the Robin. To match the new engine, the rear axle ratio was raised to 2.78/1 (and can be identified with 'B' stamped on the diff case). This, combined with the engine, gave the car a much higher top speed of 100 mph, and a fuel economy figure of 72mpg at 56 mph. The engine now produced peak torque at lower engine speeds, and the axle allowed the Rialto to cruise at 70 mph at lower revs. This created the disadvantage of not being able to cruise at 30 mph in 4th gear. Rialto 2s now had vinyl seats on basic models, or corduroy cloth seats on GLS models. All Rialto 2 models, regardless of specification, were fitted with a vacuum economy gauge, along with a new decal set of a double coach line with "RIALTO 2" on the wings and rear door, and new wheel trims. Another visual improvement on GLS models took the form of black plastic bumpers which wrapped around the front and rear. By late 1984, the Rialto 2 was re-released with an altered specification; the rear axle ratio was returned to 3.23/1, as customers complained of being unable to use 4th gear at city speeds, and the economy gauge was no longer fitted. Rialto SE The Rialto SE was introduced in 1986. Whilst the best selling model in the Rialto 2 range was the estate, Reliant introduced for the first time a hatchback Rialto, after much development to the roof structure to add enough strength for the tailgate hinges. This model was a huge commercial success, and soon become Reliant's best selling model. Mechanical parts of the new Rialto SE had reverted to the standard specification engine, but now with a grey rocker cover, and were equipped with a pre-engaged starter motor for improved starting. Bodywork now came in brighter colours than before, as well as having a black gradient decal border running along the bottom of the car, plus a single orange pin stripe running front to rear in the centre of the car. The introduction of the Rialto SE hatchback resulted in the Rialto 2 saloon becoming the cheapest car in the whole range, but would end up being deleted from the line-up by 1995. By 1990 a roller bearing clutch was also introduced on all models. The Mk 2 Robin estate was launched in 1992, but the Rialto SE estate remained in production