| Austin Metro | |
|---|---|
 1989 Austin Metro | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | British Leyland (1980–1986) Rover Group (1986–1998) |
| Also called | Austin mini Metro MG Metro Rover Metro Rover 100 |
| Production | 1980–1998[1] 2,078,218 produced |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Supermini car (B) |
| Layout | Front-engine, front-wheel drive |
| Related | Mini |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Mini |
| Successor | Rover 25 / (BMW) Mini hatch |
The Metro is a supermini car, later a city car that was produced from 1980 to 1998, first by British Leyland (BL) and later by the Rover Group. It was launched in 1980 as the Austin Mini Metro (styled AUSTIN miniMETRO).
The Mini Metro was intended to complement and eventually replace the original BMC Mini, and was developed under the codename LC8. The MG version of the Metro was named "Car of The Year" 1983 by What Car? magazine, and later once more, as the Rover Metro, in 1991.[citation needed]
During its 18-year lifespan, the Metro wore many names: Austin Metro, MG Metro and Rover Metro. It was rebadged as the Rover 100 (full name: "Rover 100 series") in December 1994.[2] There was also a van version, known as the Morris Metro, and later, the Metrovan.[3]
At the time of its launch, the Metro was sold under the Austin brand, and from 1982 MG versions became available. During 1987, the badge lost the Austin name, and the car was sold simply as the "Metro". From 1990 until its withdrawal in 1998, the Metro sported the Rover brand name.
Although the R3-generation Rover 200 (introduced in 1995 and smaller than previous 200 models) had originally been designed as a replacement for the Metro, it was not marketed as such after its launch.[4] The Rover 100 finally ceased production in 1998, being outlived (by three years) by the original Mini that it was meant to replace. 2,078,218 Metros of all types were built.[5]
- ^ Roberts, Andrew (9 September 2010). "Mini Metro at 30". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 22 July 2015.
- ^ "Austin Rover Online". Austin-rover.co.uk. 23 September 2011. Retrieved 16 January 2012.
- ^ "Austin Rover Online". Austin-rover.co.uk. Archived from the original on 3 May 2008. Retrieved 9 October 2010.
- ^ "End of the road". Angelfire.com. Retrieved 9 October 2010.
- ^ Adams, Keith (25 August 2011). "History: Production Figures". AROnline. Archived from the original on 14 January 2013. Retrieved 18 September 2013.