1992 in motoring: Difference between revisions

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1992 in motoring includes developments in the automotive industry that occurred throughout the year 1992 by various automobile manufacturers, grouped by country. The automotive industry designs, develops, manufactures, markets, and sells motor vehicles.

United Kingdom

The new version of the Ford Escort was Britain's best-selling car during 1992. Ford gave the Escort a mild redesign in September with the introduction of new 16-valve fuel-injected Zetec petrol engines, while the 1.8 diesel received a turbocharger. A similar redesign was given to the Orion saloon version. All models had at least one airbag as standard, with most of the range having a passenger airbag and others also having anti-lock brakes. The Ford Fiesta received a mild update in the Summer.

Vauxhall's Cavalier was Britain's second-best selling car in 1992, and for the third year in succession it was the best-selling car in its sector. Vauxhall facelifted the Cavalier range and included a driver's airbag on all models, as well as a passenger airbag and anti-lock brakes being available on most of the range.

Rover Group announced coupe and cabriolet models of its 200 Series hatchback, with a new Honda Accord based saloon, the 600 Series, due on sale in the spring of 1993, with the Montego saloon due to be discontinued at that stage, although there was still no set date for the end of Montego estate or Maestro production.

Japan

Nissan launched a new Micra supermini range to replace the nine-year-old original model. Powered by 1.0 and 1.3 16-valve petrol engines, the Micra was built at the Sunderland plant in England and was the first Japanese product to be voted European Car of the Year. UK sales commenced in January 1993.

A year after launching its latest version of the Civic, Honda launched a new version of the larger Accord. It was powered by 1.8, 2.0 and 2.2 petrol engines, and was available as a four-door saloon. Honda's venture with Rover continued the following year with the launch of the 600 Series, which was based on the same bodyshell as the Accord but using Rover's own engines although neither would launch until 1993.

France

Renault announced the end of production of one of the R4, one of the world's longest-running cars, having been produced for 31 years.^[1] - The last six of which were in Argentina. Its place as Renault's entry-level model was taken by the new Twingo, a three-door compact hatchback which is comparable in size to Fiat's then new Cinquecento. Its interior space used a one-box design^{[clarification needed]} Most of its mechanicals were derived from the 20-year-old R5, which was still in production in Slovenia three years after the launch of its successor, the Clio. Sales in France began in April 1993 but would never be sold in RHD markets like the UK.

Renault also launched the Safrane, a large hatchback which replaced the R25 as Renault's competitor to the likes of the Ford Granada Scorpio and Vauxhall Carlton/Opel Omega.

Germany

A year after the launch of its award-winning MK3 Golf, Volkswagen launched the Vento – the saloon version of the Golf, to replace the Jetta. Like the Golf, it was available with a range of petrol engines (1.6, 1.8 and 2.0) as well as a 1.9 turbo-diesel. There was also a 2.8 VR6, with a top speed of around 140 mph.

Mercedes-Benz upgraded its SL range with a few styling changes as well as the replacement of the six-cylinder 3.0 engine with two new 2.8 and 3.2 V6 units, both of which had the same power output as the original smaller engine. There was also a 6.0 V12 engine in addition to the 5.0 V8 that was previously the range-topping model.

Italy

The Fiat 126 ceased production after 20 years and was replaced by the Cinquecento. Like the 126, the Cinquecento was a three-door entry-level hatchback. Unlike its predecessor, the new offering had front-wheel drive and a front-mounted engine. It carried over the 126's 700cc engine, but also made use of a 900cc unit which was capable of more than 80 mph.

Alfa Romeo ceased production of the 75 after six years and replaced it with the new 155, a four-door sports saloon.

Sweden

Production of the long-running 740/760 and 240/260 ranges was planned to end at Volvo, as the new 850 range of saloons and estates had gone on sale. The new range, all with five-cylinder engines, was designed to compete with the likes of the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, with front-wheel drive instead of the customary rear-wheel drive. Some versions were available with four-wheel drive, including the 155 mph range-topping "R" version.

