Segment:
        
        
            Compact family car / Hatchback
        
     
    
        
            Brand Perception:
        
        
            Sporty, driver-focused, Italian styling
        
     
    
    
        
            Key Competitors 1987:
        
        
            Volkswagen Golf, Ford Escort, Opel Kadett/Vauxhall Astra, Peugeot 309
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Layout:
        
        
            Front-wheel drive with transversely mounted Boxer engines
        
     
    
        
            Body Styles:
        
        
            3-door and 5-door hatchback, later sedan (33)'s predecessor, Alfasud, was known for its saloon body.
        
     
    
        
            Unique Selling Points:
        
        
            Distinctive Italian design, engaging driving dynamics, Boxer engine character
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Mechanical:
        
        
            Comprehensive (including Boxer engine specifics)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Management Fuel:
        
        
            Carburetor (Dell'Orto/Weber) and early fuel injection systems
        
     
    
        
            Ignition System:
        
        
            Distributor-based ignition systems
        
     
    
        
            Cooling System:
        
        
            Radiator, thermostat, fan, coolant circulation
        
     
    
        
            Lubrication System:
        
        
            Oil pump, oil filter, oil passages, oil type specifications
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Manual:
        
        
            Gearbox (5-speed), clutch operation, removal and installation
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Automatic:
        
        
            Optional automatic transmission (if applicable, coverage may vary)
        
     
    
        
            Drivetrain:
        
        
            Front-wheel drive, driveshafts, CV joints
        
     
    
        
            Suspension Front:
        
        
            MacPherson strut, wishbones, anti-roll bar
        
     
    
        
            Suspension Rear:
        
        
            Trailing arms, coil springs, shock absorbers
        
     
    
        
            Steering System:
        
        
            Rack and pinion, steering column, power steering (if equipped)
        
     
    
        
            Braking System:
        
        
            Front discs, rear drums/discs, hydraulic system, brake bleeding
        
     
    
        
            Electrical System Charging:
        
        
            Alternator, voltage regulator, battery
        
     
    
        
            Electrical System Starting:
        
        
            Starter motor, ignition switch
        
     
    
        
            Lighting System:
        
        
            Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, wiring diagrams
        
     
    
        
            Instrumentation:
        
        
            Dashboard gauges, warning lights, sensor diagnostics
        
     
    
        
            Body Exterior:
        
        
            Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, glass, trim
        
     
    
        
            Body Interior:
        
        
            Seats, carpets, dashboard, trim panels
        
     
    
        
            HVAC System:
        
        
            Heating, ventilation, air conditioning (if equipped)
        
     
    
        
            Body Electronics:
        
        
            Wipers, horn, central locking (if equipped)
        
     
    
    
        
            Routine Maintenance:
        
        
            Oil change, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, fluid checks
        
     
    
        
            Troubleshooting Diagnostics:
        
        
            Systematic fault finding, common problems and solutions
        
     
    
        
            Engine Overhaul:
        
        
            Complete engine rebuild procedures, component specifications
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Repair:
        
        
            Gearbox disassembly, inspection, and reassembly
        
     
    
        
            Brake System Repair:
        
        
            Disc/drum replacement, caliper/cylinder servicing, line replacement
        
     
    
        
            Suspension Component Replacement:
        
        
            Strut, ball joint, bushing, shock absorber replacement
        
     
    
        
            Electrical Component Testing:
        
        
            Testing alternators, starter motors, sensors, switches
        
     
    
        
            Bodywork Repair:
        
        
            Panel alignment, rust repair (general guidelines), trim fitting
        
     
    
        
            HVAC Repair:
        
        
            Component replacement (blower motor, condenser, evaporator), refrigerant handling (general)
        
     
    
        
            Wiring Diagrams:
        
        
            Detailed electrical schematics for various systems
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth:
        
        
            Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine/transmission rebuilds)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Type:
        
        
            Naturally aspirated Boxer (Flat) 4-cylinder
        
     
    
        
            Displacement Options:
        
        
            1.3L, 1.4L, 1.5L, 1.7L (various configurations for 1987 model year)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Code Example:
        
        
            AR301xx series (for Boxer engines)
        
     
    
    
        
            Horsepower Range:
        
        
            Approx. 75-115 hp (depending on engine variant)
        
     
    
        
            Torque Range:
        
        
            Approx. 110-150 Nm (depending on engine variant)
        
     
    
    
        
            Fuel Delivery:
        
        
            Twin-choke downdraft carburetors (e.g., Dell'Orto FZD, Weber IDF) or early Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection on some variants.
        
     
    
        
            Fuel Type:
        
        
            Unleaded Petrol (as per 1987 regulations, manual will specify octane rating)
        
     
    
    
        
            Timing Belt Chain:
        
        
            Timing belt driven camshafts (often requiring specific tensioner adjustment)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Cooling:
        
        
            Liquid-cooled
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change:
        
        
            Every 5,000 - 7,500 km or 6-12 months (check manual for exact recommendation)
        
     
    
        
            Timing Belt Replacement:
        
        
            Typically every 40,000 - 60,000 km or 3-4 years (critical interval)
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil:
        
        
            API SG or SF, SAE 10W-40 or 15W-40 (check manual for specific viscosity based on climate)
        
     
    
        
            Coolant:
        
        
            Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically 50/50 mix with distilled water
        
     
    
        
            Brake Fluid:
        
        
            DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Manual:
        
        
            API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil
        
     
    
    
        
            Rust:
        
        
            Common issue, especially on sills, wheel arches, and floor pans. Underbody rust prevention is vital.
        
     
    
        
            Carburetor Tuning:
        
        
            Carburetors can require periodic adjustment and cleaning for optimal performance.
        
     
    
        
            Suspension Bushings:
        
        
            Wear in rubber bushings leading to vague handling and knocking noises.
        
     
    
        
            Electrical Connections:
        
        
            Corrosion or degradation of electrical connectors, particularly grounding points.
        
     
    
        
            Engine Mounts:
        
        
            Wear in engine mounts can lead to increased vibration.