CARCARETOOL VEHICLE GUIDE

Austin Metro

Austin Metro — 1995–1998, 3-/5-door hatchback3-door van, 0.85 L ''A-Series'' I4 (South America) 1.0 L ''A-Series'' I41.3 L ''A-Series'' I41.3 L ''A-Series'' turbo I4. Explore engine specifications, fuel economy, dimensions, tire sizes, seating, maintenance and tire-pressure guidance.

Engine0.85 L ''A-Series'' I4 (South America) 1.0 L ''A-Series'' I41.3 L ''A-Series'' I41.3 L ''A-Series'' turbo I4

Transmission4-speed BMC Manual transmission (ADO88/LC8) 4-speed BMC-AP automatic (ADO88/LC8)

DrivetrainFront-engine, front-wheel drive

About the Austin Metro

Austin Metro is a 3-/5-door hatchback3-door van in the supermini (b) class, with source data covering 1995–1998. The available vehicle data lists 0.85 L ''A-Series'' I4 (South America) 1.0 L ''A-Series'' I41.3 L ''A-Series'' I41.3 L ''A-Series'' turbo I4 as an engine configuration, paired with 4-speed BMC Manual transmission (ADO88/LC8) 4-speed BMC-AP automatic (ADO88/LC8) and a Front-engine, front-wheel drive layout. Public source material describes the model in the context of its design, market positioning and vehicle history.

This Austin Metro guide focuses on the details drivers commonly want to know, including engine information for 0.85 L ''A-Series'' I4 (South America) 1.0 L ''A-Series'' I41.3 L ''A-Series'' I41.3 L ''A-Series'' turbo I4 and 4-speed BMC Manual transmission (ADO88/LC8) 4-speed BMC-AP automatic (ADO88/LC8) transmission information. Exact specifications should be matched to the relevant model year and market.

Austin Metro specifications at a glance

Use this table for the model-level essentials. Exact figures may vary by year, trim, engine and market.

Make	Austin
Model	Metro
Model years	1995–1998
Body style	3-/5-door hatchback3-door van
Vehicle class	Supermini (B)
Manufacturer	British Leyland (1980–1986); Rover Group (1986–1998)
Production	1980–19982,078,218 produced
Market / country	GB, NL, NZ

Engine, transmission and performance

Engine information for the Austin Metro includes 0.85 L ''A-Series'' I4 (South America) 1.0 L ''A-Series'' I41.3 L ''A-Series'' I41.3 L ''A-Series'' turbo I4.. Transmission information includes 4-speed BMC Manual transmission (ADO88/LC8) 4-speed BMC-AP automatic (ADO88/LC8).. The listed drivetrain/layout is Front-engine, front-wheel drive.

Engine	0.85 L ''A-Series'' I4 (South America) 1.0 L ''A-Series'' I41.3 L ''A-Series'' I41.3 L ''A-Series'' turbo I4
Transmission	4-speed BMC Manual transmission (ADO88/LC8) 4-speed BMC-AP automatic (ADO88/LC8)
Drivetrain / layout	Front-engine, front-wheel drive

Dimensions, weight and practicality

Dimensions and capacity figures are presented as published source data when available.

Wheelbase	2250 mm (88.6 in)
Length	3400 mm (134 in)
Width	1550 mm (61.0 in)
Height	1360 mm (53.5 in)
Kerb / curb weight	760-865 kg lb

Austin Metro performance and economy

Powerout	250-410 bhp kW 0 dependent upon spec

Austin Metro other specifications

Image	Austin Metro Mk2 5-door 1275cc registered August 1989 photographed Knebworth August 2018.jpg
Caption	1989 Mk2 Metro (without prefixed marque)
Name	Metro
Aka	Austin Mini Metro; Austin Metro; MG Metro; Metro; Rover Metro; Rover 100 Series
Sp	uk

Austin Metro generations and model years

Where a source covers multiple generations, CarCareTool selects the generation(s) that best match this catalog model instead of mixing unrelated variants.

Generation / scope	Years	Engine	Transmission	Drivetrain
Metro	1980–19982,078,218 produced	Not specified	Not specified	Front-engine, front-wheel drive
Austin Metro	1980–1990	0.85 L ''A-Series'' I4 (South America) 1.0 L ''A-Series'' I41.3 L ''A-Series'' I41.3 L ''A-Series'' turbo I4	4-speed BMC Manual transmission (ADO88/LC8) 4-speed BMC-AP automatic (ADO88/LC8)	Not specified
Rover Metro / 100	1990–1994	1.1 L ''K-series'' 8V I4; 1.4 L K-series 8/16V I4; 1.4 L ''PSA/TUD3'' diesel I4	4/5-speed PSA manual CVT	Front engine, front-wheel drive
MG Metro 6R4	1984–1987	2991 cc V64V 90° V6 DOHCbore and stroke of 92×75 mm	5-speed manual	Rear mid-engine, four-wheel drive
Rover 100	1995–1998	1.1 L ''K-series'' SPI 8V I41.4 SPI K-series 8/16V1.4 MPI K-series 8/16V1.5 L ''PSA TUD5'' diesel I4	5-speed PSA manualVan Doorne VT-1 CVT automatic	Not specified

Austin Metro features and equipment

Features shown below are tied to the available source material for this model. Equipment can vary by year, trim and market.

