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Austin Maestro XC 1.6 Mayfair HLS (83 Hp) Automatic
Overall Rating
Austin Maestro:
The Austin Maestro is a small family car which was produced in Oxford, England from November 1982 to December 1994. There are two body styles, a five-door hatchback and a two-door van. It was introduced by British Leyland under the Austin marque, with the Rover Group selling it simply as the Maestro starting from 1988. The Maestro replaced the Austin Maxi and Austin Allegro, with the van version replacing the corresponding van derivative of the Morris Ital. The car was produced at Morris' former Oxford plant, also known as Cowley, with 605,000 units sold. An MG-branded performance version was sold as the MG Maestro from 1983 until 1991....(Read more on Wikipedia)
XC Overview:
Austin Maestro (XC). Weighing only 925 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. A compact car with a rear door that swings upward to provide access to the cargo area. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Austin Maestro XC predates Euro NCAP testing standards, which began in 1997. Safety features were basic for its era, lacking modern airbags or advanced driver-assistance systems. Structural integrity would be significantly lower than contemporary vehicles.
1.6 Mayfair HLS (83 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Adequate for urban driving, but the 3-speed automatic transmission and modest power limit spirited performance, especially on highways.
Fuel Economy
The automatic gearbox likely compromises fuel efficiency compared to manual variants, making it less economical for longer journeys.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Spacious interior and practical hatchback design
- • Wide range of engine options, including sporty MG variants
- • Comfortable ride for its class
- • Affordable purchase price (new and used)
- • Good visibility from the driver's seat
Cons:
- • Variable build quality and reliability issues
- • Outdated styling and interior by the late 80s
- • Basic safety features compared to later cars
- • Some engines lacked refinement and power
- • Poor resale value historically
Specifications:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Austin |
| Model: | Maestro |
| Generation: | XC |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.6 Mayfair HLS (83 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 1983 |
| End of production: | 1990 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Hatchback |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 83 Hp |
| Power per litre: | 51.9 Hp/l |
| Engine displacement: | 1598 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 11.1 kg/Hp, 89.7 Hp/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 925 |
| Max. weight: | 1440 |
| Max load: | 515 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 50 l |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 3 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 165 R13 |
| Wheel rims size | 13 |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Semi-independent suspension, longitudinal arms with transverse torsion shafts |
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