1983 Austin Maestro (XC) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The Austin Maestro (XC) from 1983 has a curb weight of about 925 kilograms (2,039 pounds), which represents the vehicle's weight including standard equipment, fluids, and a full fuel tank but without passengers or cargo. The maximum weight capacity, or gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), is approximately 1,440 kilograms (3,175 pounds). This indicates the total allowable weight including the vehicle itself, passengers, cargo, and any added accessories. These weight specifications reflect the Maestro's balance between lightweight design for fuel efficiency and sufficient structural robustness for safety and load-carrying capabilities.

The Austin Maestro (XC) is equipped with 13-inch rims and tire sizes typically around 165/85 R13 or 165 R13, which contribute significantly to its handling characteristics and ride comfort. The relatively smaller 13-inch wheels provide a good balance between absorbing road imperfections and offering responsive steering. The 165 mm width on the tires offers reasonable grip while maintaining decent fuel economy and a smooth ride, especially on urban roads common in the 1980s. Overall, this setup was designed to provide dependable handling and comfort that suited a compact hatchback's intended usage.

The Austin Maestro (XC), as a five-door hatchback, was designed to comfortably seat up to five passengers. Its interior space focused on optimizing a compact footprint while offering practical seating arrangements and cargo flexibility. The cabin provides sufficient legroom and headroom for front and rear passengers, typical of hatchbacks from the early 1980s. The hatchback design also enables versatile cargo loading through a large rear door, improving its utility for daily activities or weekend trips. Despite its modest size, the Maestro maintained a reputation for an accommodating interior in its segment.

Yes, the 1983 Austin Maestro (XC) fits comfortably into a standard single-car garage. With its length of approximately 3,870 mm (152.4 inches), width of 1,665 mm (65.6 inches), and height of around 1,420 mm (55.9 inches), it occupies less space than many modern sedans and compact SUVs. Most standard garages, which are at least 5,500 mm (216 inches) long and 2,500 mm (98 inches) wide, offer ample space for the Maestro with room to open doors and maneuver around the vehicle. Its compact size is ideal for homeowners with limited parking space.

The Austin Maestro (XC) succeeded the Austin Allegro, which was larger but considered somewhat outdated by the early 1980s. Dimensionally, the Maestro is slightly shorter and narrower than the Allegro, with the Maestro's length near 3,870 mm (152.4 inches) compared to the Allegro's roughly 4,070 mm (160.2 inches). The width of the Maestro is similarly slim at approximately 1,665 mm (65.6 inches), whereas the Allegro was wider at about 1,690 mm (66.5 inches). This reduction in size resulted in improved handling, better parking ease, and a more modern hatchback layout, though cargo and interior space were optimized to maintain practicality.

When compared to contemporaries such as the Volkswagen Golf Mk2 or Ford Escort of the early 1980s, the Austin Maestro (XC) holds its own in terms of size and weight. Its length of 3,870 mm (152.4 inches) is slightly shorter than the Golf Mk2 at about 4,230 mm (166.5 inches) and similar to the Escort's 3,995 mm (157.3 inches). The Maestro's width of 1,665 mm (65.6 inches) is narrower than both, contributing to easier urban navigation. Its curb weight of around 925 kg (2,039 lbs) is competitive, reflecting a lightweight design. These factors made the Maestro an appealing choice in the hatchback market where nimble size and efficient weight were important.

The Austin Maestro (XC) typically features a fuel tank capacity close to 40 liters (10.6 gallons), quite standard for compact hatchbacks of its time. Fuel economy varies by engine version and usage, but estimates generally range between 7 to 9 liters per 100 kilometers (about 33 to 26 miles per gallon US). This balance between fuel capacity and economy allowed the Maestro to provide practical daily driving with reasonable range. Combined with its lightweight and manageable size, this made the Maestro economical for both city and moderate highway driving during the 1980s.

The Austin Maestro (XC) stood out in the 1980s hatchback market due to its unique combination of styling and functional design. It featured a bold, square-shaped front end with large rectangular headlights and a distinctive grille, setting it apart from the often rounded competitors. The spacious hatchback rear door enhanced practicality, and its boxy yet aerodynamic shape improved interior volume without excessive bulk. Additionally, innovations like digital instrument clusters in some variants were ahead of their time. Overall, the Maestro blended modern technology with practical design in its class.

The Austin Maestro (XC) rides on 13-inch rims fitted with tires measuring typically 165/85 R13 or 165 R13. The relatively smaller rim diameter aids in cushioning road irregularities, which improves ride quality on less-than-perfect surfaces common in the 1980s UK roads. The 165 mm tire width is moderate, optimizing traction while maintaining fuel efficiency. This tire-rim combination contributes to predictable handling characteristics, stable cornering, and comfortable driving dynamics which were well suited to the Maestro’s urban and family-oriented design profile.