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:

    Buying Spare Parts
    Spare parts are available from many sources, including maker’s appointed garages, accessory shops, and motor factors. To be sure of obtaining the correct parts, it will sometimes be necessary to q ...

    Cigar lighter - removal and refitting
    Removal 1 Disconnect the battery negative terminal. 2 On pre-1986 models remove the ashtray then undo the screws and withdraw the ashtray housing. On 1986 models onwards, refer to Section 21 and ...

    Inner gutter weatherstrip (Saloon, Hatchback and Estate models) - removal and refitting
    Removal 1 Open both the front and rear doors to expose the relevant weatherstrip. 2 Carefully pull the weatherstrip from the base of the front pillar, taking care to release the flap which is stu ...