1979 in motoring
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[edit] United Kingdom
The Ford Cortina MK4 is relaunched as the MK5, but in reality it is little more than a facelifted version of the hugely popular saloons and estates that were launched in 1976. The ten-year-old Capri coupe has also received its second facelift, which is more substantial than the 1974 update.
Sales began in November of the Opel Kadett, which in the New Year will also be sold as the Vauxhall Astra - as General Motors enters the growing front-wheel drive hatchback market which has been soaring in recent years as manufactuers gradually move away from rear-wheel drive saloons.
[edit] France
Peugeot has launched a new large family saloon - the 505 - that will eventually replace the long-running and massively popular 504. It is a more modern-looking car than its predecessor, though it inherits the iconic boxy styling with which Peugeots have been associated with for the last decade.
Financially-troubled American car giant Chrysler has sold its European operations to Peugeot, with British Chrysler and French Simcas now wearing Talbot badges. Next year will see the launch of the Solara (a saloon version of the Alpine hatchback) as well as a large four-door saloon which is of a similar size to the new Peugeot 505. There are also plans to replace the Talbot Sunbeam with a new small car based on the Peugeot 104.
Europe's first hatchback, the Renault 16, has finally ceased production after 14 years. It was effectively replaced by the larger R20/R30 in 1975, but production has continued beyond the recent introduction of the R18 saloon.
[edit] Italy
Lancia has withdrawn its Montecarlo sporting coupe from production following criticism of its sub-standard braking system, but hopes to have it back in production (with refinements) next year.
[edit] Sweden
Saab has bolstered its impressive range of individualistic cars with the launch of the 900, a medium-sized range of three- and five-door hatchbacks which are of a similar size to the Ford Cortina, but offer more in the way of desirability and refinement. There will also be a turbocharged version of the car which is aimed directly at enthusiasts.
