1985 MG Maestro

Austin's new large hatchback burst onto the UK scene in March 1983 to replace both the Austin Allegro and Austin Maxi. With a 4-cylinder engine driving the front wheels, a sloping bonnet, five doors and a hatchback, it was aimed at the family market. Like the Metro, the Maestro's smallest engine was the 1275cc OHV 1.3 in three spec levels: base, L and HLE, the latter offering the sublime style of tweed seat facings and 'econometer' lamps on the fascia. The 1598cc OHC 1.6 was offered in L, HLS and Auto spec, and there was also a Vanden Plas edition for those who yearned for a silver and chrome radiator grille, electric windows and even a trip computer featuring a voice synthesis system.

The MG badge also adorned the new Maestro. Purists may have grumbled, but the practice of adding MG badges to BMC saloons was long established. At first, the MG Maestro used the R-Series 1598cc engine breathing through twin-Weber carburettors but it proved problematic, and in October 1984 the model was dropped in favour of the MG Maestro 2.0i. The car was transformed, not only by the 1994cc O-Series fuel injected engine from the Montego, but also through a rear anti-roll bar, body colour door handles, grille and mirrors, and a new interior including a three-spoke leather steering wheel. With 115bhp on tap, the car was a true hot hatch and gave the Volkswagen Golf GTi and Ford Escort XR3i runs for their money. Finally, in January 1989 the MG Maestro Turbo EFi was introduced, with the Montego Turbo power unit, uprated suspension and a body styling kit fitted by Tickford.

From 1990 until 1995, a diesel was introduced. The Maestro Clubman D/DLX had a naturally-aspirated 1994cc MDi engine producing 60bhp with a 2-stage injection system with torque axis mounting similar to Montego diesels. In 1992 a turbo was added, the gearbox revised and emission performance enhanced, with power output now at 81bhp. The range was discontinued: the Turbo DLX in March 1993 and the Turbo D in January 1995.

Maestros were badged as Austins (or MG) until the 1988 sale of BL to British Aerospace, and thereafter built as Rovers but never badged as such.