Austin Metro
Austin Metro – subcompact car produced by the British company Austin Motor Company in the years 1980 to 1997. It was created as a complement to the range of models for the Mini. Throughout the period of the production car has performed under many names; Austin Metro, MG Metro (1982) or the Rover Metro, in 1990-1994 he was sold as a Rover 100 in the voting for the European Car of the Year 1981 car took the third position (behind the Ford Escort Mk III and Fiat Panda).
Initially planned the creation of a sedan, the idea this was not achieved.
Based on Metro built rally car Group B MG Metro 6R4.
After starting production of the Allegro in 1973 decided to create a model that fit in the gap between the Mini and the new compact camera. Harris Mann designed the body for the first prototype, which was code-named ADO74. It was built in two versions with different dimensions. The project was however abandoned – car deemed too large for its segment, while the same project would be too costly.
Still works on the new vehicle, he had no model has to be greater than the Mini, and his successor. A new prototype called ADO88, wheelbase was 2235 mm, slightly more than the Mini. In order to reduce costs it was decided to take as many technical solutions from its predecessor, borrowed, among others, OHV engines with 1.0 and 1.3 A-Series family and drivetrain implemented through a 4-speed manual gearbox. System suspension is a modified design Hydragas taken from Allegro model. End of the work was to take place later in 1978. Modifications were also body prototype. In a further stage of the increased wheelbase to 2250 mm. October 8, 1980, after more than three years of work and 275 million pounds spent on development of the project, started production of a new model.
In 1982 he joined to offer version of the model produced by Morris Garages, to choose two units were aspirated and turbocharged one. Since 1984, the car was available in 5-door version. In 1984 the name of the car was changed from Austin Metro to Metro, in 1990, and at the Rover Metro.
The new name was the result of changes in the vehicle. The car uses more modern engines with families Rover K-series transmission project R65 Peugeot and upgraded body. In 1993 the small facelift, in addition to the palette of engines joined the production PSA diesel engine with a capacity of 1.4 liters. In 1994, the car was named Rover 100 (used previously in the European market). Later, the improved system suspension which improved driveability.
Introduced in 1995 Rover 200 series has been designed as a successor to the Metro model, after the launch was not publicized as such. For 18 years, the production of 2,078,218 units left the factory model (including Rover 100).
’83 Austin Metro
’82 MG Metro
Rover Metro
Rover 100