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:

    Valve block (ABS) - removal and refitting
    Caution: Refer to the precautions in Section 1. Removal 1 Disconnect the battery negative lead. 2 Depressurise the hydraulic system by pumping the brake pedal at least 20 times, or until it beco ...

    Windscreen and fixed window glass - removal and refitting
    Windscreen Note: The average DIY mechanic is advised to leave windscreen removal and refitting to an expert. For the owner who insists on doing it himself, the following paragraphs are given. Rem ...

    Brake components check (Every 36 000 miles or 3 years)
    1 Inspect the thickness of the friction linings on the disc pads and brake shoes (as described earlier in this Chapter) at the intervals specified. 2 The rigid and flexible hydraulic pipes and ho ...