Autocade is an international car cyclopædia that’s geographically unbiased, carefully edited for enthusiasts and media who want a quick, accurate reference. There is a greater emphasis on models produced after 1970.
Inside Autocade
Mazda Axela (BP/J59R). 2018 to date (prod. n/a). 4- and 5-door sedan. F/F, F/A, 1496, 1998, 2488 cm³ petrol, 1759 cm³ diesel (I4 DOHC). Evolved Kodo design language, with massive C-pillar for hatchback, and more conservative looks for booted sedan. Skyactiv-X 2·0 débuted, with increased compression (16:1) and more power (133 kW) and torque. Very good handling, though ride firm and lacking the polish of class leaders, possibly due to Mazda’s decision to use a torsion beam at rear; interior quality upped considerably, with simple, clear design.
Manufacturing locations: Hofu, Yamaguchi, Japan; China
Marque: Mazda | Model: Mazda Axela | Predecessor: Mazda Axela (BM)
Prince Skyline/Prince Skyway/Nissan Prince Skyline (S50/S54/S56/S57). 1963–8 (prod. 114,238 sold). 4-door sedan, 4-door LWB sedan, 5-door wagon. F/R, 1483 cm³ (I4 OHC), 1484 cm³ (I4 OHV), 1988 cm³ (I6 OHC). Second-generation Skyline, very desirable with good handling and strong performance from low-geared engines. Monocoque structure. A prototype coupé was shown in 1963 but did not reach mass production. Two-litre from Gloria for Skyline GT in 1964, with 100 made for homologation, with twin Webers and long nose (stretching wheelbase by 200 mm). Additional 2000 GT-A (single Weber carburettor, 105 PS) and GT-B (triple Webers, 125 PS) in 1965. Nissan badges appeared for 1966 post-merger.
Manufacturing location: Musashimurayama, Tokyo, Japan
Marque: Prince | Model: Prince Skyline | Predecessor: Prince Skyline (ALSI-1) | Successor: Nissan Skyline (C10)
MG Maestro. 1983–91 (prod. 47,914 plus 505 Turbo). 5-door saloon. F/F, 1598, 1994 cm³ (I4 OHC). Out-of-step styling of regular Maestro coupled with reasonable 103 bhp performance, though carburettor troubles emerged on early models; R-series engine replaced by S-series in 1984, before giving way to two-litre O-series EFi model in October that year. New facia from Montego in 1986. EFi renamed 2·0i in 1988. Very late to get a turbocharged engine, unlike Metro and Montego—which gave some insight into its lack of popularity inside Austin Rover, though the cars sold well enough. Turbo shown in 1988, with production, finished at Tickford, commencing 1989—fastest-accelerating MG at the time. Not directly replaced till MG ZS emerged in 2001.
Manufacturing location: Cowley, Oxfordshire, England
Marque: MG | Successor: MG ZS Mk I
Off-site link
|
