23 Aug 01
Prices: £200-£1600
Engines: 1.4 GTa 8-valve: - 1360cc, 76bhp, four cylinders; 1.4 GTa 16-valve - 1360cc, 90bhp, four cylinders; 1.4 GTi 16V - 1360cc, 95bhp (103 bhp from June 1991), four cylinders
Check for: Rust, crash damage, overheating, electrical faults, noisy engines, alternator failure, poor body panels
When the Metro range was overhauled in 1990, its basic design remained relatively unchanged. However, it received new engines and a serious quality upgrade that make these revised models a much better second-hand buy for the inexperienced. Although there are still a few decent old-style Metro 1.3 GTa and 1.3 Turbo examples about, they're few and far between and usually in the hands of serious enthusiasts who won't part with them. The later GTa and GTi models, however, are more easy to come by, promise better reliability and are no less fun.
Even in 1990, the Metro was one of the most cramped superminis around, and it was already showing its age. But what it did have to offer was sharp steering, responsive suspension (it has the Hydragas set-up), light weight and great chuckability. It might look like an old biddy's car, but the Metro was never short on driver feedback or rewarding handling characteristics. Available in three- and five-door forms, the first 1.4 GTa models shared their eight-valve engine with the lesser SL and GS models, but also had the benefit of a close-ratio gearbox, rear spoiler and sporty interior trim. Standard equipment included a sunroof and electric windows. The 16-valve GTi model was, of course, quicker (0-60 in 8.6 seconds, compared with the eight-valve's 11.1 seconds), and also had tinted glass and side sill extensions. In June 1991, however, the GTa gained the 16-valve engine and a catalytic converter, upping power to 90 bhp, and the GTi gained the cat, multi-point fuel injection and an upgrade to 103 bhp. It also differentiated itself further with seven-spoke alloy wheels, twin exhaust pipes and ventilated front disc brakes. This model helped to bring younger buyers to what was rapidly becoming a very dowdy range, but was sadly dropped when the Metro became the Rover 100 in 1994.
Links:
Guide to checking out a used car
Mug's guide to tuning: More bhp for your bucks
