After the launch of Metro, designers were already looking to its replacement. Ideas were rooted in Spen King's forward-thinking ECV3, with aerodynamic styling and bonded aluminium bodywork. For power, it was designed to take the all-new K-series engine, which was under development at the same time with the goal of realising a super-economical, 100mpg "supermini".

Following various organisational changes at Austin Rover, projects not fully signed off fell victim and AR6 was shelved and the replacement for the Metro was the much less ambitious R6 programme.

This is an early running prototype AR6, clearly demonstrating the aluminium coachwork, bonded glass windows and avant-garde shape and it was a regular visitor to the Gaydon test track.