| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1983 |
| Production Years: | 1983 - 1990 discontinued in 1990 |
The MG Maestro, produced from 1983 to 1990, is a notable British hatchback that blends classic design with practical dimensions suitable for urban and family driving. This generation of the MG Maestro was designed as a 5-door hatchback, boasting compact exterior dimensions that provide a balanced driving experience. Although exact metrics vary with different trims and configurations, the typical MG Maestro hatchback measures approximately 4300 mm (169.3 inches) in length, around 1700 mm (66.9 inches) in width, and roughly 1400 mm (55.1 inches) in height. These proportions place it firmly in the compact car segment, allowing easy maneuvering through crowded city streets while maintaining comfortable interior space for passengers and cargo. The MG Maestro's hatchback design allows for versatile storage solutions, with a rear liftgate that facilitates loading larger items. Weight distribution and chassis dimensions lend the vehicle a stable handling profile, ideal for both everyday commuting and spirited driving. Its classic styling and functional size have made the MG Maestro an enduring choice for enthusiasts of vintage British cars. Overall, the MG Maestro 1983-1990 hatchback epitomizes a well-rounded compact vehicle with a heritage appeal, offering both historical significance and practical usability.
Discover the standout features that make the 1983 MG Maestro a leader in its class
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The MG Maestro hatchback produced between 1983 and 1990 has an approximate overall length of 4,169 mm (164.1 inches), a width of 1,653 mm (65.0 inches), and a height of around 1,395 mm (54.9 inches). These dimensions place it comfortably within the compact car segment of the 1980s, offering a practical balance between interior space and urban maneuverability. The hatchback design also helps maximize cargo and passenger volume within these exterior dimensions.
The wheelbase of the MG Maestro from 1983 to 1990 measures approximately 2,490 mm (98.0 inches). This wheelbase length contributes to a relatively spacious cabin for its class, enhancing passenger comfort, especially for rear-seat occupants. A longer wheelbase generally improves ride stability and interior roominess, and for the Maestro, this dimension strikes a good balance between maneuverability and comfort typical of compact hatchbacks of the period.
The curb weight of the MG Maestro (1983-1990) generally falls around 1,000 to 1,100 kg (2,205 to 2,425 lbs), depending on specific trim levels and equipment. This moderate weight helps the car maintain a reasonable balance between fuel efficiency and driving dynamics. The relatively light curb weight, combined with available engine options, allows for responsive handling and sufficient acceleration for city and highway driving typical of a compact hatchback from the 1980s.
The MG Maestro hatchback provides flexible cargo capacity, thanks to its hatchback design and rear seat folding capability. While exact volume figures may vary by model and trim, the cargo space is typical of compact hatchbacks from the era, allowing owners to load groceries, luggage, or equipment with relative ease. The folding rear seats further enhance practicality, making it a suitable choice for everyday commuting and light cargo transport.
Yes, the MG Maestro hatchback produced between 1983 and 1990 fits comfortably into a standard home garage. With its length of approximately 4,169 mm (164.1 inches) and width of 1,653 mm (65.0 inches), it fits well within typical garage dimensions, which commonly measure at least 5,500 mm (216.5 inches) in length and 2,400 mm (94.5 inches) in width. This makes parking, storage, and maintenance convenient for most users.
The MG Maestro (1983-1990) is actually the direct evolution of the Austin/Morris Maestro models produced earlier by British Leyland. Compared to the immediate predecessors, the MG Maestro retained similar overall dimensions but introduced refinements in styling, interior quality, and mechanical components. While the base size footprint remained in the compact hatchback range, improvements in weight distribution and interior ergonomics made it a more modern and comfortable vehicle relative to earlier iterations.
When compared to contemporaries like the Volkswagen Golf Mk2 or Ford Escort Mk3, the MG Maestro (1983-1990) falls within a very similar compact hatchback size category. Its length of about 4,169 mm (164.1 inches) and width of 1,653 mm (65.0 inches) closely match these rivals, offering competitive interior space and urban maneuverability. However, the Maestro's distinctive styling and British engineering heritage gave it unique appeal in a crowded market segment dominated by such compact hatchbacks.
The MG Maestro hatchback typically featured a fuel tank capacity of approximately 40 liters (10.6 US gallons). Given the engine variants and fuel efficiency figures for the period—often averaging around 7-9 liters per 100 km (26 to 32 mpg)—the vehicle could achieve a driving range roughly between 450 to 570 kilometers (280 to 350 miles) on a full tank. This range was practical for both urban commuting and moderate-distance travel typical of hatchback owners in the 1980s.
Throughout its production run from 1983 to 1990, the MG Maestro was offered with several engine options ranging from economical four-cylinder petrol engines to sportier variants in specific MG trims. Engine sizes generally varied between 1.3-liter to 2.0-liter petrol units, delivering a range of power outputs suited to different buyer needs — from everyday efficiency to more spirited driving experiences. This diversity allowed the Maestro to appeal to a broad spectrum of drivers in the compact hatchback segment.
The MG Maestro is designed to seat five occupants comfortably, with two front seats and a rear bench accommodating three passengers. Seating comfort was considered adequate for its time, with options for varying trim levels that included upgraded upholstery materials and better padding in the MG-branded sportier models. The hatchback's cabin layout maximizes the use of interior space, combining practicality with driver-focused ergonomics and straightforward instrument placement suitable for daily driving and longer journeys.
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