References

^ "Renault 4 History". myautoworld.com. Retrieved 2023-03-07.

[1] "Renault 4 History". myautoworld.com. Retrieved 2023-03-07.

[1]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
+{{Refimprove|date=March 2023}}
-===[[United Kingdom]]===
+{{Year nav topic5|1992|motoring}}
+'''1992 in motoring''' includes developments in the [[automotive industry]] that occurred throughout the year 1992 by various [[automobile manufacturers]], grouped by country. The [[automotive industry]] designs, develops, manufactures, markets, and sells [[motor vehicles]].
+==United Kingdom==
-Despite being criticised as lacklusture by the motoring press, the latest version of the [[Ford Escort]] was Britain's best-selling car during [[1992]]. To bolster its chances of maintaining pole position, [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]] has given the Escort a mild facelift which has seen the introduction of some impressive new 16-valve fuel-injected "Zetec" petrol engines, while the 1.8 diesel has received a turbocharger. A similar facelift has been given to the [[Ford Orion|Orion]] saloon version. All models have at least one airbag as standard, with most of the range having a passenger airbag and others also having anti-lock brakes.
+The new version of the [[Ford Escort (Europe)|Ford Escort]] was Britain's best-selling car during 1992. [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]] gave the Escort a mild redesign in September with the introduction of new [[16-valve]] [[fuel-injected]] [[Zetec]] petrol engines, while the 1.8 diesel received a [[turbocharger]]. A similar redesign was given to the [[Ford Orion|Orion]] saloon version. All models had at least one [[airbag]] as standard, with most of the range having a passenger airbag and others also having [[anti-lock brakes]]. The Ford Fiesta received a mild update in the Summer.
-[[Vauxhall|Vauxhall's]] [[Vauxhall Cavalier|Cavalier]] was Britain's second-best selling car in 1992, and for the third year in succession it was the best-selling car in its sector. To strengthen its position in the face of an upcoming new rival from Ford, Vauxhall has facelifted the Cavalier range and boosted its safety levels to include a driver's airbag on all models, as well as a passenger airbag and anti-lock brakes being available on most of the range.
+[[Vauxhall Motors|Vauxhall's]] [[Vauxhall Cavalier|Cavalier]] was Britain's second-best selling car in 1992, and for the third year in succession it was the best-selling car in its sector. Vauxhall facelifted the Cavalier range and included a driver's airbag on all models, as well as a passenger airbag and anti-lock brakes being available on most of the range.
+[[Rover Group]] announced coupe and cabriolet models of its 200 Series hatchback, with a new [[Honda Accord]] based saloon, the 600 Series, due on sale in the spring of 1993, with the Montego saloon due to be discontinued at that stage, although there was still no set date for the end of Montego estate or Maestro production.
-===[[Japan]]===
+==Japan==
+[[Nissan]] launched a new [[Nissan Micra|Micra]] supermini range to replace the nine-year-old original model. Powered by 1.0 and 1.3 16-valve petrol engines, the Micra was built at the [[Sunderland, Tyne and Wear|Sunderland]] plant in [[England]] and was the first Japanese product to be voted [[European Car of the Year]]. UK sales commenced in January 1993.
+A year after launching its latest version of the [[Honda Civic|Civic]], [[Honda]] launched a new version of the larger [[Honda Accord|Accord]]. It was powered by 1.8, 2.0 and 2.2 petrol engines, and was available as a four-door saloon. Honda's venture with Rover continued the following year with the launch of the [[Rover 600 Series|600 Series]], which was based on the same [[bodyshell]] as the Accord but using Rover's own engines although neither would launch until 1993.
