Alfa Romeo Alfa 33: 1983-1994
Alfa Romeo's replacement for the influential 'Sud didn't exactly go down
a storm with buyers. Although it featured a longer wheelbase and roomier
cabin, it shared the older car's awkward driving position and quirky ergonomics.
When launched, the 33 was also considerably more expensive. We like the
styling and layout of the car, but in truth, it was nowhere near a big
enough step forward over its predecessor.
Citroen BX: 1982-1994
Citroen's first mid-range car since the Ami was announced at a spectacularly
unfortunate time, sharing its launch date with the Ford Sierra and Audi
100 C3. Despite its quirky styling, sales built during the Eighties, and
by the time the diesels were on stream, it was one of the UK's top selling
imports. Technical highlights included Hydropneumatic suspension and an
all new platform - later used by Peugeot.
Fiat Strada II: 1983-1988
The 1978 Fiat Ritmo/Strada might have looked individualistic, but it wasn't
a huge seller. Fiat attempted to sanitise the design in a 1983 facelift,
but sales didn't lift despite usefully improved performance an economy.
The driving experience was not that inspiring, and with the addition of
a charisma by-pass, the Strada II faded into the background. Shame though,
because it still had a bit going for it...
Fiat Tipo: 1988-1996
In contemporary road tests, parallels were drawn between the Tipo and
the Maestro. Both were roomy, were rationally designed, and featured digital
instrumentation in the top models at the time of their launches. The Tipo
was a massive step forward from the Strada - most notably the galvanised
body and new engines. It was also the first genuine multi-platform Fiat,
donating its underpinnings to Lancia and Alfa Romeo.
Ford Escort Mk III: 1980-1986
'Simple is Efficient' was the advertising strapline that accompanied the
launch of the Escort III (codenamed Erika). The crisply styled hatch was
a new departure for Ford, and the comany was keen to sell the new car
to conservative fleet managers. It need not have worried - the Escort
sold straight from the box, despite choppy suspension. A wide range of
engines and options available, the memorable model was the XR3.
Lancia Delta: 1979-1990
Although most people think 'Integrale' when asked about the Delta, the
pocket Lancia in standard form actually had a lot to offer. At the time
of its announcement, it was the first genuine premium small hatchback
thanks to luxury interior and smart Giugiaro-penned lines. The Strada
underpinnings resulted in a car that was neat and tidy to drive - and
that was enough to bag it the Car of The Year award for 1980.
Nissan Stanza: 1983-1987
Arguably, the Stanza was Datsun's first attempt at a European feeling mid-sized hatchback, as the Sunny remained resolutely rear wheel drive at the time. Neat, anonymous styling and indifferent road manners marked it out as a car that was never going to set the class on fire. However, the Stanza was a reasonable first effort, and paved the way for the 1987 Sunny - a much more convincing effort.
Peugeot 309: 1985-1994
Peugeot's 309 was never going to be a Peugeot at all. Originally, the C9 project was going to be the Talbot Arizona, but Peugeot realised late on that the Talbot marque was moribund. Good job too. Although the 309 lacked the sparkle of the 205, it was a fine effort, and possessed a great chassis and engines. In typical French fashion, it the diesel and GTi versions were range highlights. The 309 was an also-ran though.
Renault 11: 1983-1988
Unusually the Renault 11 was a hatchback-from-saloon conversion, having been based on the 1982 Car of The Year, R9. Renault's Eighties blandness was staved off slightly in the 11, thanks to it's glassback rear end and digital dashboard, but in reality, it was nothing to write home about. Engines were rattly and handling roly poly, but despite this it's quite an endearing car. Remembered for its starring role in View To a Kill.
Talbot Horizon: 1978-1985
Crisp Roy Axe-penned styling clothed Simca 1100 mechanical underpinnings
to produce a rather uninspiring family hatch. Long winded, heavy steering
and tappety engines were the overriding impression of these cars, but
the it must be remembered that it won the Car of the Year award 1978,
so someone must have liked it. By the Eighties, few cared about it - but
the best version, the 1.9D, was actually rather good.
Vauxhall Astra/Opel Kadett D: 1984-1991
The car industry went big on aerodynamics in the early Eighties, and nowhere
is this more apparent than the Astra Mk2. Although it was a straight re-body
of the impressive 1979/80 original, it looked so startling, it was hard
to think of the two cars being closely related. Engines were willing and
interiors reasonably accommodating, but dynamics were a little on the
vague side. GTE versions proved popular...
Volkswagen Golf Mk2: 1984-1991
Volkswagen's re-invention of the influential Golf trod a rather predictable
path. More rounded styling clothed familiar engines and similar looking
interiors, but incorporated some rather useful improvements inside and
on the road. The new car gave customers what they wanted and huge sales
success duly followed, although some enthusiasts lamented the late car's
sparkle and character.
Volvo 340: 1977-1991
In all honesty, the well-styled Volvo 340 should have been put out to
pasture in the early-Eighties. Its rear wheel drive platform and wheezy
engines meant it struggled in every way to keep up with the likes of the
Escort, Maestro and Astra. However, us Brits loved them, and fell head-over-heels
for Volvo's 'safety sells' marketing approach, even though it was possibly
unjustified in this instance.
