Overview and Common Failures
Before the restyling from 1995 to 1999, the sedan, hatchback, and wagon versions of this model were available with a wide range of petrol and diesel engines:
Petrol versions:
- 1.6 L X16SZR with 75 hp and 128 Nm, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission F13.
- 1.6 L X16XEL with 101 hp and 150 Nm, available with a 5-speed manual transmission F15 or a 4-speed automatic transmission AF13.
- 1.8 L X18XE with 115 hp and 170 Nm, offered with a 5-speed manual transmission F18 or a 4-speed automatic transmission AF20.
- 2.0 L X20XEV with 136 hp and 188 Nm, equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission F18 or a 4-speed automatic transmission AF20.
- 2.5 L X25XE with 170 hp and 230 Nm, mated to a 5-speed manual transmission F25 or a 4-speed automatic transmission AF22.
Diesel versions:
- 1.7 L X17DT with 82 hp and 168 Nm, compatible with a 5-speed manual transmission F18.
- 2.0 L X20DTL with 82 hp and 185 Nm, available with a 5-speed manual transmission F18+.
- 2.0 L X20DTH with 100 hp and 205 Nm, equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission F18+.
There were also sportier versions from Irmscher: i500 with the X25XEI engine and i30 with the X30XEI engine.
After the restyling, which took place from 1999 to 2002, there were changes in the exterior, but the engine lineup remained largely the same. However, in 2000, due to new environmental standards, changes were made to the engine range:
Petrol versions:
- 1.6 L Z16XE with 101 hp and 150 Nm, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission F17 or a 4-speed automatic transmission AF13.
- 1.8 L Z18XE with 125 hp and 170 Nm, available with a 5-speed manual transmission F17 or a 4-speed automatic transmission AF17.
- 2.2 L Z22SE with 147 hp and 203 Nm, equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission F23 or a 4-speed automatic transmission AF22.
- 2.6 L Y26SE with 170 hp and 250 Nm, offered with a 5-speed manual transmission F23 or a 4-speed automatic transmission AF22.
Diesel versions:
- 2.0 L Y20DTH with 100 hp and 230 Nm, compatible with a 5-speed manual transmission F23.
- 2.2 L Y22DTR with 125 hp and 270 Nm, available with a 5-speed manual transmission F35.
These changes were made in response to the requirements of new environmental safety standards.
Faults
Models with manual transmission often suffer from clutch pedal vibration. There is often a problem with insufficiently reliable attachment of the front wheel arch liners. Also, there is an increased frequency of premature failure of the camshaft seal.