1980 Austin Metro Dimensions, Size & Specs

The Austin Metro's weight ranges between approximately 815 kg and 900 kg (1797 lbs to 1984 lbs), depending on the specific trim and equipment installed. Its light curb weight positively impacts fuel efficiency, making it an economical option during its production years. The lighter weight also contributes to nimble handling and responsive steering, critical for a city car designed to navigate urban traffic easily. The modest weight, combined with compact dimensions, made the Metro agile and confident on the road, although it generally had modest power outputs aligned with its efficiency goals.

Yes, the Austin Metro fits comfortably into a standard residential garage. Its compact dimensions—length around 3.5 meters (11.5 feet), width about 1.56 meters (5.1 feet), and height near 1.4 meters (4.6 feet)—make it well-suited to typical garage sizes that often accommodate vehicles between 2.4 to 2.7 meters (8 to 9 feet) in width and around 5 meters (16.4 feet) in length. Its smaller footprint means owners can easily park the Metro indoors while leaving enough space for storage or opening doors without difficulty.

The Austin Metro was introduced in 1980 to replace older compact cars produced by British Leyland. Compared to its predecessors, such as the Austin Mini, the Metro is longer and slightly wider, offering more interior space and improved comfort. The Mini measured about 3,050 mm (120 inches) in length and 1,410 mm (55.5 inches) in width, while the Metro stretched to 3,505 mm (138 inches) long and 1,555 mm (61.2 inches) wide. This increase provided better passenger accommodation, enhanced boot capacity, and a more modern design, representing a significant step forward in practicality.

Within the supermini hatchback segment of the 1980s, the Austin Metro offered competitive interior space for its size category. The hatchback layout maximized cargo capacity and versatility. Although exact cargo volume figures vary by model year and seat configuration, the Metro generally provided sufficient boot space for a small family or daily errands, outperforming many microcars but slightly below larger hatchbacks introduced later. Its design balanced passenger comfort with practicality, making it a popular choice for city drivers needing a compact yet functional car.

Throughout its production from 1980 to 1990, the Austin Metro underwent minor dimensional and styling updates but retained its core compact hatchback identity. Early models mainly maintained their original size of around 3.5 meters in length. Later versions included slight improvements in width and interior ergonomics, with modest facelifts to styling rather than size alterations. These changes were designed to improve comfort, safety, and appeal without sacrificing the Metro's hallmark compact dimensions, ensuring it remained competitive in the supermini segment throughout the decade.

Compared to other 1980s superminis like the Ford Fiesta Mk1 and Volkswagen Polo Mk1, the Austin Metro was similar in overall size but often prized for its spacious interior relative to its compact footprint. The Metro’s length of 3,505 mm (138 inches) and width of 1,555 mm (61.2 inches) fell within the typical range for superminis of the time. Conceptually, the Metro emphasized urban practicality, economy, and ease of parking, aligning well with competitor models but offering a distinct British character and design philosophy centered on maximizing interior space in a compact body.

The Austin Metro was equipped with a fuel tank capacity of approximately 35 liters (9.2 US gallons). Combined with its lightweight construction and efficient engine options, the compact size of the Metro positively influenced fuel economy, allowing for a respectable driving range for the era—often around 450 to 600 km (280 to 370 miles) on a full tank, depending on engine variant and driving conditions. This economy was a key selling point, making the Metro an affordable and practical car for urban and suburban drivers during the 1980s.

The Austin Metro's compact design and size were closely influenced by the urban living and economic climate of the UK in the 1980s. During this period, there was growing demand for affordable, fuel-efficient cars suitable for congested city environments. The Metro’s small footprint allowed easy maneuverability through narrow streets and tight parking spaces common in UK cities. Economically, the car was designed to appeal to budget-conscious consumers, with its economical fuel consumption and practicality addressing the concerns of the period, including rising fuel costs and an increased need for cost-effective transportation.

While primarily known for its size and economy, the Austin Metro also featured several safety and comfort upgrades throughout its generation. Early models had basic safety features typical of the era, such as seat belts and impact-absorbing steering columns. As the decade progressed, later versions incorporated improvements like enhanced door impact protection, improved suspension for ride comfort, and optional features such as better upholstery and heating systems. However, compared to modern cars, safety features were limited, reflecting the standards and technological development achievable in the supermini market during the 1980s.