Montego was launched in 1984 to replace the range from Allegro up to Ambassador. Montego was to share the same centre section as its sibling, the Maestro hatchback.

The car came in 1.3, 1.6 and 2-litre versions, MG and Vanden Plas 2-litre injected versions as well as a high performance MG Turbo. An estate was also available in 1.6 and 2-litre forms. A diesel model came in 1988 with the engine from the Maestro van.

The last model to bear the "Austin" name and the last Austin to be produced, this 2.0DLX was the last of 571,457 and rolled out of Cowley in December 1994. It has been signed by all 962 workers involved with Montego production.