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:

    Load apportioning valve P100 models) - removal and refitting
    Caution: Refer to the precautions in Section 1. Removal 1 Chock the front wheels, jack up the rear of the vehicle and support on axle stands (see “Jacking and Vehicle Support”). 2 The load appor ...

    Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor - removal and refitting
    Removal 1 The sensor is screwed into the cylinder block below the inlet manifold. 2 Disconnect the battery negative lead. 3 Drain the cooling system as described in Chapter 1. 4 Disconnect the s ...

    Rear shock absorber (Saloon and Estate models) - removal, testing and refitting
    Removal 1 Slacken the roadwheel bolts, raise the rear of the vehicle, support it on stands (see “Jacking and Vehicle Support”) and remove the roadwheel. 2 Support the suspension lower arm with a ...