Overview and Common Failures
Body and Interior: The paintwork is weak, but the body itself is decent and only severely damaged cars quickly rust. Corrosion usually starts from the edges of the doors or hood, as well as under the trims. The interior is nice, but the materials are cheap and not resistant to wear. The temperamental electrical system can be troublesome, often due to weak wiring.
Engine: The 1.0-liter G4HE and 1.1-liter G4HG gasoline engines are reliable, but there are some nuances. Units produced before 2009 were recalled for crankshaft replacement under warranty. It is important to keep the radiator clean as these engines tend to overheat, leading to cylinder head gasket issues. It is also worth noting that spark plugs have a very modest lifespan and may need replacement at around 15,000 km.
Transmission: The 5-speed manual M5EF2 is durable, but often develops leaks through the axle seals. Difficulties in shifting gears may arise after reaching 100,000 km due to cable stretching. The 4-speed automatic Jatco JF405E is good but requires specific maintenance. Improper selection of oil can lead to its failure. The 4-speed A4CF0 automatic transmission, developed in-house, appeared after the facelift. It is not too bad in terms of reliability, but it can be affected by temperamental electronics and short-lived supports.
Suspension: The suspension on this car is somewhat stiff, but it offers excellent maneuverability and handling. The front bearing supports and tie rod ends often fail before reaching 100,000 km. The steering rack is a weak point of this model and often develops leaks even before 50,000 km. Brake pads have a short lifespan and are usually replaced at around 30,000 km, while the discs last up to 60,000 km. It is worth mentioning the recalls for power steering replacement and brake master cylinder cap.
