Segment:
Compact/Supermini hatchback
Brand Positioning:
Sporty variant of the Austin/Morris Metro, aimed at enthusiasts.
Competitors 1982:
Ford Fiesta XR2, Volkswagen Golf GTI, Peugeot 205 GTi (later models), Vauxhall Chevette HS/GSI (earlier).
Unique Selling Points:
Compact size, spirited performance for its class, rallying heritage, MG branding.
Development Basis:
Based on the British Leyland Mini Metro, with performance enhancements.
Engine Service Repair:
Detailed procedures for disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly.
Transmission Service Repair:
Covers manual transmission (likely Leyland or Ricardo unit) and potentially any automatic options.
Brake System:
Front disc, rear drum configuration likely covered, including hydraulic system and components.
Wiring Diagram:
Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for fault diagnosis.
Electrical System:
Includes troubleshooting and repair of all electrical components and circuits.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension, including hydrolastic or hydragas systems if applicable, and conventional coil/strut setups.
Steering:
Steering rack and linkage components, alignment procedures.
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, and fan operation.
Fuel Injection:
Details on the Lucas/GMF/Bosch L-Jetronic or similar fuel injection system used.
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, lines, filter, and tank service. Carburetor information if applicable to certain trims.
Emission System:
Components and procedures related to emission control.
Heater Air Conditional:
HVAC system operation and repair (if equipped with AC, which was rare).
Engine Control System:
ECU diagnosis and repair related to engine management.
Chassis Body:
Body panel repair, structural components, and frame specifications.
Restraint System:
Seat belts and any associated safety systems.
Interior:
Trim, upholstery, dashboard, and console components.
Differential Drive:
Front-wheel-drive transaxle and differential unit.
Axle:
Front drive axles and CV joints.
Maintenance:
General maintenance, periodic lubrication, fluid checks and changes.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle systems.
Disassembly Reassembly:
Complete disassembly and reassembly guidance.
Depth:
Full factory level, suitable for DIY and professional mechanics.
Illustrations:
Hundreds of photos and illustrations, detailed drawings, enlarged insets.
Instruction Format:
Numbered instructions, detailed substeps, notes, cautions, warnings.
Engine Code Family:
A-Series (likely variations such as 1275cc)
Displacement Cc:
Typically 1275 cc
Horsepower Bhp:
Approximately 72-75 bhp for the 1.3-litre MG variant.
Torque Lb-Ft:
Around 75-80 lb-ft (specific to tune and engine variant).
Fuel Delivery:
Fuel Injection (likely L-Jetronic or similar) or Twin SU Carburetors for specific trims/eras.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Petrol (as mandated or becoming standard)
Cylinder Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder
Cooling Method:
Water-cooled
Valve Train:
Overhead Valve (OHV)
Crash Test Era:
Pre-modern stringent testing standards; minimal official ratings available for this period.
Braking System:
Front ventilated discs, rear drums.
Suspension Handling:
Designed for agile handling; potential for sport-tuned suspension options.
Seat Belts:
Front inertia-reel seatbelts, fixed rear belts.
Chassis Structure:
Monocoque construction with integral safety cage elements.
Oil Change:
Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles or 12 months (manual will specify exact interval).
Tune Up:
Spark plugs, filters, ignition timing checks at regular intervals (e.g., 15,000-20,000 miles).
Engine Oil:
Likely 10W-40 or 20W-50 API SF or SG (manual will confirm specific grade and capacity).
Coolant:
Ethylene Glycol based anti-freeze/anti-boil mixture (e.g., 50/50 mix with distilled water).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (manual will specify).
Common Problems:
Rust (especially sills, wheel arches, subframes), Hydrolastic/Hydragas system issues (if applicable), minor electrical gremlins, carburetor/fuel injection tuning.
Engine Wear:
A-Series engines are generally robust but can suffer from worn valve guides and main bearings with high mileage.
Marque Origins:
MG (Morris Garages) has a long history of producing performance-oriented variants of standard British cars, dating back to the 1920s.
Predecessor:
Mini Cooper (spiritually), though the Metro was a completely new FWD platform.
Development Context:
Launched as a successor to the Mini, with the MG Metro aiming to provide a more sporting alternative.
Manufacturer:
British Leyland (later Rover Group)
Production Years Metro:
1980-1997 (as Metro/Rover Metro)
Production Years Mg Metro:
1982-1990 (approximately)
