Symbolism or specifics?

Sedans created by "attaching" a trunk to a hatchback enjoy steady demand. Usually, such a car is the only one in the family, and the father of the family is most often behind the wheel. Buyers in this segment count every penny, and the three-box body, besides practicality, also gives a sense of status: a sedan is perceived as a more solid and "masculine" option. Even if it loses to the original model in elegance.

Renault Symbol and SEAT Cordoba, born from the Clio II and fourth-generation Ibiza hatchbacks, could not boast of outstanding looks from the very beginning. However, the "Spaniard" looked livelier and more interesting in those years, because its design was handled by Walter de Silva, who moved to SEAT from Alfa Romeo.

On the Russian market, luck was on Renault's side. SEAT left our market then and returned only recently, and Cordoba has hardly changed in appearance during this time. It still catches the eye, but... But look how Symbol has been transformed! Its body has become solid and taut. The manufacturer calls the sedan completely new, although in reality it is a deep modernization of the previous model. However, large expressive headlights and chrome details skillfully mask the real state of affairs. And this illusion works: the French sedan now seems more expensive and prestigious than before. And — than Cordoba.

INTERIOR: WHAT HAS CHANGED

Inside the Renault, the changes are not so dramatic: a different instrument cluster, a different shape of the niche under the central display... Little things, details. But the budget nature of the interior is immediately noticeable. They saved on many things. The plastic remains hard. The rear power window buttons have been moved to the tunnel so that front passengers can reach them (there are no duplicate buttons on the driver's door). The small buttons on the console remain the same. The steering wheel is still only adjustable for height, and finding a comfortable driving position takes a long time...

And what about SEAT? The gray interior initially seems simple, but the driver's workplace is better thought out, and the quality of finishing and assembly is higher. You immediately remember that Ibiza and Cordoba are Volkswagen Polo in Spanish execution. Yes, the temperature and fuel level indicators are small, there are complaints about climate control... But overall, there is more order. And the seats are more comfortable, and getting behind the wheel is easier.

In both sedans, there is a bit of tightness in the shoulders, and three people in the back will not be very comfortable. But for two people of average height, it's just right, with enough legroom.

	SIMPLE, BUT SPACIOUS The windows are large – better visibility. More legroom for passengers, and a bit more space in the shoulders. But it's a bit boring, the design is too modest
	SOLID, BUT A BIT CRAMPED The concave profile of the front seat backs saves space for the knees of passengers sitting in the back. True, in terms of width, three will be a bit cramped here

MIRACLES OF DISGUISE The trunk lids open in an original way. In practice, the Spanish handle is more convenient than the French button

TO CARRY OR TO DRIVE?

The word "family" is associated by many with shopping bags, a shopping list, and household chores. But this is, of course, an extreme. After all, a family car can bring pleasure to the driver. At least, it can try. The Renault Symbol honestly tries! Its chassis was originally created for roads of the "third" world, so the driver gets the main pleasure on... bumps. Symbol treats most of them almost indifferently. The soft and comfortable suspension manages to "smooth out" even sections covered with

cobblestones. The flip side of the coin: rocking and body rolls during maneuvers. It doesn't matter that the steering wheel has become "heavier," its informativeness remains mediocre. The force on the brake pedal was also surprising, not

comparable to the degree of deceleration.

Symbol in Russia is offered only with a 16-valve 1.4 engine (98 hp). Its power is enough even under load, but the engine is a bit noisy. We drove versions with a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic. We vote for the "manual." Yes, the lever moves with hesitations, and the gear ratios could have been chosen better. Yes, in traffic jams, the "automatic" is much more convenient. But we never got used to its shift logic and delays. Not surprising – the gearbox is "old."

SEAT is more composed. The steering is better tuned, body rolls are small. True, the ride smoothness of the "Cordoba" is worse, and passengers get shaken on bumps.

The only offered 1.4 engine is weaker than the French one – 85 hp. But the dynamics did not disappoint: well-chosen manual gear ratios helped. To drive!

THE MAIN ARGUMENT

The Renault Symbol attracts with novelty, while the not-so-young SEAT Cordoba is more driver-friendly. But let's return to where we started – to the rubles. For buyers in the budget segment, no symbolism

will overshadow specifics. Symbol wins. Renault's pricing policy is flexible, and trim levels are provided for every taste. The base one is comparable in price to the top version of Logan, and the advanced one – to a "bare" Megan. And Cordoba comes only in three versions and only with a manual transmission. But, most importantly, SEAT's prices are far from budget.

		Manufacturer's data SEAT Cordoba ENGINE 1390 cm3, 4 cylinders, petrol 85 hp at 5000 rpm, 130 Nm at 3850 rpm TRANSMISSION Manual, 5 gears, DIMENSIONS (mm) length – 4280 width – 1698 height – 1441 PRICE of the tested car - 464,000 rubles
		Manufacturer's data Renault Symbol ENGINE 1390 cm3, 4 cylinders, petrol 98 hp at 6000 rpm, 127 Nm at 3750 rpm TRANSMISSION Manual, 5 gears, DIMENSIONS (mm) length – 4171 width – 1639 height – 1437 PRICE of the tested car - 458 775 rubles