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:

    Air cleaner air temperature control - description and testing
    Thermostatically-controlled air cleaner 1 On all pre-1986 models and certain models from 1986 onwards, the air cleaner is thermostatically-controlled by a vacuum operated system to provide air at ...

    Front suspension strut - removal, overhaul and refitting
    Removal 1 Slacken the roadwheel bolts, raise the front of the vehicle and support it securely on stands (see “Jacking and Vehicle Support”), then remove the roadwheel. 2 Support the underside of ...

    Heater - removal and refitting
    Removal 1 Disconnect the battery negative lead. 2 Refer to Chapter 11 and remove the centre console. 3 Working within the engine compartment, disconnect the coolant hoses from the heater pipe st ...