A decade after the launch of the original Austin Metro came a reinvention of this bestseller, with crucial engineering changes seeing the old A-Series engine usurped by the thoroughly modern K-Series, enabling the new Rover Metro to be offered with a five-speed gearbox. Front end changes to accommodate the K-series also allowed the front axle to be moved forwards, improving front legroom as well as removing the old Mini-like steering wheel angle. Hydragas remained for the Rover Metro, albeit now interconnected front-to-rear in order to improve handling and reduce pitch. The end result was a class-leading ride, combined with a highly entertaining driving style.
The new car launched in May 1990, offered with the 1113cc (60bhp) engine as the 1.1C, 1.1L and 1.1S, while the 1396cc unit (in eight-valve 76bhp guise) featured in the 1.4 GTa and 1.4 SL. The 16-valve, 95bhp unit was reserved for the 1.4 GTi, and was later boosted to 103bhp thanks to multi-point injection. The 1.1s used a standard four-speed gearbox, while 1.4s came with five gears. A CVT automatic option was added to the 1.4 in December ’92, as was a diesel using PSA’s 1.4-litre,
