Overview and Common Failures
Body and Interior The body here is galvanized and holds up pretty well, but the paint coating is very weak. The interior materials are quite cheap and not particularly resistant to wear and tear. Owners also complain about poor sound insulation, with creaks and squeaks appearing even when the car is new.
Engine Naturally aspirated engines suffer from scoring in the cylinders due to catalyst destruction. The list of problems with the turbocharged engine is so extensive that we recommend simply avoiding it. Another weak point of Gamma series units is the low timing chain lifespan.
Transmission Both the manual and automatic six-speed transmissions have proven themselves on the positive side. With the manual gearbox, the only parts that are often replaced are the primary shaft seal and release bearing. The seven-speed robotized transmission is known for its jerky operation and low clutch lifespan.
Suspension The suspension performs decently, and there is a wide selection of non-original spare parts available. Hub bearings and rear control arm bushings are often replaced before reaching 100,000 km. There were many complaints about the steering rack, but many have already had it replaced under warranty.
Braking System The braking system is reliable, with criticism mainly directed towards the electronic parking brake and ABS sensors on the forum.