Overview and Common Failures
Before the restyling, the model was offered in sedan, hatchback, and estate body styles from 1999 to 2004. The cars were equipped with a wide range of powertrains and transmissions:
Front-wheel drive versions
Petrol modifications:
- 1.0 L ARV, 50 hp, 84 Nm, 5-speed manual transmission 002
- 1.2 L AWY, 54 hp, 108 Nm, 5-speed manual transmission 002
- 1.2 L AZQ, 64 hp, 112 Nm, 5-speed manual transmission 002
- 1.4 L AZE, 60 hp, 118 Nm, 5-speed manual transmission 002
- 1.4 L AME, 68 hp, 120 Nm, 5-speed manual transmission 002
- 1.4 L APE, 75 hp, 126 Nm, 5-speed manual transmission 002
- 1.4 L APE, 75 hp, 126 Nm, 4-speed automatic transmission 001
- 1.4 L AUB, 101 hp, 126 Nm, 5-speed manual transmission 002
- 2.0 L AZL, 116 hp, 170 Nm, 5-speed manual transmission MQ200
Diesel modifications:
- 1.9 L ASY, 64 hp, 125 Nm, 5-speed manual transmission 002
- 1.9 L ATD, 101 hp, 240 Nm, 5-speed manual transmission MQ250
After the restyling, from 2004 to 2008, this model was offered in the same three body styles but with updated exterior and significantly changed engine lineup:
Front-wheel drive versions
Petrol modifications:
- 1.2 L BMD, 54 hp, 108 Nm, 5-speed manual transmission 002
- 1.2 L BME, 64 hp, 112 Nm, 5-speed manual transmission 002
- 1.4 L BBY, 75 hp, 126 Nm, 5-speed manual transmission 002
- 1.4 L BBY, 75 hp, 126 Nm, 4-speed automatic transmission 001
- 1.4 L BUD, 80 hp, 132 Nm, 5-speed manual transmission 002
- 1.4 L BBZ, 101 hp, 126 Nm, 5-speed manual transmission 002
- 2.0 L BBX, 116 hp, 170 Nm, 5-speed manual transmission MQ200
Diesel modifications:
- 1.4 L BNM, 69 hp, 155 Nm, 5-speed manual transmission MQ250
- 1.4 L AMF, 75 hp, 195 Nm, 5-speed manual transmission MQ250
- 1.4 L BNV, 80 hp, 195 Nm, 5-speed manual transmission MQ250
- 1.9 L ASY, 64 hp, 125 Nm, 5-speed manual transmission 002
- 1.9 L ATD, 101 hp, 240 Nm, 5-speed manual transmission MQ250
- 1.9 L ASZ, 131 hp, 310 Nm, 6-speed manual transmission MQ350
Faults
Owning this car was challenging. Although most issues occurred infrequently, their impact on the overall impression of the vehicle was noticeable.
Positive aspects included enjoyable dynamics and comfort while driving. However, some problems, such as premature wear of the standard pump or low-quality rear suspension springs, caused discomfort.
Isolated cases, such as a weak standard engine mounting cushion or poor motor compartment sound insulation, could be more annoying, requiring attention and investment to resolve.
Overall, the car left a mixed impression. With good dynamics and comfort, but with problems that, although rare, required constant attention.