1991 in motoring: Difference between revisions

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1991 in motoring includes developments in the automotive industry that occurred throughout the year 1991 by various automobile manufacturers, grouped by country. The automotive industry designs, develops, manufactures, markets, and sells motor vehicles.

United Kingdom

The Vauxhall Astra was redesigned with the third-generation model in October 1991, seven years after the launch of the second generation model. It was available in 1.4, 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0 petrol engines as well as a 1.7 diesel (turbo or non-turbo). The 2.0 version came with 8-valve for the 2.0i CD and 2.0 SRi, while the 16-valve version came in the 130 mph+ GSi. All models got fuel injection as standard, as Britain prepared for the legislation which outlawed the sale of carburettor-engined cars after 1992.^{[citation needed]}Also, parent brand Opel adopted the Astra name for the new car in Europe, ending the use of the long-running Kadett nameplate. In November, Vauxhall launched a new, small four-wheel-drive model, the Frontera which was offered as 3-door Sport or 5-door versions with a choice of a 2.4 petrol or a 2.3 diesel engine and was manufactured at its Luton plant.

The Ford Motor Company introduced a Cosworth version of the Granada Scorpio and Escort, as well as the new generation Escort XR3i. It has also revived the RS2000 nameplate for the Escort range, with a new 2.0 16-valve Zetec model that was capable of more than 130 mph. There was also a new estate version of the Granada Scorpio which launched in early 1992.

Rover updated its 800 Series executive model in November which now had a top speed of 135 mph on the turbocharged 2.0 Vitesse model. It also dropped the MG badge from faster versions of the Maestro and Montego models, which were now largely sold as budget offerings alongside the 200 and 400, but the MG badge was brought back for sale in 1992 on a remodelled, limited edition version of the MG B.

France

Peugeot launched a new entry-level model in November 1991 - the 106^[1] - to slot into the range below the 205. With 1.1 and 1.4 petrol engines as well as a 1.5 diesel, the 106 was initially sold as only a three-door model. It was sold as a cheaper, more modern, though slightly smaller, alternative to the larger 205. Although the 205 was to continue for a few more years, the 309 would be replaced by 1993 with a new hatchback to be called the 306.

Citroën reentered the small family car market with its new ZX in March, launching in the UK in May which was the first of two replacements for the slightly larger BX. It comes with 1.4, 1.6 and 2.0 petrol engines and 1.9 diesels (turbo or non-turbo).

Renault launched its new Clio supermini in the UK in March. The range was expanded with the launch of a 1.8 16-valve hot hatch that was capable of 126 mph as the successor to the discontinued R5 Turbo. The second-generation Espace people carrier launched and received a V6 engine for the first time, while there was also a minor redesign of the R19 small family hatchback and saloon.

Italy

Alfa Romeo gave a facelift to its 33 entry-level model, which had been on sale since 1983.

Japan

Nissan launched the Sunny which was available as a three-door hatchback, five-door liftback and five-door estate. The Sunny's chassis also formed the basis of the 100NX coupe. A replacement for the long-running Micra was planned for the following year, joining the Primera at the Sunderland plant.

Honda launched a new version of its Civic family car. The new range includes a three-door hatchback and four-door saloon, and a five-door version of the Rover-based Concerto, which had been on sale for two years. Meanwhile, the current Accord was the year's best selling car in the United States.

Germany

Volkswagen launched the MK3 Golf in August 1991, although UK sales would not start until February 1992. The new model was voted European Car of the Year. The Golf GTI was available as only a 1.8 16-valve, which is capable of 125 mph. The Golf VR6 was launched, a 2.8 engined hatchback capable of 140 mph.

Audi redesigned its 80 and 100 ranges. A new cabriolet version of the 80 also went on sale.

References

^ "Peugot offers new small car in Europe". 5 September 1991. Retrieved 6 June 2015.

[1] "Peugot offers new small car in Europe". 5 September 1991. Retrieved 6 June 2015.

