General description

The body is of welded steel construction available in 3 or 5-door Hatchback, 3 or 5- door Estate, soft-top Cabriolet, or Van configurations.

The body is of monocoque construction and is of energy-absorbing design.

Rust and corrosion protection is applied to all new vehicles and includes zinc phosphate dipping and wax injection of box sections and door interiors.

All body panels are welded, including the front wings, so it is recommended that major body damage repairs are left to your dealer.

    See also:

    Engine/automatic transmission assembly - reconnection and refitting
    1 Reverse the procedure described in paragraphs 1 to 25 of Section 8, noting the following points. 2 Check that the engine adapter plate is correctly positioned on its locating dowels. If necessa ...

    Rear anti-roll bar (Saloon, Hatchback and Estate models) - removal and refitting
    Removal 1 Loosen the rear roadwheel nuts, chock the front wheels, jack up the rear of the vehicle and support on axle stands placed under the side members. 2 Prise off the straps which connect th ...

    Coolant pump/alternator drivebelt tensioner (DOHC models with power steering) - removal and refitting
    Removal 1 Remove the alternator drivebelt. 2 Loosen the alternator lower mounting through-bolt, then remove the alternator upper mounting bolt and swing the alternator away from the engine. 3 Un ...