The Robin was replaced by the frumpy Rialto in 1980, but returned for the nineties in Mk2 form (right). The company was changing hands more often than an excited pianist at this point, and there were some problems with build quality. All profits were ploughed into developing new products, leaving the Robin almost archaic. These new manufactring projects never came to fruition, do to numerous factors, so in effect all of the revenue was being wasted.

The Robin was designed by Tom Karen of Ogle Design, and has become the butt of many jokes. Although the Reliant cars are mostly confined to Britain, series like Only Fools and Horses and, especially, Mr.Bean have spread the "comical" image of the Reliant worldwide. It was available in Hatchback, Estate, Pickup and Van variants. The rear seat folds flat to create a very large boot area, which would put many larger cars to shame. Many are said to be capeable of speeds well in excess of the manufacturer's claimed top speed of 85mph (most recently). There are numerous reports of unmodified cars in high-speed chases up to, and above, 90mph. They are very frugal, and will easily give more than 60mpg - well above that if they can be driven slowly.