| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1978 |
| Production Years: | 1978 - 1986 discontinued in 1986 |
The Talbot Horizon is a classic compact hatchback introduced in 1978 and produced until 1986. Known for its practical and efficient design, the Horizon was a popular choice in the European market during its production years, offering a blend of simplicity and reliability. The hatchback body style made it an adaptable urban vehicle, providing easy access to the cargo space behind the rear seats. Although exact dimensions can vary slightly based on specific trims and model years, the Talbot Horizon typically measures approximately 3.7 meters (about 145.7 inches) in length, 1.6 meters (roughly 63 inches) in width, and around 1.37 meters (53.9 inches) in height. This compact size allowed the Horizon to compete well against other small family cars of its era, making parking and maneuvering in tight city streets straightforward. The relatively lightweight design, combined with modest engine options, contributed to its balanced performance and fuel efficiency. The Talbot Horizon holds a spot as a significant model in automotive history for representing the practical hatchback concept during the late 1970s and early 1980s, bridging a transition from boxy designs towards more aerodynamic shapes. For enthusiasts and buyers interested in smaller hatchbacks, the Horizon exemplifies a functional, no-nonsense vehicle shaped by its time, balancing size, efficiency, and everyday usability.
Discover the standout features that make the 1978 Talbot Horizon a leader in its class
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The Talbot Horizon produced between 1978 and 1986 as a hatchback features a compact footprint suitable for its class. Its overall length is approximately 3,827 mm (150.7 inches), width is around 1,620 mm (63.8 inches), and height approximately 1,410 mm (55.5 inches). These dimensions made it a practical small family car, efficient in urban environments while still providing reasonable interior space for passengers and cargo.
The Talbot Horizon's wheelbase measures about 2,480 mm (97.6 inches). A relatively moderate wheelbase like this balances maneuverability with interior space, allowing for adequate legroom in both the front and rear seats. It contributes to a stable ride quality for a car of its size, providing a comfortable driving experience suitable for city and suburban commuting. The wheelbase size is common for hatchbacks of this era.
The curb weight of the Talbot Horizon ranges between approximately 890 kg to 1,050 kg (about 1,962 to 2,315 pounds), depending on the engine and trim variant. This relatively light weight enhances fuel efficiency and agility, making the Horizon responsive and easy to handle. The lighter structure helps it perform well even with smaller engines available at the time, although it offered modest acceleration by modern standards.
The Talbot Horizon's cargo space was practical for its class, typical of compact hatchbacks from the late 1970s. It featured a rear hatch design that allowed easy access to the luggage area. With rear seats upright, the cargo capacity was modest but sufficient for groceries and small luggage. Folding the rear seats down expanded the cargo volume significantly, making it versatile for carrying larger items compared to many sedans of that period.
While exact official turning circle figures for the Talbot Horizon are not commonly documented, compact hatchbacks from this era typically had a turning radius around 5.0 to 5.5 meters (16.4 to 18 feet). The Horizon was known for being easy to maneuver in tight urban spaces, which would be consistent with a relatively small turning circle. This made parking and navigating narrow streets more manageable.
The Talbot Horizon was designed to comfortably seat up to five passengers: two in the front and a three-person bench seat in the rear. This seating arrangement was standard for hatchbacks of its size during the late 1970s to mid-1980s, providing adequate space for small families or groups of friends during everyday commuting and longer drives.
Yes, the Talbot Horizon's compact dimensions ensure that it fits comfortably into a standard single car garage. With an overall length of about 3,827 mm (150.7 inches) and width near 1,620 mm (63.8 inches), it occupies less space compared to many modern cars. Most standard American and European garages, which typically measure around 6 meters (20 feet) in length and 3 meters (10 feet) in width, can easily accommodate the Horizon with room leftover for opening doors and some storage.
The Talbot Horizon did not have a direct predecessor under the Talbot brand as it was introduced as a fresh design when Talbot emerged following the acquisition of the Chrysler Europe brand by PSA Peugeot Citroën in 1978. However, it was essentially a continuation of the design lineage from the Simca 1100, an earlier hatchback which the Horizon replaced. Compared to the Simca 1100, the Horizon maintained similar dimensions but introduced updated styling with a more modern and squared-off hatchback silhouette, improved build quality, and refinements in interior space and ergonomics. It represented an evolution in design and engineering, transitioning into the PSA family of cars.
Compared to contemporaries like the Ford Escort Mk3, Volkswagen Golf Mk1, and Renault 5, the Talbot Horizon was similar in overall size and footprint. Most European hatchbacks from the late 1970s were about 3.8 to 4.0 meters in length and around 1.6 to 1.7 meters in width. The Horizon's 3,827 mm length and 1,620 mm width placed it squarely within this segment, offering competitive interior space and practicality. While perhaps not as compact as the smaller Renault 5, it was more spacious and practical for family use than many supermini rivals.
The Talbot Horizon was known as a practical and economical compact hatchback, featuring front-wheel drive and a range of petrol engines varying from 1.1 to 1.5 liters over its production span. It offered good fuel economy for the time and straightforward mechanical design, making maintenance relatively simple. The interior was functional with basic instrumentation and space optimized for small families. Safety equipment was minimal by modern standards, but it was a competitive model offering reliability, ease of use, and decent ride comfort in its segment during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
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