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:

    Crankshaft and bearings - examination and renovation
    1 Examine the bearing surfaces of the crankshaft for scratches or scoring and, using a micrometer, check each journal and crankpin for ovality. Where this is found to be in excess of 0.0254 mm (0. ...

    Rear hub bearings - renewal
    1 Raise and support the rear of the vehicle on stands (see “Jacking and Vehicle Support”). Remove the roadwheel and release the handbrake. 2 On fuel-injected models and Van versions undo the reta ...

    Engine/manual gearbox assembly - removal and separation
    Note: Refer to the warning at the beginning of Section 5 before proceeding. A suitable hoist and lifting tackle will be required for this operation. Removal 1 Proceed as described in paragraphs 1 ...