Overview and Common Failures
Body and Interior: The paintwork is weak, but the galvanized body resists corrosion well. The drawbacks include sagging bumpers and quickly tarnishing chrome coating. The car's interior is interesting in design, well-assembled, and fairly well-equipped. Complaints often arise about the noise insulation and the durability of the finishing materials. The ventilation system is also criticized for being weak, and the onboard computer screen flickers.
Engine: The reliable gasoline engines 1.4 G4FA and 1.6 G4FC from the Gamma series have their downsides. Cylinder scoring frequently occurs due to debris entering the catalyst. Additionally, after 150,000 km of mileage, the timing chain often stretches and requires replacement. The 1.6-liter G4FD engine with direct injection GDi is installed in American versions. In addition to the aforementioned problems, it also suffers from carbon deposits on the intake valves. The 1.6-liter D4FB diesel engine is very demanding in terms of fuel quality and maintenance.
Transmission: The 5-speed manual transmission M5CF1 is not very durable, and overhauling it at 80,000 km is not uncommon. The 6-speed manual transmission M6CF1 is more reliable and does not cause much trouble until 150,000 km. The weak points of the manual transmissions include low clutch lifespan and leaks in the hydraulic drive. The 4-speed automatic transmissions A4CF1 and A4CF2 are quite sturdy, although a bit sluggish. However, they cannot tolerate prolonged wheel spinning and the differential simply breaks. The 6-speed automatic transmission A6GF1 is decent, and its issues were only present in the first year of production. But for good longevity, the oil should be changed every 60,000 km or more frequently.
Suspension: The suspension is considered a weak spot of the model, but it has been upgraded multiple times. Before reaching 100,000 km, wheel hub bearings, springs, and shock absorbers are often replaced. The unreliable steering rack and its constantly leaking power steering are among the drawbacks. However, there are no particular complaints about the braking system, as it serves reliably and without issues for a long time.
