Segment:
Compact car / Subcompact car
Target Audience:
Budget-conscious buyers, first-time car owners, individuals seeking practical transportation
Key Competitors:
Hyundai Elantra, Kia Spectra, Ford Escort, Chevrolet Cavalier, Toyota Corolla (older generations), Honda Civic (older generations)
Design Philosophy:
Practicality, affordability, and a blend of European styling influences (Opel Astra platform).
Value Proposition:
Offers a relatively spacious interior and a decent level of equipment for its price point.
Engine:
Engine mechanical, cooling, lubrication, fuel, ignition, exhaust, engine control systems (ECU)
Transmission:
Manual transmission (clutch, gearbox, differentials), Automatic transmission (torque converter, planetary gear sets, hydraulic controls)
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive system, CV joints, axles
Suspension:
Front suspension (MacPherson struts), Rear suspension (torsion beam or multi-link depending on body style)
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, Rear drum brakes (or disc on some variants), parking brake system, ABS (if equipped)
Steering:
Power assisted steering system, steering column, linkage
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, wipers, horn, power windows, central locking, instrument cluster, audio system
Body And Interior:
Body panel repair, doors, windows, locks, seats, dashboard, trim, HVAC system (heating, ventilation, air conditioning)
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), electrical wiring diagrams
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt replacement
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all major components and systems, including engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake caliper rebuild
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting, component testing procedures
Diagnostics And Testing:
Component testing specifications, resistance values, voltage readings
Specifications And Tolerances:
Torque specifications, clearances, measurements for critical components
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete electrical system wiring diagrams for all circuits
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic preventative maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced electrical diagnostics.
Transmission Type:
5-speed manual transmission
Transmission Type:
4-speed automatic transmission
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch
Automatic Transmission Features:
Lock-up torque converter
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (refer to manual for exact specification)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 6.5 liters (refer to manual for exact specification)
Crash Test Results:
Limited global crash test data available for this specific model year; generally rated as basic for its era.
ABS:
Optional (Anti-lock Braking System)
Traction Control:
Not typically available
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags (standard on some trims, optional on others)
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pre-tensioners (front)
Child Seat Anchors:
ISOFIX mounting points (may vary by market)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 6-12 months (refer to manual for exact specification)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (depending on plug type)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 - 100,000 miles or 4-6 years (CRITICAL: refer to manual for exact specification and procedure)
Engine Oil Specification:
API SG/SH, ACEA A2/A3; SAE 10W-40 or 5W-30 (depending on climate - refer to manual)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 3.75 liters with filter change
Coolant Specification:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze, OAT or HOAT formulation; typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water (refer to manual)
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual)
Engine:
Head gasket failures (especially on higher mileage examples), minor oil leaks, exhaust manifold cracks.
Suspension:
Wear in bushings and ball joints, strut mount issues, premature wheel bearing failure.
Electrical:
Faulty window regulators, issues with central locking actuators, intermittent dashboard warning lights, alternator bearing noise.
Body:
Rust accumulation, particularly on wheel arches, sills, and around the rear hatch/trunk lid.
Transmission:
Manual clutch wear, occasional stiffness in gear selection, potential for automatic transmission solenoid issues.
Manufacturer Origin:
South Korea
Platform:
Based on the GM T-body platform, sharing components with Opel Astra (G)
Generations:
T100 (first generation)
Manufacturing Locations:
South Korea, Poland, Ukraine, Russia, Vietnam, Colombia, Egypt
Production Period:
1997-2004 (globally, with variations by region)