[1]

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-{{Unreferenced|date=November 2006}}
+{{Refimprove|date=June 2015}}
+{{Year nav topic5|1991|motoring}}
-{{advert|date=December 2007}}
+'''1991 in motoring''' includes developments in the [[automotive industry]] that occurred throughout the year 1991 by various [[automobile manufacturers]], grouped by country. The [[automotive industry]] designs, develops, manufactures, markets, and sells [[motor vehicles]].
-===United Kingdom===
+==United Kingdom==
-The [[Vauxhall Astra]] was relaunched in an all-new format after seven years on sale. The previous model was praised for its futuristic aerodynamic styling on its launch, but had been looking rather dumpy towards the end. The latest version has tidier looks and a more spacious interior. It comes with 1.4, 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0 petrol engines as well as a 1.7 diesel (turbo or non-turbo). The 2.0 version comes with 8-valve for the well-equipped 2.0i CD and sporty 2.0 SRi, while the impressive 16-valve version comes in the 130mph+ GSi. The new Astra range goes on sale in [[October]] and the current hatchback and estate bodystyles will be followed [[1992|next year]] by a cabriolet and saloon. All models get fuel injection as standard, as Britain prepares for the lesiglation which outlaws the production of carburettor-engined cars after 1992.
+The [[Vauxhall Astra]] was redesigned with the third-generation model in October 1991, seven years after the launch of the second generation model. It was available in 1.4, 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0 [[petrol]] engines as well as a 1.7 [[diesel engine|diesel]] (turbo or non-turbo). The 2.0 version came with 8-[[valve]] for the 2.0i CD and 2.0 SRi, while the 16-valve version came in the 130&nbsp;mph+ GSi. All models got [[fuel injection]] as standard, as Britain prepared for the legislation which outlawed the sale of [[carburettor]]-engined cars after 1992.{{citation needed|date=February 2012}}Also, parent brand Opel adopted the Astra name for the new car in Europe, ending the use of the long-running Kadett nameplate. In November, Vauxhall launched a new, small four-wheel-drive model, the Frontera which was offered as 3-door Sport or 5-door versions with a choice of a 2.4 petrol or a 2.3 diesel engine and was manufactured at its Luton plant.
-The [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]] expanded its range by introducing a [[Cosworth]] version of the [[Ford Granada|Granada Scorpio]] and [[Ford Escort|Escort]], as well as the new generation Escort XR3i. It has also revived the historic RS2000 nameplate for the Escort range, with a new 2.0 16-valve Zetec model that is capable of more than 130mph. The new year also sees an estate version of the Granada Scorpio.
+The [[Ford Motor Company]] introduced a [[Cosworth]] version of the [[Ford Granada (Europe)|Granada Scorpio]] and [[Ford Escort (Europe)|Escort]], as well as the new generation Escort XR3i. It has also revived the RS2000 nameplate for the Escort range, with a new 2.0 [[16-valve]] [[Zetec]] model that was capable of more than 130&nbsp;mph. There was also a new estate version of the Granada Scorpio which launched in early 1992.
-[[Rover]] gave its [[Rover 800|800 Series]] executive model a major facelift which is highlighted by the inclusion of the traditional Rover grille. The range-topping 820 Turbo was rebadged "Vitesse", and is one of the fastest Rovers ever made with a top speed of 135mph. Next year sees the introduction of a new competitor for the [[BMW 3 Series]], which is a restyled version of the next generation [[Honda Accord]] but will use Rover engines.
+[[Rover Group|Rover]] updated its [[Rover 800|800 Series]] executive model in November which now had a top speed of 135&nbsp;mph on the [[turbocharged]] 2.0 Vitesse model. It also dropped the MG badge from faster versions of the Maestro and Montego models, which were now largely sold as budget offerings alongside the 200 and 400, but the MG badge was brought back for sale in 1992 on a remodelled, limited edition version of the [[MG B]].
