Overview and Common Failures
Body and Interior
The paintwork is thin, and chips need to be treated immediately or they will quickly rust. Corrosion can often be found on the wings, rear arches, door edges, and hood.
The cabin is spacious, and the high seating position and large mirrors provide excellent visibility. The rear seats fold flat to create a spacious trunk. The trim materials are cheap, plastic scratches easily, and the sound insulation is weak. Owners also complain about fragile door handles and unreliable windshield wiper relays. The electrical system does not have major issues, but the available configurations are not very rich.
Engine
The 1.6-liter gasoline engine S6D is a clone of the reliable Mazda B6-DE engine. It is important to monitor the condition of the timing belt, as it has a short lifespan and can cause valve damage when it breaks. Do not use cheap lubricants, as they can cause sticking of the oil pump valve and hydraulic lifters.
The 1.8-liter gasoline engine T8D is a clone of the reliable Mazda BP-DE engine. This power unit does not tolerate poor fuel quality, and its cylinder head is sensitive to overheating. Both engines had starting problems due to a faulty valve in the fuel pump. The 2.0-liter gasoline engine G4GC is the most reliable, but it is rare to find. The 2.0-liter diesel engine D4EA is very demanding in terms of fuel quality and maintenance.
Transmission
The 5-speed manual transmission F25M from Mazda is very sturdy but noisy. It makes noise on the first gears and can leak from the primary shaft seal. The 5-speed manual transmission M5GF1 from Hyundai is even more reliable and comfortable. The clutch has a short lifespan, but replacement is inexpensive, and the flywheel is single-mass. The 4-speed automatic transmission F4A42 from Mitsubishi serves without problems up to 250,000 km. However, the automatic transmission is sensitive to prolonged wheel spinning and cannot withstand differential failures.
Suspension
The suspension is slightly stiff, but most components have a decent lifespan. Before reaching 100,000 km, it is common to replace only the stabilizer struts and ball joints. The steering rack is quite reliable and starts making noise only after 150-200 thousand km. Original brake discs do not last long, but there are high-quality alternatives available.
