1991 in motoring

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, and is one of the Earth's most important economic sectors by revenue.

United Kingdom

The Vauxhall Astra was relaunched in an all-new format 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.

The Ford Motor Company expanded its range by introducing a Cosworth version of the Granada Scorpio and 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 130 mph. The new year also sees an estate version of the Granada Scorpio.

Rover updated its 800 Series executive model, which now has 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 would make a quick comeback 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 - 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 is 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 was set to be axed by 1993 in favour of an all-new hatchback.

Citroën re-entered the small family car market with its new ZX, which is 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 has achieved a Europe-wide sales success with its new Clio mini-car.The range has been expanded with the launch of a 1.8 16-valve hot hatch that is capable of 126 mph and is the effective successor to the discontinued R5 Turbo. The facelifted Espace people carrier receives a V6 engine for the first time, while there is also a mild makeover for the R19 small family hatchback and saloon.

Italy

Alfa Romeo gave a face-lift 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 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 Micra is due next 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, with the lack of a five-door version being filled by the Rover-based Concerto, which has been on sale for two years. Meanwhile, the current Accord was this 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 is now available as only a 1.8 16-valve, which is capable of 125 mph. But the top of the range Golf is now the VR6, a 2.8 engined high performance hatchback capable of 140 mph.

Audi has facelifted its 80 and 100 ranges. 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