Market Segment:
Compact family car
Key Competitors:
Ford Escort, Volkswagen Golf, Opel Astra, Renault 19, Peugeot 306.
Design Philosophy:
Practical, comfortable, and spacious interior with a focus on value for money and reliability.
Value Proposition:
Enables owners to perform maintenance and repairs themselves, significantly reducing ownership costs.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine overhaul, timing belt replacement, cylinder head repair, piston/ring replacement, crankshaft/bearing service, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel delivery, exhaust system.
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, starting system, charging system (alternator, starter), fuel injection system (ECU, sensors, injectors), emission control systems.
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission repair, clutch replacement, gearshift linkages, transmission fluid service.
Chassis Suspension:
Front and rear suspension repair (struts, shocks, bushings, control arms), steering system overhaul, wheel alignment specifications.
Brakes:
Brake system diagnostics, caliper/rotor replacement, brake pad renewal, hydraulic system bleeding, parking brake adjustment.
Electrical Body:
Lighting systems, power windows, power locks, wipers, horn, interior lighting, dashboard instrumentation, wiring diagrams for all circuits.
Body Interior:
Body panel repair, door and window sealing, interior trim removal and installation, seat adjustment/repair.
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Systematic troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation (where applicable).
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil and filter changes, fluid checks and top-ups, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, belt inspections.
Repair Rebuild:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, repair, reassembly, and installation for virtually all vehicle systems.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all circuits, component location charts.
Depth Of Coverage:
In-depth, professional quality, covering all areas of repair from basic maintenance to complex overhauls.
Engine Codes:
Various, common including FIRE (1.1L, 1.4L), Tipo/Pratico (1.6L, 1.8L, 2.0L), Diesel (1.9L).
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 55 hp (1.1L) to 137 hp (2.0L 16v).
Torque Range:
Varies significantly by engine displacement and variant.
Fuel Delivery:
Carburetor (early models) and Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) (later models).
Cylinder Configuration:
Inline-4
Valvetrain:
SOHC and DOHC (depending on engine variant).
Crash Test Performance:
General safety standards of the era; specific independent crash test data may be limited or vary by region.
Braking System:
Front ventilated discs, rear drums (standard); optional ABS available on higher trims.
Airbags:
Driver airbag standard on later models; passenger airbag optional.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts front and rear, with pre-tensioners on front belts (later models).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 km or 12 months (refer to specific engine type).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial interval, typically every 60,000-80,000 km or 4-5 years (engine dependent, often a non-interference engine on smaller displacements, but interference on larger ones - critical to check).
Engine Oil Type:
API SG/SH, ACEA A2/A3, SAE 10W-40 or 15W-40 common (consult manual for precise recommendation based on temperature and engine).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze, 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Common Problems:
Rust and corrosion (especially on wheel arches and sills), electrical gremlins (common in older vehicles), timing belt failure (if not replaced on schedule), cooling system leaks, exhaust system corrosion.
Suspension Wear:
Bushings and ball joints can wear over time, leading to knocking sounds and poor handling.
