The company was instead forced into launching the Maestro with the half-developed power unit which cost the company dearly—R-series-equipped Maestros soon gained a reputation for hot starting problems, cylinder head gasket failures (endemic to the E series also), and premature crankshaft failure. Because the E series was turned through 180 degrees in order to accommodate an end-on transmission, the R series was fitted to the Maestro with the carburettor facing the front of the car, which also led to a reputation for carburettor icing in cold weather.
The company was forced to launch the Maestro with a half-developed power unit, which cost them dearly—R-series-equipped Maestros soon gained a reputation for starting problems, cylinder head gasket failures (common to the E series as well), and premature crankshaft failure. Because the E series was rotated 180 degrees to accommodate an end-on transmission, the R series was fitted to the Maestro with the carburetor facing the front of the car, which also led to a reputation for carburetor icing in cold weather.