-[[Nissan]] has launched an all-new [[Nissan Micra|Micra]] mini-car range to replace the nine-year-old original model. Powered by 1.0 and 1.3 16-valve petrol engines, the Micra is built at the [[Sunderland]] plant in [[England]] and is the first Japanese product to be voted [[European Car of the Year]]. The original Micra was hugely popular in Britain thanks to its ease of driving, solid build quality, cast iron reliability, competitive asking price and low running costs. The new Micra appears to have all of its predecessor's qualities, boosting its chances of achieving more success in Western Europe.
+==France==
-A year after launching its latest version of the [[Honda Civic|Civic]], [[Honda]] has further strengthened its model line-up by launching an all-new version of the larger [[Honda Accord|Accord]]. It is powered by 1.8, 2.0 and 2.2 petrol engines, and is available as a four-door saloon. Honda's venture with [[Rover]] continues [[1993|next year]] with the launch of the [[Rover 600 Series|600 Series]], which will be based on the same bodyshell as the Accord but will use Rover's own engines.
+[[Renault]] announced the end of production of one of the [[Renault 4|R4]], one of the world's longest-running cars, having been produced for 31 years.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Renault 4 History |url=https://myautoworld.com/renault/cars/history/history-renault-4/history-renault-4.html |access-date=2023-03-07 |website=myautoworld.com}}</ref> - The last six of which were in [[Argentina]]. Its place as Renault's entry-level model was taken by the new [[Renault Twingo|Twingo]], a three-door compact hatchback which is comparable in size to [[Fiat|Fiat's]] then new [[Fiat Cinquecento|Cinquecento]]. Its interior space used a one-box design{{clarify|date=September 2014}} Most of its mechanicals were derived from the 20-year-old [[Renault 5|R5]], which was still in production in [[Slovenia]] three years after the launch of its successor, the [[Renault Clio|Clio]]. Sales in France began in April 1993 but would never be sold in RHD markets like the UK.
+Renault also launched the [[Renault Safrane|Safrane]], a large hatchback which replaced the [[Renault 25|R25]] as Renault's competitor to the likes of the [[Ford Granada (Europe)|Ford Granada Scorpio]] and [[Vauxhall Carlton|Vauxhall Carlton/Opel Omega]].
-===[[France]]===
+==Germany==
+A year after the launch of its award-winning [[Volkswagen Golf|MK3 Golf]], [[Volkswagen]] launched the [[Volkswagen Vento|Vento]] – the saloon version of the Golf, to replace the [[Volkswagen Jetta|Jetta]]. Like the Golf, it was available with a range of petrol engines (1.6, 1.8 and 2.0) as well as a 1.9 turbo-diesel. There was also a 2.8 VR6, with a top speed of around 140&nbsp;mph.
+[[Mercedes-Benz]] upgraded its [[Mercedes-Benz SL|SL]] range with a few styling changes as well as the replacement of the six-cylinder 3.0 engine with two new 2.8 and 3.2 V6 units, both of which had the same power output as the original smaller engine. There was also a 6.0 V12 engine in addition to the 5.0 V8 that was previously the range-topping model.
-[[Renault]] has ended production of one of the world's longest-running cars - [[Renault 4|the R4]] - after 31 years in production, the last six of which were in [[Argentina]]. Its place as Renault's entry-level model is taken by the entirely new [[Renault Twingo|Twingo]], a three-door compact hatchback which is comparable in size to [[Fiat|Fiat's]] new [[Fiat Cinquecento|Cinquecento]]. But it promises class-leading interior space thanks to its innovative one-box design which allows for a spacious interior within a compact bodyshell. The only disappointing thing about the Twingo is the fact that most of its mechanicals are derived from the 20-year-old [[Renault 5|R5]], which is still in production in [[Slovenia]] two years after the launch of its successor, the [[Renault Clio|Clio]].
+==Italy==
-Meanwhile, Renault has also revitalised the executive end of its range by launching the ultra-modern [[Renault Safrane|Safrane]], a large hatchback which replaces the [[Renault 25|R25]] as Renault's competitor to the likes of the [[Ford Granada|Ford Granada Scorpio]] and [[Vauxhall Carlton|Vauxhall Carlton/Opel Omega]]. It is a stylish, comfortable, well-equipped and spacious car which has a strong advantage over many similar-sized rivals by having a hatchback bodystyle.
