1991 in motoring

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 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 Ford 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 130mph. The new year also sees an estate version of the Granada Scorpio.

Rover gave its 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.

France

Peugeot launched a new entry-level model - the 106 - which slots 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 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 309 is expected to be on sale by 1993 - which will further prune back 205 production.

Citroen 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, 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.

Renault has achieved a Europe-wide sales success with its new 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 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. Replacements for the ageing R21 and R25 ranges are expected over the next two years.

Italy

Alfa Romeo has given a face-lifted to its ageing 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 75 compact sports saloon is due for replacement in 1992, and the 164 executive sedan is enjoying a rise in popularity following the launch of a more affordable 2.0 version.

Japan

Nissan began 1991 with the launch of an all-new, smoother-looking 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 Micra is due next year, joining the Primera at the Sunderland plant.

Honda has launched an all-new version of its iconic 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. A new Accord is due next year, and will also spawn a Rover twin. Meanwhile, the current Accord was this year's best selling car in America.

Germany

Volkswagen has kept itself at the top of the small family car market by launching an all-new 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 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 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 80 and 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