-===France===
+==France==
+[[Peugeot]] launched a new entry-level model in November 1991 - the [[Peugeot 106|106]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=hxEwAAAAIBAJ&sjid=RQMEAAAAIBAJ&pg=4874,1270397&dq=peugeot-106&hl=en | title=Peugot offers new small car in Europe | date=5 September 1991 | accessdate=6 June 2015}}</ref> - to slot into the range below the [[Peugeot 205|205]]. With 1.1 and 1.4 petrol engines as well as a 1.5 diesel, the 106 was initially sold as only a three-door model. It was sold as a cheaper, more modern, though slightly smaller, alternative to the larger 205. Although the 205 was to continue for a few more years, the 309 would be replaced by 1993 with a new hatchback to be called the 306.
+[[Citroën]] reentered the [[compact car|small family car]] market with its new [[Citroën ZX|ZX]] in March, launching in the UK in May which was the first of two replacements for the slightly larger [[Citroën BX|BX]]. It comes with 1.4, 1.6 and 2.0 petrol engines and 1.9 diesels (turbo or non-turbo).
-[[Peugeot]] launched a new entry-level model - the [[Peugeot 106|106]] - which slots into the range below the [[Peugeot 205|205]]. With 1.1 and 1.4 petrol engines as well as a 1.5 diesel, the 106 is initially sold as only a three-door model but five-door versions - and a 1.0 engine - will follow during 1992. It is sold as a cheaper, more modern, though slightly smaller, alternative to the larger 205, which is entering its ninth year of production. A replacement for the [[Peugeot 309|309]] is expected to be on sale by 1993 - which will further prune back 205 production.
+[[Renault]] launched its new [[Renault Clio|Clio]] supermini in the UK in March. The range was expanded with the launch of a 1.8 16-valve [[hot hatch]] that was capable of 126&nbsp;mph as the successor to the discontinued [[Renault 5|R5 Turbo]]. The second-generation [[Renault Espace|Espace]] people carrier launched and received a [[V6 engine]] for the first time, while there was also a minor redesign of the [[Renault 19|R19]] small family hatchback and saloon.
-[[Citroen]] re-entered the small family car market with its new [[Citroen ZX|ZX]], which is the first of two replacements for the slightly larger [[Citroen BX|BX]]. It comes with 1.4, 1.6 and 2.0 petrol engines, but the real stars of the range are the 1.9 diesels (turbo or non-turbo). These oil-burners offer class-leading levels of refinement and economy, which are traditional [[PSA]] strengths. It gives Citroen a long-awaited credible competitor for the [[Ford Escort]] and [[Volkswagen Golf]], and takes off some of the pressure off the BX until it is finally replaced by an all-new car by 1993.
+==Italy==
-[[Renault]] has achieved a Europe-wide sales success with its new [[Renault Clio|Clio]] mini-car. It has attracted high sales thanks to its class-leading interior space, comfort and build quality, as well as its smooth ride and excellent handling. The range has been expanded with the launch of a 1.8 16-valve "hot hatchback" that is capable of 126mph and is the effective successor to the discontinued [[Renault 5|R5 Turbo]]. The facelifted [[Renault Espace|Espace]] people carrier receives a V6 engine for the first time, while there is also a mild makeover for the [[Renault 19|R19]] small family hatchback and saloon. Replacements for the ageing [[Renault 21|R21]] and [[Renault 25|R25]] ranges are expected over the next two years.
+[[Alfa Romeo]] gave a facelift to its [[Alfa Romeo 33|33]] entry-level model, which had been on sale since 1983.
-===Italy===
+==Japan==
+[[Nissan]] launched the [[Nissan Sunny|Sunny]] which was available as a three-door hatchback, five-door [[liftback]] and five-door estate. The Sunny's chassis also formed the basis of the 100NX coupe. A replacement for the long-running [[Nissan Micra|Micra]] was planned for the following year, joining the [[Nissan Primera|Primera]] at the [[Sunderland, Tyne and Wear|Sunderland]] plant.
