Segment:
Large family car, positioned as a comfortable and technologically advanced option in its segment.
Competitors:
Ford Mondeo, Volkswagen Passat, Opel Insignia, Renault Laguna, Peugeot 407/508, Skoda Superb.
Strengths:
Renowned for ride comfort (especially with Hydractive suspension), spacious interior, distinctive styling, advanced safety features for its era.
Design:
Distinctive 'DS-inspired' design elements, curved lines, aerodynamic profile.
Suspension:
Optional advanced Hydractive suspension offering adjustable ride height and damping characteristics.
Technology:
Early adoption of electronic parking brake, advanced safety systems like cornering lights, often available with high-quality infotainment systems.
Engine:
Detailed diagnostics, repair procedures, timing belt/chain replacement, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel injection systems (various petrol and diesel variants), emissions control.
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission overhauls, clutch replacement, torque converter, gear shift mechanisms, hydraulic control systems.
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS/ESP components, brake pad/disc replacement, caliper overhaul, parking brake system, bleeding procedures.
Suspension:
Hydractive suspension (if applicable to specific models covered), conventional suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, wheel alignment specifications, subframes.
Steering:
Power steering system (hydraulic or electric), steering rack, tie rods, steering column.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator, starter), lighting circuits, power windows, central locking, comfort systems, body control modules (BCM), diagnostic connectors, wiring diagrams for various systems.
Climate Control:
Air conditioning system (refrigerant handling, component replacement, leak detection), heating system, ventilation, HVAC controls.
Bodywork:
Panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, bumper repair, interior trim, glass replacement, rust prevention and repair.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system (SRS) diagnostics and replacement, seatbelt mechanisms, pre-tensioners.
Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, fuel filter replacement, brake fluid changes, coolant flushes, routine inspections.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic fault codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting charts, electrical diagnostic flows, component testing procedures.
Repair:
Engine component replacement (pistons, bearings, valves), cylinder head removal/installation, transmission rebuilds, suspension component upgrades/replacement, steering rack replacement, electrical component repair.
Installation:
Accessory installation (e.g., tow bars, roof racks), replacement of major sub-assemblies.
Calibration:
Wheel alignment, sensor calibration (e.g., steering angle sensor, ride height sensors for Hydractive).
Depth:
Complete rebuilds, advanced diagnostics, component-level repair, schematics, torque specifications, clearances, testing procedures, wiring diagrams.
Engine Codes Examples:
Hatchback and estate body styles. Examples: EW10J4 (2.0i 16V), EW10D (2.0 HPi), EW12J4 (2.2i 16V), ES9J4S (3.0i V6), DW10TD (2.0 HDi 90), DW10ATED (2.0 HDi 110), DW12TED4 (2.2 HDi 136).
Power Output Range:
Approximately 90 PS (2.0 HDi) up to 207 PS (3.0 V6).
Torque Range:
Varies significantly by engine, e.g., around 205 Nm for 2.0i to over 400 Nm for 2.2 HDi.
Petrol Injection:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) for most petrol engines, direct injection (HPi) for some 2.0L variants.
Diesel Injection:
Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDi) for HDi engines.
Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder and V6 configurations.
Range:
1.8L, 2.0L, 2.2L (petrol and diesel), 3.0L V6.
Euro Ncap Score:
Likely achieved 5-star Euro NCAP rating for safety, reflecting its advanced features for the time.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Esp:
Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP/ESC).
Traction Control:
ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation) or similar traction control system.
Braking Assist:
Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) often included.
Airbags:
Multiple airbags (front, side, curtain) as standard or optional.
Seatbelts:
Pre-tensioning seatbelts with load limiters.
Pedestrian Safety:
Designed with pedestrian safety considerations in mind, such as deformable bonnet.
System Examples:
RD4 radio/CD player, optional MyWay or WIP Nav satellite navigation systems, Bluetooth connectivity.
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available on higher trim levels or as an option.
Parking Sensors:
Front and rear parking sensors, often with visual and audible warnings.
Lighting:
Xenon headlights, static cornering lights.
Bluetooth:
Hands-free Bluetooth telephone integration.
Oil Change Petrol:
Typically every 20,000 km or 1 year, whichever comes first, for petrol engines (check manual for specific engine/oil type).
Oil Change Diesel:
Typically every 20,000 km or 1 year, whichever comes first, for diesel engines (check manual for specific engine/oil type and DPF considerations).
Timing Belt:
Varies by engine; typically 120,000 km or 5-6 years for petrol, and 150,000 km or 5-6 years for diesel (crucial to check specific engine in manual).
Engine Oil Petrol Examples:
e.g., Total Quartz INEO ECS 5W30 (ACEA C2), or other manufacturer-approved specifications.
Engine Oil Diesel Examples:
e.g., Total Quartz INEO ECS 5W30 (ACEA C2), or other manufacturer-approved specifications, especially for DPF compatibility.
Coolant:
Antifreeze/coolant (e.g., PSA Group specific, often orange/pink color).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 as specified.
Transmission Fluid Auto:
Specific ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) for AL4 or AM6 gearboxes, consult manual for exact part number.
Suspension Hydractive:
Potential for suspension sphere failure, hydraulic leaks, or sensor issues in Hydractive systems.
Electrical:
Various electrical gremlins can occur, including issues with BSI (Body Control Unit), window regulators, and interior electronics.
Diesel Dpf:
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) clogging or sensor faults are common with diesel variants, especially with short journeys.
Automatic Transmission Al4:
The AL4 automatic gearbox can be prone to solenoid issues and fluid degradation, requiring regular maintenance.
Air Conditioning:
Leaks in the AC system or compressor failures can occur.