Austin / MG / Rover Metro

The Austin Metro was launched in 1980, as a 'British car to beat the world'.All versions: Metros do not have standard springs and dampers. They use a 'hydragas' arrangement, where fluid and gas are compressed to provide suspension. Mk1 and Mk2 Metros have seperate units in the front, and two joined units at the rear. Mk3s and Rover 100s are connected front and rear as well. Some cars look very low, or not level, on their suspension. Some garages have facilities to pump them up, and this shouldn't be too expensive- search on the internet for The Hydragas Register to find one in your area. Some versions do use dampers as well as hydragas.Bootspace is surprisingly big and access is fantastic due to the hatchback with a low loading lip. The seats fold forward and forward again, making the boot very usable. There is also storage in the door bins, glovebox and the higher spec models have a box or spaces for cassette storage in the centre console.The Mk1 and Mk2 Metro featured the Automatic as a seperate model, or as an option on the Vanden Plas. The Mk2 Automatic continued into the reign of the Mk3 while Rover were sorting out an Automatic gearbox for the Mk3. Mk3s and Rover 100 Autos use a CVT (continuously variable transmission) setup, where the power is transferred by belts.The Mk1 and Mk2 cars are fitted with the A-series engine. It used to be common practice for Mini owners to swap the engines into their Minis, but this is now frowned upon by most car enthusiasts since the early Metros have become classics in their own right.Mk2 Metros and some Mk1s use 'Metric' wheels and tyres. These are 315mm rather than the size given in inches. Tyres are expensive (around

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Orignal From: Austin / MG / Rover Metro