A PLAN to end premium pricing for estate cars is under consideration at SEAT. Officials at the Spanish firm's UK division are keen to put the new Cordoba Vario model in British showrooms at prices to match those it charges for Cordoba saloons.

'No decision has been made yet - it all depends on negotiations which are underway with the factory,' said SEAT UK product marketing manager Carlos Lopez. 'I'd really like to be able to offer price parity with this car because it would make life less confusing for the customer as well as being a tremendous proposition in the showrooms.

But other SEAT executives in Barcelona expressed doubt that the company's first estate car would carry identical pricing. 'It is more likely to end up with a £500 premium. This is a stylish and dynamic new model which is more than just a viable alternative to a hatchback. Our view is that the car is better value than the saloon,' said a spokesman.