Overview and Common Failures
Body and Interior
The paintwork is weak and chips turn yellow immediately, but the body itself holds up quite well. Rust forms fastest on the edges, around the handles or on the fifth door. The car's interior, although attractive in design, is made of rigid and creaky plastic. Forums also note a very weak air conditioner and poor sound insulation. There are no major issues with the electrical system, but the trim options are lacking.
Engine
The Kappa series engines - the 1.2-liter G4LA and 1.4-liter G4LC - are quite reliable. However, they are prone to wiring problems and difficulties with cold starts. The 1.0-liter turbocharged G3LC, also from the Kappa family, is less common. On specialized forums, there are often complaints about excessive oil consumption and low timing chain lifespan. Both diesel engines, the 1.1 D3FA and 1.4 D4FC, belong to the modern U2 lineup. Like all Common Rail engines, they require high-quality fuel and regular maintenance.
Transmission
The 5-speed manual transmission M5EF2 shifts not very smoothly and has a relatively short service life. Often, this gearbox requires significant repairs at 100,000 - 150,000 km mileage. The 6-speed manuals M6CF1 and M6CF3 are much better, but still not perfect. The 4-speed automatic transmission A4CF1 is quite reliable and can last up to 250,000 km without issues. However, it is an old and sluggish automatic that significantly increases fuel consumption. The 7-speed robotized transmission D7GF1 has jerky operation and low clutch lifespan.
Suspension
The suspension is very simple: MacPherson struts at the front and a beam axle at the rear - everything is straightforward and reliable. However, it is European-style stiff, and many of its components have limited travel on poor roads. The steering rack is weak and often starts knocking at 100,000 - 150,000 km mileage. There are few complaints about the brakes, but it is important to monitor corrosion development underneath the car.
