Austin FX4 1971–1984 car dimensions: 4580 mm long, 1740 mm wide and 1770 mm high. Unladen weight is 1,600 kg.
The cabin has a fixed partition with sliding glass separating the driver from the rear passenger area. Seats are finished in durable black vinyl. A passenger heater sits behind the driver seat with vents at the partition base, and a fresh air vent is by the driver's knee. The dashboard is basic metal with padding added from 1974 for safety rules, plus simple instruments. Sound deadening covers the floor and tunnel. Radio-cassettes and sliding sunroofs were options on later HL and HLS grades. No electronic driver aids appear in period specs.
The rear boot is small and mainly holds the spare wheel plus tools. Passenger bags ride in the rear compartment or the space beside the driver.
Built as a work taxi, the FX4 carries three on the rear bench plus two tip-up seats for five passengers total. The separate chassis and leaf-spring setup handle daily city loads, with provincial versions often fitted with ten-leaf rear springs for the extra passenger weight. Pressurised cooling arrived with the 2.5-litre diesel in 1971.
The cabin is basic and built for hard taxi work with black vinyl seats and rubber floor mats. Driver seat adjusts for height and fore-aft. Rear passengers get high headroom, wide bench seating and tip-up occasional seats. A passenger heater sits under or behind the rear seat with its own switch. Sound deadening was added for a quieter ride and a fresh-air vent is by the driver’s knee. Heated rear window became standard later in the run.
2.5-litre diesel engine from 1971
Passed 30 mph barrier crash test at MIRA
Collapsible steering column standard from 1974
Burst-proof door locks and padded dashboard from 1974
Dual-circuit hydraulic drum brakes
Independent driver and passenger heaters
The car runs a 2.5-litre Austin diesel introduced in 1971. Petrol versions were dropped by 1973. Top speed rose to around 70 mph with the larger diesel.
Servicing benefits from a fully opening bonnet that gives clear engine access. Bolt-on wings and outer panels make body repairs straightforward. Dual-circuit brakes and later front servo assistance were fitted. Workshop manuals cover the Austin-engined models.
Safety updates for 1974 European rules added a collapsible steering column, burst-proof locks, push-button handles and a padded facia. The separate chassis helped it pass a 30 mph concrete-block crash test. PCO rules required dual-circuit brakes, a fire extinguisher, toughened glass and a 40-degree tilt stability test. Driver seat belts were standard.
The design prioritises durability and easy upkeep for high-mileage taxi duty. Independent front suspension and a live rear axle with leaf springs handle city work. Regular greasing and brake adjustments keep it reliable.
Length 4580 mm, Width 1740 mm, Height 1770 mm, Wheelbase 2810 mm (FX4 1971–1984)
Sources: manufacturer data, motor-car.net, carbaze.com and others.