Market Position:
A practical and affordable compact family car known for its comfortable ride and innovative features for its era.
Key Competitors:
Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf, Opel Astra, Renault Mégane, Fiat Bravo
Highlighted Features:
Hydropneumatic suspension (on some models), spacious interior, advanced safety features for its class, distinctive PSA platform.
Manual Value:
Provides detailed, model-specific repair and maintenance information, enabling owners to perform a wide range of tasks, saving on labor costs and ensuring proper upkeep.
Powertrain:
Engine, Fuel System, Lubrication System, Cooling System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Clutch, Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Drivetrain (Drive Shafts, Differentials)
Chassis:
Front Suspension, Rear Suspension, Steering System, Wheels, Tires, Brakes (Hydraulic, ABS)
Electrical:
Battery, Charging System (Alternator), Starting System (Starter Motor), Ignition System, Lighting System, Instrumentation, Wiper/Washer System, Heating and Ventilation, Audio System, Power Accessories (Windows, Locks)
Body:
Body Panels, Doors, Glass, Interior Trim, Seats, Bumpers, Exterior Trim
Electrical Diagrams:
Includes detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all major vehicle systems.
Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements (Oil, Air, Fuel, Cabin), Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspection/Replacement, Fluid Level Checks and Top-offs, Brake Pad/Disc Replacement, Tire Rotation
Repair And Rebuild:
Engine Removal/Installation, Cylinder Head Overhaul, Piston/Connecting Rod Service, Crankshaft Service, Transmission Rebuild, Clutch Replacement, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake Caliper/Master Cylinder Rebuild, Steering Rack Replacement, Starter Motor/Alternator Replacement
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Fault code identification, circuit testing, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, electrical schematic interpretation
Fluid Capacities:
Detailed list of all fluid capacities for engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid.
Suspension And Steering Repairs:
Step-by-step guides for replacing shock absorbers, springs, control arms, ball joints, tie rod ends, and steering rack.
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical diagrams and troubleshooting procedures.
Engine Rebuild Depth:
Includes detailed procedures for cylinder head removal, valve servicing, piston and cylinder inspection/replacement, crankshaft and bearing checks, and engine assembly.
Transmission Rebuild Depth:
Covers manual and automatic transmission disassembly, inspection of gears, bearings, seals, clutch packs (for automatics), and reassembly procedures.
Engine Variants Available 1997-2000:
1.4i (TU3JP), 1.6i (NFZ/NFX), 1.8i (XU7JP4), 2.0i (XU10J4R/RFS), 1.9D (DW8), 1.9 TD (DHY)
Example Engine Performance 1.6I:
Approx. 88-90 PS (65-66 kW), 135-140 Nm torque
Example Engine Performance 2.0I Vts:
Approx. 135 PS (99 kW), 185 Nm torque
Example Engine Performance 1.8I 16V:
Approx. 112 PS (82 kW), 155 Nm torque
Fuel Injection Type:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) for petrol engines, Direct injection for diesel engines.
Oil Type Recommendation Petrol:
Refer to manual for specific viscosity (e.g., 5W-40 or 10W-40 synthetic/semi-synthetic depending on conditions and engine variant).
Coolant Type Recommendation:
Antifreeze concentrate (e.g., PSA-approved Type 055) mixed with distilled water (50/50 ratio).
Standard Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Optional Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (AL4/DP0 on some petrol variants)
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
Hypoid Gear Oil SAE 75W-80 (API GL-4)
Transmission Fluid Type Automatic:
ESSO LT 71141 or equivalent (e.g., Mobil ATF LT 71141)
Infotainment Features Early Models:
Basic Radio/Cassette or CD player, manual climate control, analog instrumentation.
Driver Assistance Systems:
Cruise Control (optional on higher trims), Rain-sensing wipers (optional on Phase 2), Automatic headlights (optional on Phase 2).
Connectivity Features:
Limited to factory-fitted audio systems; aftermarket solutions typically required for modern connectivity like Bluetooth/USB.
Oil Change Interval Petrol:
Typically every 15,000 km or 1 year, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil).
Timing Belt Replacement Interval Petrol Engines:
Varies by engine, often 80,000 km to 120,000 km or 5-6 years. Crucial for TU and XU series engines.
Timing Belt Replacement Interval Diesel Engines:
Varies by engine, typically 100,000 km to 120,000 km or 5-6 years for DW8/DHY engines. Often includes tensioner and idler pulley replacement.
Brake Fluid Change Interval:
Recommended every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement Interval:
Typically annually or every 15,000-20,000 km, depending on environment.
Power Steering Fluid Type:
LHM (for hydraulic systems with suspension) or specific ATF for power steering only systems. Manual will clarify.
Common Wear Items:
Front suspension components (wishbone bushes, ball joints), rear suspension torsion bars (can sag), exhaust systems, ignition coils (on petrol engines), clutch hydraulics.
Common Diesel Issues:
Glow plugs, fuel injection pump seals, starter motor durability.
Common Petrol Issues:
Stickier throttle bodies, lambda sensor failure, occasional thermostat issues.