+[[Honda]] launched a new version of its [[Honda Civic|Civic]] family car. The new range includes a three-door hatchback and four-door saloon, and a five-door version of the [[Rover Group|Rover-based]] [[Honda Concerto|Concerto]], which had been on sale for two years. Meanwhile, the current Accord was the year's best selling car in the United States.
-[[Alfa Romeo]] has given a face-lifted to its ageing [[Alfa Romeo 33|33]] family car range, but these revisions (which include standard power steering on all models) cannot disguise a car which is now very dated in terms of design and refinement. Meanwhile, its [[Alfa Romeo 75|75]] compact sports saloon is due for replacement in 1992, and the [[Alfa Romeo 164|164]] executive sedan is enjoying a rise in popularity following the launch of a more affordable 2.0 version.
-===Japan===
+==Germany==
+[[Volkswagen]] launched the MK3 [[Volkswagen Golf|Golf]] in August 1991, although UK sales would not start until February 1992. The new model was voted [[European Car of the Year]]. The Golf GTI was available as only a 1.8 16-valve, which is capable of 125&nbsp;mph. The Golf VR6 was launched, a 2.8 engined hatchback capable of 140&nbsp;mph.
+[[Audi]] redesigned its [[Audi 80|80]] and [[Audi 100|100]] ranges. A new [[cabriolet]] version of the 80 also went on sale.
-[[Nissan]] began 1991 with the launch of an all-new, smoother-looking [[Nissan Sunny|Sunny]] which is available as a three-door hatchback, five-door liftback and five-door estate. The Sunny's chassis also forms the basis of the 100NX coupe, which is not much of a performer but is far better looking than the rest of the Sunny range. A replacement for the long-running [[Nissan Micra|Micra]] is due next year, joining the [[Nissan Primera|Primera]] at the [[Sunderland]] plant.
+==See also==
-[[Honda]] has launched an all-new version of its iconic [[Honda Civic|Civic]] family car. The new range includes a three-door hatchback and four-door saloon, with the lack of a five-door version being filled by the [[Rover|Rover-based]] [[Honda Concerto|Concerto]], which has been on sale for two years. A new [[Honda Accord|Accord]] is due next year, and will also spawn a Rover twin. Meanwhile, the current Accord was this year's best selling car in [[United States of America|America]].
+* [[1990 in motoring]] - the previous year
+* [[1992 in motoring]] - the next year
-===Germany===
+==References==
+{{Reflist}}
-[[Volkswagen]] has kept itself at the top of the small family car market by launching an all-new [[Volkswagen Golf|Golf]]. The new model has been voted [[European Car of the Year]] thanks to its sturdy build quality, comfortable interior, good equipment levels, distinctive styling and strong engine range. The Golf GTI is now available as only a 1.8 16-valve, which is capable of 125mph. But the ultimate Golf is now the VR6, a 2.8 engined high performance hatchback capable of 140mph. It is well ahead of the "hot hatch" class, and is marketed as more of a [[BMW 3 Series|BMW 325i]] rival. High equipment levels across the range include the optional or standard inclusion of power steering, electric windows, central locking, air conditioning, airbags and antilock brakes. A [[Volkswagen Vento|Vento]] saloon version is due during 1992, while plans are in the pipeline for a first-ever Golf estate.
-[[Audi]] has facelifted its impressive but ageing [[Audi 80|80]] and [[Audi 100|100]] ranges to ensure that the likes of [[BMW]] and [[Mercedes-Benz]] still have excellent competitors. A new Cabriolet version of the 80 has also gone on sale.
-==See also==
-*[[1990 in motoring]] - the previous year
-*[[1992 in motoring]] - the next year
-[[Category:Years in motoring]]
+[[Category:Motoring by year]]
-[[Category:1991|Motoring]]
+[[Category:1991 in transport|Motoring]]