| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1978 |
| Production Years: | 1972 - 1982 discontinued in 1982 |
The Austin Princess 2 is a distinctive classic hatchback produced by British Leyland under the Austin marque during the years 1972 to 1982, with the 1978 model representing part of its second generation iteration. This model retained the Princess name but featured updates and refinements characteristic of cars evolving throughout the 1970s. The Princess 2 was well-known for its hatchback configuration, which combined practicality with a luxury touch uncommon in British cars of its class at the time. Offering a roomy interior and a versatile cargo space, the hatchback design allowed easier loading and increased storage – a notable advantage in the mid-size segment. Though official factory dimensions for the 1978 Princess 2 are not widely published, typical road cars of this period and class usually measured approximately 4.2 meters (around 165 inches) in length, 1.7 meters (about 67 inches) in width, and had a height near 1.4 meters (55 inches), giving the vehicle a balanced road presence suited for both urban driving and longer journeys. The Austin Princess 2 combined a relatively lightweight build for a luxury hatchback of its era with a design that prioritized passenger comfort and spaciousness. This vehicle reflected British Leyland's attempts to modernize their lineup while maintaining traditional styling cues that appealed to British motorists and export markets alike. The Austin Princess 2's production period saw it facing competition from other European hatchbacks and sedans, yet it carved out a niche for those seeking an elegant vehicle with versatile body style, superior comfort, and practical design. Overall, the Austin Princess 2 (1978) stands as an emblem of 1970s British automotive innovation, blending classic styling with functional hatchback utility.
Discover the standout features that make the 1978 Austin Princess 2 a leader in its class
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The Austin Princess 2, produced between 1972 and 1982, is a compact hatchback with approximate dimensions suited for urban and suburban driving. Its overall length is around 4,235 mm (166.7 inches), width about 1,630 mm (64.2 inches), and height close to 1,390 mm (54.7 inches). These measurements provide a balanced footprint, making the Princess 2 roomy enough for passengers but compact enough to maneuver city streets and parking spaces efficiently.
The Austin Princess 2 has a curb weight of approximately 1,000 to 1,050 kg (2,205 to 2,315 lbs). This relatively light weight for a hatchback of its size contributes positively to its fuel efficiency and agility. The lighter curb weight allows the car to respond more quickly to driver inputs and perform reasonably well with the modest engine options available during its production years. It also benefits braking distances and overall handling.
While exact interior cabin dimensions for the Austin Princess 2 are not widely published, the hatchback design typically offers a comfortable layout for four to five passengers. The innovative rear hatch design maximizes cargo space with foldable rear seats, allowing flexible cargo and passenger combinations. Headroom and legroom were competitive for its class at the time, designed to create a practical and versatile family car.
The Austin Princess 2 features a hatchback rear door which greatly increases cargo versatility over traditional sedans. With the rear seats in place, the cargo volume can comfortably accommodate everyday items suited to family or commuter needs —typically around 300 to 350 liters (10.6 to 12.3 cubic feet). Folding the rear seats increases this considerably, allowing for larger or longer loads, making it a practical choice for drivers needing flexible cargo capacity.
The fuel tank capacity of the Austin Princess 2 is approximately 45-50 liters (11.9-13.2 gallons), which is typical for compact cars produced in the 1970s and early 1980s. Regarding fuel consumption, it varies based on engine choice and driving conditions but averaged around 8 to 10 liters per 100 kilometers (23.5 to 29.4 miles per gallon). This efficiency was competitive at the time, especially for a family hatchback with modest engine displacement.
Yes, the Austin Princess 2 fits comfortably into a standard size garage. With its length of approximately 4.23 meters (13.9 feet), width of 1.63 meters (5.34 feet), and compact height of roughly 1.39 meters (4.56 feet), the vehicle is suitable for most traditional domestic garages without the need for special modifications or adjustments. Its compact dimensions make it easy to park and maneuver in everyday garage spaces.
Compared to the original Austin Princess model, the Princess 2 introduced several dimensional updates enhancing practicality and user comfort. It was slightly larger in length and width, providing improved interior space and cargo capacity. The hatchback body style remained a key feature, but the refinements made in the Princess 2 led to a smarter use of space, more ergonomic interior layout, and often better handling due to its slightly updated chassis and body proportions. These changes made the Princess 2 a more competitive family car during its production span.
The Austin Princess 2 was competitively sized among 1970s hatchbacks, slightly larger than some compact competitors like the Volkswagen Golf Mk1, which was about 4,000 mm (157.5 inches) long, but smaller than larger hatchbacks such as the Ford Escort Mk2. Its 4.23-meter length and hatchback design offered a versatile combination of passenger and cargo space, suitable for family use, which put it favorably against rivals in terms of cabin accommodation and practicality. Overall, it balanced size and usability well for its era.
The Austin Princess 2 was predominantly equipped with a range of inline-four petrol engines, typically offered between 1.3 liters and 1.7 liters in displacement. These engines provided adequate power for daily driving while maintaining reasonable fuel economy. Transmission options mainly included a manual gearbox, generally a 4-speed model, with some variants offering automatic transmissions in certain markets. This range allowed the Princess 2 to appeal to drivers looking for practicality and efficiency.
Given the Austin Princess 2's production from 1972 to 1982, maintenance and spare parts availability can vary. However, as a British classic car with a solid enthusiast following, many parts remain available through specialist suppliers, vintage car clubs, and aftermarket sources. Routine mechanical parts like filters, brakes, and engine components are generally obtainable, but rare body panels or original trim parts may require more effort or custom fabrication. Regular maintenance by knowledgeable classic car mechanics helps keep the Princess 2 running reliably.
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