Segment:
Compact family car (C-segment)
Original Market Goal:
To offer a stylish, spacious, and practical alternative to established rivals like the VW Golf and Ford Focus.
Key Competitors:
Volkswagen Golf Mk3/Mk4, Ford Focus Mk1, Opel Astra G, Peugeot 306, Renault Megane I.
Design Philosophy:
Modern, aerodynamic styling with a focus on interior space and practicality, especially for the Brava hatchback.
Body Styles:
3-door hatchback (Bravo) and 5-door hatchback (Brava).
Engine Mechanical:
Yes (including diesel and petrol variants)
Engine Electrical:
Yes (ECU, ignition, starting, charging)
Fuel System:
Yes (injection, carburation on older variants if applicable)
Transmission Automatic:
Yes (where applicable)
Drivetrain:
Yes (front-wheel drive components)
Suspension Front:
Yes (MacPherson strut)
Suspension Rear:
Yes (torsion beam or multi-link depending on variant)
Steering System:
Yes (power steering)
Braking System:
Yes (front discs, rear drums/discs, ABS)
Body Structure:
Yes (frame, panels, corrosion protection)
Exterior Trim:
Yes (bumpers, lights, glass)
Interior Trim:
Yes (dashboard, seats, trim panels)
Heating Ventilation Ac:
Yes
Electrical Systems General:
Yes (lighting, wipers, horns, power windows)
Instrumentation:
Yes (dashboard gauges, warning lights)
Safety Systems:
Yes (airbags, seatbelts, ABS)
Routine Maintenance:
Yes (oil change, filter replacement, tune-ups)
Troubleshooting:
Yes (diagnostic flowcharts, symptom analysis)
Engine Repair:
Yes (overhauls, component replacement)
Transmission Repair:
Yes (rebuilds, clutch replacement)
Brake System Repair:
Yes (pad/shoe replacement, caliper/cylinder service)
Suspension Component Replacement:
Yes (shocks, struts, bushings, ball joints)
Steering Component Replacement:
Yes (tie rod ends, steering rack)
Electrical Component Diagnosis And Repair:
Yes
Bodywork Repair:
Yes (dent removal, panel replacement, welding guidance)
Climate Control Repair:
Yes
Specifications And Measurements:
Yes (tightening torques, clearances, alignment specs)
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to major overhauls)
Diagnostic Tools:
Includes information for common diagnostic procedures and tool requirements
Wiring Diagrams:
Yes (detailed electrical schematics)
Exploded Views:
Yes (for easy disassembly/assembly guidance)
Pictorial Illustrations:
Yes (step-by-step pictures and diagrams)
Petrol Engine Options:
1.2L (16v), 1.4L (8v), 1.6L (16v), 1.8L (16v - including GT/HGT variants)
Diesel Engine Options:
1.9L TD (Turbo Diesel), 1.9L JTD (Common Rail Diesel)
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 75 PS (1.4) to 155 PS (1.8 HGT)
Torque Range:
Approximately 111 Nm (1.4) to 200 Nm (1.8 HGT)
Fuel Delivery Petrol:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Delivery Diesel:
Direct Injection (TD) and Common Rail Direct Injection (JTD)
Length:
Approx. 4,120 mm (Bravo), 4,140 mm (Brava)
Height:
Approx. 1,420 mm (Bravo), 1,430 mm (Brava)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1100-1300 kg depending on engine and specification
Euro Ncap Rating:
3 stars (early models likely had lower scores, later improved)
Active Safety Availability:
ABS available on higher trims and later models, often optional.
Passive Safety Features:
Driver and passenger airbags (standard on later models, optional on early), front and rear seatbelt pre-tensioners.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 15,000 km or 1 year (whichever comes first), but consult manual for specific engine/oil type.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial for non-interference engines, typically every 90,000-120,000 km or 5-7 years. Consult manual for specific engine variant.
Engine Oil Viscosity:
Commonly 10W-40 or 5W-40 synthetic/semi-synthetic. Specific requirements vary by engine, consult manual for exact API/ACEA specs.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze/coolant, typically a pink or red type (e.g., Paraflu UP). Ensure correct concentration.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 75W-80 or 75W-90 Gear Oil. Check manual for specific capacity.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
ATF Dexron II/III or equivalent. Check manual for specific capacity and type.
Common Engine Issues:
Potential for aging ignition coils, lambda sensor failures, occasional head gasket issues on higher mileage engines, injector seal leaks on JTD.
Common Suspension Issues:
Wear in front suspension bushings, ball joints, and potentially rear torsion beam bushes.
Common Electrical Issues:
Corrosion on wiring connectors, issues with central locking, power window regulators, and dashboard warning light malfunctions.
Common Bodywork Issues:
Rust in common areas like wheel arches, sills, and around the windscreen/rear window seals.
