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 - removal and refitting
    Removal 1 On CVH models, disconnect the battery negative lead. 2 Remove the screws from the top of the air cleaner cover (see illustration). 3.2 Air cleaner securing screws (arrowed) 3 Disconn ...

    Steering and suspension security check (Every 12 000 miles (20 000 km) or 12 months)
    1 Check the shock absorbers by bouncing the vehicle up and down at each corner in turn. When released, it should come to rest within one complete oscillation. Continued movement, or squeaking and ...

    Maintenance - upholstery and carpets
    Mats and carpets should be brushed or vacuum cleaned regularly to keep them free of grit. If they are badly stained remove them from the vehicle for scrubbing or sponging and make quite sure they ...