Segment:
Compact family car
Brand Perception:
Known for comfort, unique design, and innovative features
Competitors 1998:
Volkswagen Golf Mk3/Mk4, Ford Focus Mk1, Opel Astra G, Peugeot 306, Renault Mégane I
Highlight:
Hydractive suspension system (on some models), spacious interior, distinctive styling
Powertrain:
Engine mechanicals, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system
Drivetrain:
Transmission (manual and automatic), clutch, driveshafts, differentials
Suspension Steering:
Front suspension (McPherson struts, anti-roll bar), Rear suspension (independent trailing arms, torsion bars, anti-roll bar), steering system (rack and pinion, power steering)
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, Rear drum or disc brakes, ABS system (if equipped), brake hydraulics
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, infotainment, body electricals, engine control unit (ECU) wiring diagrams, fuse box layouts, diagnostic connector
Bodywork:
Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, exterior trim, chassis, body repair procedures
Comfort Features:
Climate control (manual or automatic), power windows, central locking, seat adjustment mechanisms
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections
Repair:
Component disassembly, assembly, adjustment, and replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, fault codes interpretation
Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, component data
Diagnostics:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) information, sensor data interpretation
Body Repair:
Panel alignment, rust repair, sealant application, door/window adjustment
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds
Diagnostic Tools:
Information on using diagnostic equipment, interpreting sensor readings, and fault code lookup for various ECUs (engine, ABS, etc.)
Engine Options:
Various petrol (e.g., 1.4i, 1.6i, 1.8i, 2.0i) and diesel (e.g., 1.9 TD, 1.9 D, 2.1 TD) engines
Typical Hp Range:
70 hp (1.9 D) to 135 hp (2.0i 16v)
Injection Type:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) for petrol, direct injection for diesel variants
Common Petrol Codes:
TU3JP (1.4i), TU5JP (1.6i), XU7JP (1.8i), EW10J4 (2.0i 16v - later models)
Common Diesel Codes:
XUD7TE (1.9 TD), XUD9TE (1.9 TD), DW8 (1.9 D - later models)
Euro Ncap Early Results:
3-star frontal impact (for early models)
ABS:
Optional or standard depending on trim level and engine
Traction Control:
Optional on higher performance models
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard; side airbags optional
Seatbelts:
Pre-tensioning front seatbelts
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 10,000-15,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific engine)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial for petrol engines, typically every 80,000 - 120,000 km or 5-6 years (refer to specific engine manual section)
Engine Oil Grade:
e.g., SAE 5W-40, 10W-40, or 15W-50 depending on climate and engine type (refer to manual)
Coolant Type:
Antifreeze/Coolant, typically ethylene glycol based, long-life variants often specified
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 rated gear oil (e.g., 75W-80 or 75W-90)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Specific ATF fluid (e.g., LT 71141 for AL4)
Common Problems:
Hydraulic suspension sphere degradation (Hydractive models), occasional electrical gremlins, potential for exhaust manifold cracks on some petrol engines, early clutch wear on higher mileage examples
Timing Belt Failure Risk:
High if not replaced according to schedule, leading to severe engine damage.
