MG RV8
In the early 1990’s, MG introduced the RV8, a roadster based on the MGB roadster of the 1970’s. What the RV8 had that the MGB didn’t was a 3.9 litre V8 engine, that gave it a respectable 0-60 time of 6.5 seconds. Despite being based on the MGB, there actually wasn’t a lot of common parts between the two, around 5% in fact. This meant that the RV8 was a model in its own right, and its muscular exterior design helps to solidify this. Only 2000 RV8s were made, and 80% of these went to Japan after an overwhelming reception at the 1993 Tokyo Motor Show, which means that now, finding one of your own could be quite tricky. Regardless, this is easily one of our favourite MGs of the 1990’s.
MG Metro Turbo
Launched in 1982, the Metro was designed to be a successor to the Austin Mini, a model that was manufactured by MG’s parent company, British Leyland. The MINI ended up being sold alongside the Metro, which was sold as an MG, Rover and Austin during its lifetime. The three models were differentiated slightly, but the MG Metro was seen as being the sportier model, and eventually had a Turbo variant, that could get you from 0-60 in 8.9 seconds. This made it competitive with Hot Hatches like the Ford Fiesta XR2, and the Vauxhall Nova SRi.
MG Maestro Turbo
The Maestro was introduced around the same time as the Metro, as their medium family car, that would have competed with the Ford Escort and the Volkswagen Golf. It was an attractive model with it’s 80’s interior and exterior design. What was really special however was the Turbo model, which came with sportier styling and improved performance compared to its none turbo sibling. With it’s bigger interior, you ended up with a family car that was capable of some pretty impressive performance figures!
MG Montego
The Montego was the Maestro’s bigger brother and was introduced to the press in the South of France in 1984. Given the relationship between the two models, a lot of features were shared including the LCD driver display, that was revolutionary for the time. Like the Metro and the Maestro, the Montego was sold as a Rover and an Austin, as well as an MG which meant that there was a lot of similarities between models.
MG F
The RV8 was discontinued in 1995 after 3 years on sale, and wasn’t directly replaced by the MG F. The MG F was a mid-engine, rear wheel drive, two-seater roadster, which made it incredibly nippy and fun to drive. The MG F was sold was a choice of 1.6 or 1.8 engines, and could get it from 0-60 in as little as 6.9 seconds, making it faster than a Mazda MX-5, its top competition. The MG F lived on until 2002, when it was facelifted and updated to become the MG TF, which visually was different, but generally speaking was very similar. The MG F is still an excellent choice now if you are looking for a fun weekend car as they are relatively cheap and reliable!
We hope you enjoyed this article, why not discover the modern-day MG range!