Standard or documented features

✓However, by the time production of the Metro began, it was decided not to include a saloon version, this niche being filled by the Mini remaining in production

✓also because only a few of the Metro's competitors were available as a saloon

✓It was finally revealed to the public on the press day of the British Motor Show on 8 October with the British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, in attendance

✓This was despite the arrival of a host of new superminis on the British market that year – the Ford Fiesta received a major facelift, and four all-new superminis (the Vauxhall Nova, Fiat Uno, Nissan Micra and Peugeot 205) went on sale in Britain between April and September

✓The luxury fittings marking out the Metro Vanden Plas took the form of a radio-cassette player

✓electric front windows, an improved instrument panel with tachometer, and a variety of optional extras such as trip computer

✓leather trim, remote boot release

✓and front fog lamps

✓Aside from the turbocharger and exhaust system itself, and what was (at the time) a relatively sophisticated boost delivery and control system, the MG Turbo variant incorporated stiffer suspension (purportedly with engineering input from Lotus), and an uprated crankshaft of nitrided steel and sodium-cooled exhaust valves

✓Early Turbo models also benefitted from a boost pressure gauge: in pre-84 models this was an in-dash LED gauge, relocating to an LCD gauge mounted in an overhead console for early Mk

✓The Turbo also received alloy wheels, wheel arch extensions and front spoiler, and prominent "Turbo" branding

✓A rear spoiler reduced drag coefficient to increase the Metro's already good fuel economy, and the hydraulic clutch (often berated as the cause of the Metro's particularly harsh gearchange) was replaced by a self-adjusting cable-operated mechanism

TIRE PRESSURE

Recommended tire pressure for Austin Metro

Check the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s cold inflation pressure. CarCareTool estimates are clearly labelled when an exact verified value is unavailable.

Normal load32 PSI front30 PSI rear

Fully loaded34 PSI front33 PSI rear

Load condition	Front	Rear	Status
Normal	32 PSI	30 PSI	Estimate
Fully loaded	34 PSI	33 PSI	Estimate

Calculate how much air to add

Frequently asked questions about Austin Metro

These FAQs are generated automatically for this specific vehicle from the specifications, features and ownership data available in CarCareTool. Questions are selected by relevance so the page focuses on details that can actually be answered for this model.

What engine does the Austin Metro have?

The available source data lists the Austin Metro engine as 0.85 L ''A-Series'' I4 (South America) 1.0 L ''A-Series'' I41.3 L ''A-Series'' I41.3 L ''A-Series'' turbo I4. Engine availability can differ by model year and market.

What tire pressure should I use for the Austin Metro?

For the correct setting, use the cold inflation pressure on the vehicle placard or in the owner’s manual. When CarCareTool does not have a verified configuration-specific value, its starting estimate is 32 PSI front and 30 PSI rear for normal load. This is an estimate, not an OEM recommendation.

What is the best engine oil for the Austin Metro?

There is no single best engine oil for every Austin Metro configuration. Use the viscosity grade and manufacturer approval specified for the exact engine in the owner’s manual.

What body style is the Austin Metro?

The Austin Metro is classified as a 3-/5-door hatchback3-door van.

What years was the Austin Metro produced?

The available vehicle record places the Austin Metro in the 1995–1998 period. Exact availability can vary by market.

What are the dimensions of the Austin Metro?

The available source data lists length 3400 mm (134 in), width 1550 mm (61.0 in), height 1360 mm (53.5 in), and wheelbase 2250 mm (88.6 in).

What transmission does the Austin Metro have?

The available source data lists 4-speed BMC Manual transmission (ADO88/LC8) 4-speed BMC-AP automatic (ADO88/LC8) transmission options for the Austin Metro.

Is the Austin Metro FWD, RWD or AWD?

The listed drivetrain/layout for the Austin Metro is Front-engine, front-wheel drive.

Who makes the Austin Metro?

The manufacturer listed for the Austin Metro is British Leyland (1980–1986); Rover Group (1986–1998).

When was the Austin Metro produced?

The available source data describes production as 1980–19982,078,218 produced.

How much does the Austin Metro weigh?

The available source data lists a kerb/curb weight of 760-865 kg lb. Actual weight can vary with engine, trim and equipment.

Where was the Austin Metro built?

The available source record lists assembly information as United Kingdom: Longbridge, Birmingham (Longbridge plant).

What class of car is the Austin Metro?

The Austin Metro is listed in the Supermini (B) class.

What platform does the Austin Metro use?

The available source data lists the platform/chassis as LC8.

Which markets or countries sold the Austin Metro?

The CarCareTool catalog currently associates the Austin Metro with GB, NL, NZ. Market availability and specifications can differ.

What came after the Austin Metro?

The available vehicle data lists Rover 25 / Rover CityRover as a successor where applicable.

What replaced the Austin Metro?

The available vehicle data lists Rover 25 / Rover CityRover as the successor where applicable.

What cars are related to the Austin Metro?

The available source data identifies related models as Mini. Relationships can vary by market and generation.

How often should I check the tire pressure on the Austin Metro?

Check the tires regularly and before long trips, with the tires cold. Use the vehicle placard or owner’s manual as the source of the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.

Should I use the tire sidewall pressure for the Austin Metro?

No. The maximum pressure printed on the tire sidewall is not automatically the vehicle’s recommended setting. Use the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the correct cold inflation pressure.

Data sources and verification are available in the page editor; exact specifications can vary by year, market, trim and engine.

Austin Metro images

Vehicle images are shown from the stored source image records when available.