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 main bearings - removal and refitting
    Removal 1 With the engine removed from the vehicle, remove the timing belt, crankshaft sprocket, auxiliary shaft sprocket and the flywheel/driveplate. 2 Remove the pistons and connecting rods. If ...

    Flywheel/driveplate - removal, inspection and refitting
    Note: The manufacturers recommend that the flywheel/driveplate securing bolts are renewed after slackening. Suitable thread-locking agent will be required to coat the bolt threads. Removal 1 If t ...

    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 ...