We just love hatchbacks.
With 130bhp, the 1984 Abarth Fiat Strada 130 TC went from zero to 60mph in less than eight seconds and could go as fast as 122mph. It had a twin cam 2-liter engine linked to a ZF 5-speed gearbox. Low profile tires on alloy wheels reduce unsprung weight and the suspension and brakes are honed to an edge to match the performance.
1984 Abarth Fiat Strada 130 TC.
The 1985 Peugeot 205 Van hatchback’s conversion from a car to a van traded its rear seats for more functional purposes giving you 42.4 cubic feet and 415 kg maximum payload weight. Standard features included adjustable seats with head restraints, ergonomically inspired controls, remotely controlled door mirror, heated rear window plus great all round visibility. You could get a 1124 cc petrol or 1769 cc diesel engine.
Available in the Standard and the GL specification (with extras such as a five speed gear box, push button radio and rear wash/wipe).
1985 Peugeot 205 Van hatchback
1985 Peugeot 205 Van hatchback
The 1983 Vauxhall Nova’s 1.0 and 1.2 liter LET engines delivered an impressive 57.6 mpg (60.1 mpg with the optional 5-speed gearbox). Every model had power brakes, a laminated windscreen, an intermittent rear wash/wipe wiper and halogen headlamps. The L models included a push button radio and a driver’s door mirror that adjusts from inside the car. It started at £3,494 to £4,273. The Corsa A was rebadged as the Vauxhall Nova between 1983 and 1993, primarily for the British market. The basic model was called just the Corsa, which was followed by the Corsa Luxus, Corsa Berlina and the sporty Corsa SR, seen below as a 1985 model.
1983 Vauxhall Nova
1985 Vauxhall Nova 1.3 SR
Vauxhall Nova logo
The 1983 Mitsubishi Colt Mirage Turbo 1400 hatchback with it’s alloy wheels, flared wheel arches, aerodynamic front and rear spoliers and stereo radio/cassette sold for £6,500 and got 43.1 MPG. There were six models to choose from, starting with the 1250 EL at only £3,900. Two 1400 models with a choice of 3 or 5 doors. All requiring major service at 12,000 miles.
Standard features on all Mirage Hatchbacks are such luxuries as a laminated windscreen, all-round independent suspension, heated rear window, warning lights from everything from “Door Open” to “Low Fuel”, an aluminized exhaust system and metallic paint finish at no extra cost. Most model also included a push-button radio, tinted glass and rear window wash/wipe. It had a 3-year warranty.
1983 Mitsubishi Colt Mirage Turbo
The Austin Maestro Vanden Plas models were top of the range and included all options. It had a 1600 OHC engine with a five-speed manual transmission. It was produced from 1983 to 1994, initially by the Austin Rover subsidiary of British Leyland, and from 1988 onwards by successor organization Rover Group. (source: eBay)
1986 Austin Maestro VDP Vanden Plas
1986 Austin Maestro VDP Vanden Plas
Can you think of a car that was more ridiculed (and deserved it) than the Zastava Yugo? According to John Matras, 3,895 Yugos were sold in the United States in 1985, but this soared to 35,959 the next year and hit 48,812 the year after, selling more than Saab.
I think it’s kind of cool, but good luck finding a good one. Even new.
1985 Zastava Yugo GV Hatchback.
1985 Zastava Yugo GV Hatchback ad
Volvo introduced the new 360 series in 1982, and the hachback shown here also came in a 4-door sedan version. A total of 76,281 were produced from 1983 to 1989. More info on Cartype.
1983 Volvo 360 5D Hatchback.
Volvo introduced the 360 in 1982 with its 4-cylinder 2-litre engine. Nothing like the Volvos of today. More on Cartype.
1982 Volvo 360 GLB 3-door hatchback.
The Renault 5 Turbo featured a mid-mounted 1397 cc Turbocharged Cléon Inline 4 engine maiking 158hp, and placed behind the driver in mid-body in a modified Renault 5 chassis. The Turbo 2 was less expensive, but had nearly the same levels of performance. You can see an extensive gallery of this car on Flickr, or read the full story on Cartype.
1985 Renault 5 Turbo2.
1985 Renault 5 Turbo2.
1985 Renault 5 Turbo2.
1985 Renault 5 Turbo2 emblem.
The aerodynamically designed 1985 Chrysler Laser XE 2-door hatchback was considered innovative at the time, with high-tech electronics, turbo power, and front-wheel drive. Base Laser powertrain included a fuel injected 2.2 liter engine and a 5-speed manual transmission. Options included a Turbo engine, automatic transmission, leather interior, sunroof, Euro handling package and a 15-inch tire and wheel package.
1985 Chrysler Laser XE.
After being exhibited at the 26th Tokyo Motor Show, the Be-1 was launched two years later in January 1987 (the canvas top model debuted in March). The “nostalgic modern” design concept stressed relaxation and comfort. At the time Japanese society was shifting towards more individualism, so this car was well received. Production was limited and it was so popular that, at its launch, buyers were chosen by lottery.
1987 Nissan Be-1 (BK-10)
Specifications.
Overall length / width / height: 3,635/1,580/1,395mm
Wheelbase: 2,300mm
Tread (front/rear): 1,365/1,350mm
Curb weight: 700kg
Engine: MA10 (4-cyl. in line, OHC), 987cc
Max. power (net): 38kW (52PS)/6,000rpm
Max. torque (net): 75Nm (7.6kgm)/3,600rpm
Transmission: 3-speed AT, floor shift
Suspension (front/rear): Strut/4-link
Tires: 165/70HR12
Seating capacity: 5
The Autobianchi A112 is a supermini produced by the Italian automaker Autobianchi. It was developed using the mechanicals which subsequently underpinned the Fiat 127. It was introduced in 1969.
1984 Autobianchi A112.
1984 Autobianchi A112.
The 1986 Honda Civic Si hatchback had a 12-valve, 1.5 liter engine with fuel injection and had 91 hp. It also had sport suspension with front and rear stabilizer bars plus a removable Moonroof.
1986 Honda Civic Si hatchback.
The Honda Civic GL was a fun little ride, with it’s 1488cc engine. It had front disc brakes and rear drum breaks. It was front wheel drive and a 5-speed transmission. Even back in 1985, it got 35mpg (46 highway).
1982 Honda Civic GL Hatchback.
The 1981 Mercury Capri RS equipment options package included:
Exterior.
• Hood scoop (non-fuctional large style)
• Black grille
• Black headlamp frames
• Black windshield molding
• Black dual remote control mirrors
• Upper bodyside dual accent stripe treatment (delete pin stripes)
• Black door handles and lock cylinders
Interior.
• Simulated engine-turned instrument panel and right-hand applique
• RS medallion on instrument panel
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Functional.
• Handling suspension
The 1981 Mercury Capri Turbo RS equipment options package included:
Exterior.
• Turbo RS tape identification on front fender
• Bright Turbo plaque on hood scoop
Functional.
• 2.3 litre 2V 4-cylinder turbocharged engine
• Sport tuned exhaust
• Michelin TRX low-profile steel-belted radial ply tires
• Three-spoke 15.3-inch forged aluminum wheels
• Rally suspension system
• Turbo function indicator lights on instrument panel
• 8000rpm tachometer
1981 Mercury Capri RS.