Overview and Common Failures
Body and Interior The paint is very thin and chips easily, and the body itself quickly rusts. Corrosion can be found at the edges, around the door handles, or on the fifth door. The interior is nice, but the plastic is stiff and squeaky, and the sound insulation is poor. There are no major issues with the electrical system, but the available equipment options are quite limited. The weak points here include the ignition lock and the dim high beams.
Engine The 1.2-liter G4LA engine from the Kappa series has a decent lifespan for its size. It's important to avoid overheating the engine, as gaskets can harden and leaks may occur. There are also issues with starting in extreme cold, as the spark plugs and fuel may not be sufficient. The 1.4-liter G4FA and 1.6-liter G4FC engines belong to the well-known Gamma series. The main problem with engines in this series is the formation of scoring in the cylinders.
Diesel engines such as the 1.1 D3FA, 1.4 D4FC, and 1.6 D4FB belong to the modern U or U2 lineup. Like any Common Rail engines, they are sensitive to fuel quality and require regular maintenance.
Transmission The 5-speed manual transmission M5CF1 is not known for smooth shifting or durability. Many owners had to overhaul the gearbox before reaching 100,000 km. The 4-speed automatic transmission A4CF1 is considered reliable and generally trouble-free. However, it is slow in shifting and significantly increases fuel consumption.
Suspension The suspension is simple: MacPherson struts at the front and a beam axle at the rear. It is average in terms of reliability. Some owners criticize the car for being overly stiff and having a low front lip. The steering rack is weak and behaves strangely at high speeds. Power steering is available.
Brakes There are no major complaints about the braking system, but it's important to keep an eye on the condition of the hoses to prevent rusting.
