Overview and Common Failures
Body
The paintwork on this car is very weak, it quickly gets chipped but doesn't start rusting immediately. The wheel arches also tend to peel off from sandblasting.
Interior
The second generation car's interior is much better than the first, especially in terms of ergonomics, however, it is still quite budget-friendly in terms of materials and very poor in terms of sound insulation. The steering wheel switch and windshield heating often cause electrical issues.
Engine
Basic modifications were equipped with a 1.2-liter D4F power unit for a short period of time. The engine is quite reliable but prone to cold starting issues, known for electrical problems and oil leaks. The 1.6-liter K4M, K7M engines with a cast iron block were carried over from the previous generation and are characterized by a simple design, long lifespan, and affordable spare parts. They have the same issues: weak electrical system, oil leaks, and valve bending when the belt breaks. The 1.6-liter H4M engine with an aluminum cylinder block and timing chain drive is significantly more reliable, and forum owners only complain about oil consumption. In Europe, completely different engines were installed: a 1.0-liter naturally aspirated B4D unit, a 0.9-liter turbocharged H4Bt engine, and a 1.5-liter K9K diesel engine in several variations.
Transmission
The 5-speed JH3 manual gearbox with a lever mechanism for gear selection is quite reliable, with only occasional seal leaks, and particular attention should be paid to the left driveshaft. The Easy'R robotized transmission was installed for a short time and was not popular due to its jerky operation. This gearbox was based on the JH3 manual transmission and is known for its limited clutch life. The 4-speed DP2 automatic transmission has a bad reputation.
Suspension
The suspension is very energy-consuming but significantly less reliable than its predecessor. Even before reaching 100,000 km, owners often have to replace not only the shock absorbers and stabilizer bushings but also the ball joints, wheel bearings, and some silent blocks. There are no particular complaints about the steering rack, but the brake system has a limited lifespan.
