1981 in Motoring - United Kingdom

United Kingdom

General Motors introduced an all-new range of medium sized family cars to bring its model range up to date for the new decade. The British-built version of the car was called the Vauxhall Cavalier, while its German twin were sold as the Opel Ascona. Both of these nameplates were established and well known in all of the countries where the car's predecessor was sold. This incarnation of the car had front-wheel drive and a hatchback bodystyle to run alongside the saloon. The engine line-up included 1.3 L and 1.6 L petrol units as well as a 1.6 L diesel, with larger engined models to go on sale in the near future. The new car was also sold by other branches of General Motors, including Chevrolet in the USA and Holden in Australia.

After 11 years on sale, during which time it was sold as a Hillman, Chrysler and finally a Talbot, production of the Avenger finally ceased. It had gradually declined in popularity following the launch of the more modern Horizon and Alpine models during the late 1970s. Peugeot's takeover of the European Chrysler facility in 1979 seemed to spell the end for the car.

Talbot's entry-level model, the Sunbeam, also ceased production and was succeed by the Talbot Samba—a compact three-door hatchback which used the same underpinnings and bodyshell as the Peugeot 104.

British Leyland announced the end of Austin Maxi production, almost 13 years after the car first went on sale. The Maxi's successor – which also replaced the Allegro – went on sale at the start of 1983. Meanwhile, British Leyland enjoyed great success with its new Metro compact hatchback.

British Leyland ceased production of the Princess after six years on sale. Its successor, the Austin Ambassador, was a facelifted version of the original 1975 car, but the most significant change was the transition from saloon to hatchback body style.

British Leyland's Triumph division was undergoing a major transformation for 1982. The outdated, though sporty, Dolomite and TR7 ranges would cease production after a collective lifespan of 17 years. The marque would include one single model: the Acclaim, which was the result of a recent venture with Honda. The Acclaim was powered by a lively 1.3 L overhead camshaft petrol engine capable of an impressive 97 mph. With Japanese input, the Acclaim was hoped to mark a significant rise in quality control standards for British Leyland. Production of the new car, which debuted in 1980 in Japan as the Honda Ballade, would take place at the Cowley plant in Oxford.