If you’re fascinated by the history of the British motoring industry, journalist Craig Cheetham’s in-depth look at the Austin and Rover Metro story should pique your interest. It’s packed with information about the development, design and incredible 18-year production run of the model that was supposed to be the spiritual successor to the Mini. As we now know, the original Mini outlived the Metro and the later 100 Series due to its catastrophic crash test results which saw the 100 Series pulled from the market by Rover in 1998. There are interviews with key figures in its development, while the car’s launch and media reception are covered, along with the development of turbocharged MG Metros, GTa and GTi versions. The Peugeot-sourced 1.4- and 1.5-litre diesel engines are also featured, along with a long list of special editions, like the Knightsbridge and Kensington. Cabriolet editions also make an appearance, alongside other versions of the Metro that weren’t quite so well known. It’s an interesting book, packed with facts, and has been written to coincide with the Metro’s 30th birthday.