Datsun Sunny: 1978-1983
Datsun built itself a fearsome reputation for ultra-reliable highly appointed
cars very quickly in the UK. The 1978 Sunny proved no exception to the
rule - and although it was no great shakes on the road, it offered bags
of equipment and a hassle-free driving experience for those not looking
for the last word in dynamics. Smooth engine and gearbox made it a learner's
favourite, though.
Fiat 131 Mirafiori: 1972-1983
Fiat's Mirafiori replaced the popular 124, but never really entered into
the hearts and minds of enthusiasts in the same way. 1.4- and 1.6-litre
models were acceptable to drive, but the twincam Supermirafiori and Sport
models were a hoot. Very few remain on the roads today - especially the
twincams. Blame a combination of rust, disinterest and acquisitive Morris
Minor owners for that.
Ford Cortina Mk IV: 1979-1982
Firmly esconced as the UK's best selling car throughout the Seventies
and into the Eighties, the Cortina Mk IV offered all things to all men.
Nicknamed the 'Big C' by rival manufacturers, the Cortina was simple to
fix and good to drive on the motorway in larger engined forms. Although
considered primitive in the chassis department, it still outhandled and
out-rode the Ital by quite a margin.
Renault 18: 1978-1987
Traditionally considered a producer of wildly interesting and challenging
designs, the 18 represented the beginning of a new chapter of blandness
for Renault when it was launched. Offered in a wide range of engines and
trims, it was certainly a credible alternative for the establishment -
and front wheel drive meant more stability on the motorway. Turbo model
was fast and flighty.
Talbot Solara: 1980-1986
The Chrysler/Talbot Alpine never really took off in the way its makers
expected, with poor build quality and resistance to rust being cited as
handicaps. For ultra-conservative fleet managers, the hatchback layout
didn't impress either. The answer to that was the plush and rather handsome
three-box Solara version. However, the new rear end failed to fix the
other shortcomings...
Vauxhall Cavalier Mk I: 1975-1981
Along with the Ford Cortina, the Cavalier was considered the establishment
when the Ital was launched in 1980. Neat and predictable on-road dynamics
and a wide range of engines made it a perfectly acceptable alternative
to its Ford rival. Unlike previous generations of Vauxhalls, the Cavalier
wasn't too bad in the rust stakes either, and went a long way to turning
the company's fortunes around.
Vauxhall Cavalier Mk 2: 1981-1988
When the front wheel drive Cavalier Mk 2 was launched, it moved the game
forward by a significant amount. Revvy ohc engines and keen handling soon
made the crisp and handsome Mk 2 the repmobile of choice in the early
Eighties - and leagues ahead of the Ital. There were no real weak points
with the Cavalier, and it easily saw off the Cortina - then the Sierra
- in the sales chart.
Volkswagen Jetta Mk 1: 1979-1984
Three-box conversions of family hatchbacks were never a huge sales draw,
and the Jetta proved no exception to the rule. It may have lived in the
shadow of the more interesting Golf, but it did have plenty going for
it - not least the absolutely huge boot. Like all Volkswagens of the period,
it was superbly engineered and reliable. High list prices and servicing
costs always held it back in the UK fleet market.
