Austin Maestro
The spacious, glass-heavy hatchback that promised a British Leyland revival.
- Power
- 68 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 12.1 s
- Top speed
- 97 mph
- Est. value
- $3k–$9k
About the Austin Maestro
Launched in 1983 to replace the Allegro and Maxi, the Austin Maestro was a technologically advanced but stylistically conservative family hatchback. It featured a bonded laminated windscreen and homofocal headlamps, while the 1.3 L trim utilised the venerable A-Plus engine paired with a Volkswagen-sourced gearbox. Despite its class-leading interior space and visibility, the Maestro's reputation suffered from early build quality issues and a design that felt dated compared to the aerodynamic Ford Sierra. Today, it is a cult classic, celebrated for its simplicity and as a staple of the 'Festival of the Unexceptional'.
Austin Maestro specs
The Austin Maestro produces 68 bhp (51 kW) and 102 Nm (75 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 12.1 seconds and has a top speed of 97 mph (156 km/h).
| Make | Austin |
|---|---|
| Model | Maestro |
| Trim | 1.3 L |
| Years | 1983–1994 |
| Type | Hatchback |
| Body style | Hatchback |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Engine | 1.3-litre A-Plus inline-four |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,275 cc (1.3 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 68 bhp (51 kW) at 5,600 rpm |
| Torque | 102 Nm (75 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 6,000 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 12.1 s |
| Top speed | 97 mph (156 km/h) |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive |
| Weight | 875 kg (1,929 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 78 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is an Austin Maestro worth?
A typical Austin Maestro is estimated to be worth $3,000 – $9,000 (about £2,200 – £6,700).
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Austin Maestro rarity in CarSpot
The Austin Maestro is a Common card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 10 out of 100. Everyday cars you can spot on almost any street. A Common card is worth 10 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Austin Maestro fun facts
- The Maestro was one of the first cars to feature a talking dashboard, though this 'voice synthesiser' was reserved for higher trims like the Vanden Plas and MG.
- Early 1.3 and 1.6 manual models used gearboxes sourced from Volkswagen, a rare cross-manufacturer collaboration for British Leyland at the time.
- The car's design was largely finalised in the mid-1970s, which explains why its 'origami' styling looked dated by its 1983 launch.