1995 in Motoring - United Kingdom

United Kingdom

Under the ownership of BMW, 1995 has been a very busy year for the Rover Group. The 200 Series has been re-launched in a smaller hatchback format. It is larger than superminis like the Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa, but is designed as an upmarket competitor for the Ford Escort and Vauxhall Astra, justified by impressive equipment levels and comfort, which influence the inevitably higher prices. As the first in-house Rover design since the 1984 Montego, it is a very classy looking car which is only lacking in interior space when it comes to class-leading credentials.

The new 400 Series is now an entirely different car to the 200 Series, whereas before it was a saloon version of the hatchback. This time it is a five-door hatchback or four-door saloon, with the hatchback being a rebodied version of the new British-built Honda Civic. The 400 Series, however, uses its own K-Series 16-valve engines which were very impressive on the original 1989 models and are still up with the best today. As with the new 200 Series, the 400 Series is fighting a size above its weight thanks to its high levels of equipment and comfort as well as its premium price tag.

The biggest news at Rover this year is the launch of the new MGF sports car, which signals the "real" rebirth of the MG marque since the closure of the Abingdon factory and end of MGB production in 1980. The MG badge was used on high performance Metro, Maestro and Montego models during the 1980s, but few enthusiasts recognised these cars as real MGs. Even the 1992 launch of the MGB-based MG RV8 was not enough to fuel many enthusiasts' hopes of mass MG production ever resuming. But the MGF is here - with its mid-mounted 1.8 16-valve engine and appealing looks, it is the long-awaited British answer to the Mazda MX5 that kicked off the roadster renaissance six years ago. By the end of the year, demand for the desirable yet affordable new MG was outstripping supply and giving every impression that the revival of one of the world's most historic and famous marques was going to be a success.

Vauxhall has done away with the Cavalier nameplate after 20 years and adopted the name Vectra for its all-new large family car. It is a smoothly-styled range of hatchbacks and saloons which will be joined by an estate bodystyle next year. Power comes from 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0 16-valve petrol engines as well as a 2.0 turbo-diesel. There will also be a 2.5 V6 unit capable of almost 150 mph at a later date. The Vectra received some negative feedback in reference to its unremarkable ride and handling, but demand for the new car remained high.

Ford has given its six-year-old Fiesta a significant facelift to keep it on even terms with the ever-growing number of new rivals. The interior has also been given a major reworking to bring it up to class-leading standards, though space remains at a premium. The real big news, however, is the substantial re-tuning of the chassis which gives it class-leading ride and handling, and the introduction of new 1.25 and 1.4 Zetec petrol engines. The long-running 1.3 Endura E petrol engine remains for the entry-level models, while the economical but sluggish 1.0 and 1.1 HCS (High Compression Swirl) units have been shelved. The pre-facelift Fiesta remains on sale until next year as a budget choice, and will then be replaced by an all-new city car which is designed to compete with the likes of the Fiat Cinquecento.