54.3
Insurance group: 7
CO2 emissions: 140g/km
BiK rating: 18%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 6yrs anti-rust; 1yr paint