By any standards, this is a prestigious car, lavishly equipped and making full use of electronics technology to add safety and pleasure to every journey. Add the positive benefits which accrue from the original Maestro concept - spaciousness within a compact body, outstanding load versatility and extremely low running costs - and it becomes clear that for people with more sense than money, this is indeed 'the only way to travel'.

Visually, the Maestro Vanden Plas is a delight, colour-matched bumpers, discreetly tinted glass and full-diameter wheeltrims enhancing the panoramic line created by the wide lens halogen headlamps, 'white lamp' direction indicators and scolloped door panels.

Handsome is as handsome does: the flush glazed front and rear screens, remotely-controlled exterior mirrors, roof-mounted water-shedders (instead of conventional drip rails) and sculpted front spoiler....all these have been designed with aerodynamic efficiency - and hence quietness and fuel economy - firmly in mind. Even the retractable arial is built into the windscreen pillar, where it causes less wind noise.

Technically the Maestro Vanden Plas more than lives up to its visual promise. The performance-proved 1.6 litre 'R' Series engine is fitted with electronic 'breakerless' ignition and a sophisticated electronic engine management system, ensuring well-mannered and fuel-efficient behaviour on cold winter mornings, or during stop/start driving in heavy town traffic. The efficiency of this microprocessor-based control system is reflected in the car's maximum speed of 100 mph, coupled with such satisfying fuel consumption figures as 52.5 mpg at a constant 56 mph.

The Maestro Vanden Plas is equipped with a five-speed gearbox, rack and pinion steering, independant coil spring suspension, servo-assisted dual-circuit brakes and low rolling-resistance tyres. Routine servicing is needed only once a year or every 12,000 miles. And - a further economic consideration - each car is accompanies by Austin Rover's 6-year Supershield corrosion warranty.

But the real joy of owning this elegant yet practical car can only be gauged by opening the door and looking inside. Let's do that.

Few cars, of any size or at any price, can rival the Maestro Vanden Plas in terms of decor or equipment. Virtually every item within the airily spacious interior is colour co-ordinated - the beautiful velvet-trimmed seats, matching headrests, carpeting, facia, radio console, steering wheel....even the seat belts! Mellow burr-walnut-veneer door trim and an upholstered cloth headlining complete the visual theme. As with most other Maestro models, the wide rear seat is asymetrically split, either or both sections folding down to create additional loadspace. Front seats recline fully and are fitted with tailored head restraints. The Vanden Plas has a wealth of special equipment. Both front windows are electrically operated, with a master control on the driver's door and additional switches (all illuminated at night) for the front seat passenger. A central locking system insures that none of the car's five doors is left unlocked accidentally. Controlled by a single key, the system also ends the fumbling nuisance of unlocking individual doors in - perhaps - an unlit car park. Mounted in the centre console is a push button radio and cassette player. Cassette racks are built into the glovebox. To make the most of intermittent British sunshine, a tilt-or-slide steel sunroof is fitted. Easily operated with one hand, it can be opened or closed in seconds. Last but not least in this catalogue of special equipment is electronic instrumentation, with trip computer and voice synthesizer. This sophisticated system displays your road speed, engine speed, fuel level and engine coolant temperature. It will also display - on your command - the distance you have travelled, fuel used, present fuel consumption, average fuel usage during the journey, correct time and date. Some of this information will be spoken as well as displayed, as will a selection of warnings and reminders.

Standard Equipment All 1.6HLS Refinements plus: Chrome radiator grille Bright insert to side mouldings Full diameter flush wheel trims Raschelle luxury fabric trim Head restraint pads Burr-walnut veneer Carpeted door kick panels Rear centre armrest Solid state instrumentation Trip computer and voice synthesis Radio/stereo cassette player Dipping interior mirror Illuminated ashtray Twin bright finish door mirrors Slide and tilt sunroof Moulded headlining Electric front windows Bronze-tinted glass Cut pile carpet Central locking

The Miracle Maestro, 1983 (Publication No. 3598)