Germany
Volkswagen brought its range up to date for the 1980s by launching new versions of its Polo mini-car and Passat family car. Both cars were a huge success during their original 1970s incarnations. The Passat continued as a hatchback and estate, while the Polo hatchback was joined by a saloon model which (in Europe) no longer wore the Derby nameplate which was seen on the booted version of the original Polo.
The ultra-modern Audi Quattro was imported to British shores a year after going on sale in its homeland. With a 2.1 L turbo engine and four-wheel drive, this coupé was capable of around 140 mph and enjoyed a successful motorsport career.
Mercedes-Benz further strengthened its position as one of the world's most desirable brands of car by introducing an all-new version of the acclaim S-Class luxury saloon. With very high levels of equipment, refinement, quality and comfort, the new car also benefited from a range of impressively powerful engines. The range-topper of the new S-Class range was the 560SEL, which was powered by a 6.9 L V8 petrol engine and had a top speed of approximately 150 mph, making it one of the fastest four-door cars made up to this time.
Read more about this topic: 1981 In Motoring
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