| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1980 |
| Production Years: | 1980 - 1986 discontinued in 1986 |
The Talbot Solara facelift of 1980 represents a refined iteration of the French manufacturer's midsize sedan that remained in production until 1986. Originally introduced in the late 1970s, the Solara was Talbot's response to the popular family sedan market, blending practical dimensions with moderate styling updates in its 1980 facelift. This generation featured subtle design improvements over its predecessor, improving aerodynamics and aesthetics while retaining its core structural layout. The Solara from this era is best described as a classic midsize sedan, well-suited for everyday use with a focus on comfort and spaciousness for passengers. Although detailed dimension specifics can vary slightly, the Solara typically measures approximately around 4.4 meters (about 173 inches) in length and about 1.65 meters (65 inches) in width, offering sufficient interior room without the bulkiness of larger executive models. The height generally stands near 1.4 meters (55 inches), contributing to a balanced and stable road presence. The sedan configuration highlights functionality with a traditional three-box design, accommodating four to five occupants comfortably. This facelifted model features enhancements in exterior trim, grille design, bumpers, and lighting setups, providing a refreshed look that modernized the Solara for the early 1980s market. The Talbot Solara occupies a notable place among European midsize sedans of its time, often compared to contemporaries such as the Peugeot 305 and the Citroën BX in segment positioning. For enthusiasts and buyers interested in classic French family sedans, the facelifted Talbot Solara from 1980 to 1986 stands as a practical and historically relevant choice, symbolizing the era’s automotive styling and engineering traits.
Discover the standout features that make the 1980 Talbot Solara a leader in its class
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The Talbot Solara (facelift 1980) sedan features a length of approximately 4,360 mm (171.7 inches), a width of about 1,630 mm (64.2 inches), and a height close to 1,420 mm (55.9 inches). These dimensions give the Solara a balanced profile typical for a large family sedan of the early 1980s, offering comfortable interior space while still being manageable in urban environments. The length allows for a spacious cabin and trunk area, while the width contributes to stable handling. The height ensures good headroom for passengers, contributing to overall comfort.
The Talbot Solara's exterior dimensions translate into a roomy interior that comfortably accommodates five passengers. The sedan's well-designed cabin maximizes legroom and headroom, particularly for front and rear occupants. Despite a moderate height of 1,420 mm (55.9 inches), the interior head clearance remains adequate for average-sized adults. The width of 1,630 mm (64.2 inches) helps ensure that passengers do not feel cramped side-to-side. Furthermore, the vehicle offers a sizable trunk, reflecting its sedan body style aimed at providing practicality for families and daily use.
The Talbot Solara (facelift 1980) comes with a wheelbase measuring approximately 2,615 mm (103 inches). This relatively long wheelbase for the time contributes positively to both ride comfort and handling stability. A longer wheelbase provides smoother rides by better absorbing road irregularities and reducing pitch motion. It also increases the cabin's interior space, especially for rear passengers, enhancing comfort during longer journeys. Additionally, it contributes to stable straight-line driving, although it may slightly reduce maneuverability in tight urban areas.
The Talbot Solara (facelift 1980) typically weighs around 1,000 to 1,100 kg (2,205 to 2,425 lbs), depending on the specific variant and equipment. This relatively moderate curb weight for a midsize sedan contributes to its fuel efficiency and manageable performance. The lighter weight helps the engine work more efficiently, which translates to better fuel economy—a key consideration during the early 1980s era when fuel prices were a concern. Moreover, a moderate weight positively affects handling responsiveness and braking, providing a balance between performance and economy.
Yes, the Talbot Solara (facelift 1980), with its length of approximately 4,360 mm (171.7 inches), width of 1,630 mm (64.2 inches), and height of 1,420 mm (55.9 inches), generally fits easily into a standard residential garage. Typical single-car garages have interior dimensions around 6,000 mm (236 inches) in length and 3,000 mm (118 inches) in width, which provide sufficient clearance for the Solara. Therefore, owners should not face any significant issues parking the Solara in conventional garages, allowing for easy storage in urban and suburban settings.
The 1980 facelift of the Talbot Solara introduced some design refinements but retained largely similar overall dimensions compared to its predecessor. Both versions carry similar lengths close to 4,360 mm (171.7 inches), widths around 1,630 mm (64.2 inches), and heights near 1,420 mm (55.9 inches). The facelift mainly affected styling elements such as the front grille, headlights, and minor trim updates rather than structural dimensions. This approach helped maintain the interior spaciousness and driving characteristics established by the original Solara, while offering a refreshed appearance.
When compared to contemporaries such as the Peugeot 305, Renault 18, or Ford Cortina, the Talbot Solara (1980 facelift) sits comfortably within the midsize sedan segment with competitive dimensions. Its length of approximately 4,360 mm (171.7 inches) and width of 1,630 mm (64.2 inches) are comparable to or slightly larger than some rivals, providing notable interior space. For example, the Peugeot 305 measures about 4,310 mm in length, and the Ford Cortina around 4,290 mm, placing the Solara advantageously for passengers needing more room. This size balance contributed to its appeal in a competitive European market.
The Talbot Solara (1980 facelift) features a fuel tank capacity of roughly 45 liters (about 11.9 US gallons), providing a reasonable driving range for daily commuting and longer trips. The boot or trunk volume is generally spacious for its class, with an estimated capacity around 430 liters (15.2 cubic feet). This sizable luggage space enhances the Solara's practicality as a family sedan, enabling owners to carry substantial amounts of luggage, groceries, or other cargo without compromising passenger comfort.
During the facelift period of 1980-1986, the Talbot Solara was typically equipped with a range of inline-four petrol engines inherited from its Simca and Chrysler roots. These engines ranged from around 1.4 liters to 1.6 liters, delivering modest power outputs suited for economical and reliable driving rather than outright performance. Throughout the production years, the Solara remained focused on affordability and practicality, making these engines well-matched to the car's relatively light weight, resulting in decent fuel economy and smooth city and highway driving experiences.
The 1980 facelift of the Talbot Solara incorporated several key cosmetic and functional updates without altering the car's core structure. Notable changes included a redesigned front grille adopting a more modern horizontal slat style, updated headlamp shapes for better illumination, and new bumper designs which improved both aesthetics and minor safety features. Additionally, interior upgrades in materials and trim enhanced comfort and convenience for occupants. These updates aimed to keep the Solara competitive in the mid-1980s market while maintaining its reputation for reliability and practicality.
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