Market Segment:
City car, economy car, microcar
Target Demographic:
Budget-conscious consumers, first-time car buyers, urban commuters
Key Competitors:
Suzuki Alto, Hyundai Atos, Kia Pride, Fiat Cinquecento, SEAT Marbella
Vehicle Philosophy:
Affordable transportation, compact dimensions for urban maneuverability, fuel efficiency
Systems Covered:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, clutch, transmission (manual and automatic if applicable), driveshafts, suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (front disc, rear drum), electrical system (wiring diagrams, starter, alternator, lighting, accessories), body and chassis, interior trim, heating and ventilation, bodywork repair, diagnostic procedures, tightening torque specifications.
Page Count:
Approximately 300-500 pages (estimated for a comprehensive service manual covering this range)
Manual Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Format:
Digital (PDF) or Printed
Engine:
Complete mechanical overhaul, component testing, timing belt/chain replacement, carburetor/fuel injection system diagnosis and adjustment, emissions control systems.
Transmission:
Manual gearbox disassembly, assembly, and repair; clutch replacement; driveshaft boot inspection and replacement.
Electrical:
Detailed wiring diagrams for all circuits, troubleshooting guides for electrical faults, component testing and replacement (starter, alternator, ignition coil, battery, lighting, fuses, relays).
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, coolant flush and replacement, brake fluid replacement, checking and topping up all fluid levels, lubrication points.
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step procedures for diagnosing common problems, fault codes interpretation (if applicable for the era), symptom-based troubleshooting charts.
Repair Procedures:
Detailed instructions for component removal, inspection, repair, and reinstallation, including engine rebuilds, suspension overhauls, brake system repairs, and electrical component replacement.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic owner maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostics and specifications for professional technicians.
File Format:
Searchable PDF with high-resolution diagrams and text
Print Quality:
High-resolution, printable pages suitable for workshop use
Binding Type:
Perfect bound or spiral bound (for printed versions) for durability and ease of use
Paper Type:
Durable, heavy-weight paper suitable for workshop environments (for printed versions)
Engine Type:
Inline 3-cylinder, naturally aspirated
Displacement:
796 cc (0.8 L)
Bore X Stroke:
68.5 mm x 72.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
9.3:1 (typical)
Horsepower:
40-50 PS (29-37 kW) at ~5500 rpm (depending on specific market and emissions regulations)
Torque:
60-70 Nm (44-52 lb-ft) at ~3000-3500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Early models: Carburetor (e.g., Pierburg/Solex 30/34 PDSI). Later models: Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) for improved emissions and performance.
Ignition Type:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or Distributor-based ignition, with electronic control unit (ECU).
Engine Code:
F8CV (common engine designation, shared with Suzuki/Daewoo collaborations)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Oil Viscosity:
API SG/SH or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual for climate-specific recommendations)
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 3.0 - 3.5 Liters (including filter)
Type:
3-speed automatic (less common, availability may vary by market)
Clutch Type:
Dry, single-plate, diaphragm spring clutch
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 (check manual for exact specification)
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron II or equivalent (if equipped)
Crash Test Ratings:
Basic safety features for its era; independent crash test data is limited for this model.
Brakes:
Front: Ventilated Disc Brakes; Rear: Drum Brakes. ABS was optional on later models in some markets.
Steering:
Rack and pinion, unassisted (standard) or power assisted (optional on higher trims/later models).
Seatbelts:
3-point front seatbelts, 2-point rear lap belts (later models may have 3-point rear belts).
Airbags:
Driver airbag optional or standard on later models in certain markets; passenger airbag very rare.
Audio System:
Basic AM/FM radio, cassette player or CD player (optional/later models). Aftermarket upgrades common.
Features:
Limited by era. Features like power windows, central locking, and air conditioning were typically optional extras on higher trims.
Features:
None inherent; relies on aftermarket solutions for modern connectivity.
Engine Oil Change:
Every 5,000 - 10,000 km or 6-12 months, whichever comes first (check manual for exact specification and oil type).
Oil Filter Replacement:
At every oil change.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 20,000 km or as needed based on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 - 40,000 km.
Coolant Replacement:
Every 2-3 years or 40,000 - 60,000 km.
Brake Fluid Replacement:
Every 2 years or 40,000 km.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial: Every 60,000 - 80,000 km or 4-5 years (interference engine, catastrophic failure if it breaks).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
N/A (unless equipped with power steering; if so, consult manual for type).
Common Problems:
Rust and corrosion (especially in older models), carburetor issues (if fitted), minor electrical faults, suspension wear, clutch wear, timing belt integrity.
Vulnerability Areas:
Wheel arches, sills, chassis frame, door bottoms. Engine can be reliable if properly maintained, but minor oil leaks may develop.
Parent Company:
Daewoo Motor Corporation (South Korea)
Brand Focus:
Affordable and practical vehicles, often based on Suzuki or GM platforms/designs.
Development Basis:
Derived from the FSO Cinquecento and its predecessor, the FSO Polonez platform, with significant Daewoo engineering and styling input. It also shares lineage and design elements with the Suzuki Alto.
Facelifts:
Received minor updates including revised interior trim, engine upgrades to fuel injection for emissions compliance, and some exterior styling tweaks over its production run.
Production Period:
1991-2001
Manufacturing Locations:
South Korea, Poland (as Daewoo Tico/FSO Tico), and other assembly plants in various international markets.
Sales Performance:
Popular in Eastern European markets and other regions seeking economical transport.
Notable Awards:
Not widely recognized with major international automotive awards, but valued for its affordability and practicality in its target markets.
Consumer Ratings:
Generally rated as a dependable, albeit basic, mode of transport for its price point.
Emissions Standards:
Designed to meet prevailing emissions standards of its production years, with later models featuring fuel injection for improved compliance.