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:

    Door lock - removal and refitting
    Models up to 1990 1 Remove the door inner trim panel. 2 Where necessary for improved access, peel back the waterproof plastic sheet from the door. 3 Withdraw the window channel extension through ...

    Auxiliary drivebelt check (Every 12 000 miles (20 000 km) or 12 months)
    1 Refer to the Specifications at the beginning of this Chapter and check the tension of each drivebelt at the point stated. Check the full length of each drivebelt for cracks and deterioration. It ...

    Minor body damage - repair
    Repair of minor scratches in bodywork If the scratch is very superficial, and does not penetrate to the metal of the bodywork, repair is very simple. Lightly rub the area of the scratch with a pa ...