+The [[Fiat 126]] ceased production after 20 years and was replaced by the [[Fiat Cinquecento|Cinquecento]]. Like the 126, the Cinquecento was a three-door entry-level hatchback. Unlike its predecessor, the new offering had [[front-wheel drive]] and a front-mounted engine. It carried over the 126's 700cc engine, but also made use of a 900cc unit which was capable of more than 80&nbsp;mph.
+[[Alfa Romeo]] ceased production of the [[Alfa Romeo 75|75]] after six years and replaced it with the new [[Alfa Romeo 155|155]], a four-door sports saloon.
-===[[Germany]]===
+==Sweden==
+Production of the long-running [[Volvo 700 Series|740/760]] and [[Volvo 200 Series|240/260]] ranges was planned to end at [[Volvo]], as the new [[Volvo 850|850]] range of saloons and estates had gone on sale. The new range, all with five-cylinder engines, was designed to compete with the likes of the [[BMW 5 Series]] and [[Mercedes-Benz E-Class]], with front-wheel drive instead of the customary rear-wheel drive. Some versions were available with [[four-wheel drive]], including the 155&nbsp;mph range-topping "R" version.
+==See also==
-A year after the launch of its award-winning [[Volkswagen Golf|MK3 Golf]], [[Volkswagen]] has further strengthened its range with the addition of the [[Volkswagen Vento|Vento]] - the saloon version of the Golf. It replaces the [[Volkswagen Jetta|Jetta]], but unlike its predecessor is more of a car in its own right, rather than a booted Golf. Like the Golf, however, it is available with a strong range of petrol engines (1.6, 1.8 and 2.0) as well as an impressively refined and economical 1.9 turbo-diesel. There will also be 2.8 VR6, which with a top speed of around 140mph is easily a competitively priced alternative to a [[BMW 3 Series|BMW 325i]].
+* [[1991 in motoring]] – the previous year
+* [[1993 in motoring]] – the next year
+==References==
-[[Mercedes-Benz]] has upgrades its [[Mercedes-Benz SL|SL]] range with a few styling tweaks as well as the replacement of the six-cylinder 3.0 engine with two new 2.8 and 3.2 V6 units, both of which have the same power output as the original smaller engine. There is also an exceptionally powerful 6.0 V12 engine which joins the already excellent 5.0 V8 that was previously the range-topping model.
+{{Reflist}}
+[[Category:Motoring by year]]
+[[Category:1992 in transport|Motoring]]
-===[[Italy]]===
-The [[Fiat 126]] has finally ceased production after 20 years and has been replaced by the [[Fiat Cinquecento|Cinquecento]]. Like the 126, the Cinquecento is a three-door entry-level hatchback with a competitive asking price and low running costs. Unlike its predecessor, the new offering has front-wheel drive and a front-mounted engine. And it is also a far more modern looking design than the 126. It carries over the 126's slow but economical 700cc engine, but also makes use of a 900cc unit which is capable of more than 80mph.
-[[Alfa Romeo]] has called time on [[Alfa Romeo 75|75]] production after six years and replaced it with the all-new [[Alfa Romeo 155|155]], a four-door sports saloon which is marketed as a competitively-priced and distinctive looking to a BMW 3-Series. The latest Alfa beats most of its rivals when it comes to value for money, and is at least a match when it comes to visual appeal and ride quality. But whether it can match the best of its competitors in terms of build quality, reliability and refinement is a different matter.
-===[[Sweden]]===
-Production of the long-running [[Volvo 700 Series|740/760]] and [[Volvo 200 Series|240/260]] ranges will soon cease at [[Volvo]], as the all-new [[Volvo 850|850]] range of saloons and estates have now gone on sale. The new range, all with five-cylinder engines, is designed to compete with the likes of the [[BMW 5 Series]] and [[Mercedes-Benz E-Class]]. It offers better value for money than the established class-leaders, as well as having front-wheel drive instead of the customary rear-wheel drive. Some versions will also be available with four-wheel drive, including the 155mph range-topping "R" version.