I had quite a few of them back in the 80's, early 90's, ranging from the 1.7 RD slug, right up to the 1.9 Gti.
Cracking cars, but changing those bloody dashboard lights in that 'pod' was a right old nightmare IIRC.
I remember the knuckle ripping experiences oh so well, and even giving up on one, leaving the pod loose to constantly wobble on top of the dashboard.
Remember the 4WD WRC version? I was so excited when I read about it in Motoring News.
Completed 2 rallies I think, then vanished forever.
Had a 1985 Visa 1600 Gti too. Like a flamin' go kart! Another wonderful little motor, albeit a bit ugly.