The front suspension is of independent type; incorporating MacPherson struts with coil springs and integral shock absorbers. On non-GTI models the lower suspension arm movement is controlled by the anti-roll bar, but on GTI models the arm has two inner pivot points and the anti-roll bar operates separately on the struts.

The rear suspension is also of independent type; incorporating a cross-tube with trailing arms set in each end and supported on needle or plain bearings. Torsion bars are fitted to the trailing arms and, on certain models, an anti-roll bar located inside the cross-tube stabilises the car when cornering.

The telescopic shock absorbers are inclined with their top mountings attached to the suspension side-members.

The steering system is of rack and pinion type with side track rods connected to the hub carriers by track rod end balljoints.

Further balljoints on the inner ends of the track rods are screwed into the rack. Powerassisted steering is available as an option on later models. Power assistance is derived from a hydraulic pump, belt-driven from the crankshaft pulley.

The steering column incorporates a single universal joint at its lower end connected to an intermediate shaft which also incorporates a universal joint at its connection to the pinion on the steering gear. The steering column is angled to prevent direct movement into the passenger compartment in the event of a front end impact.