The MkIII was launched with an overlap in its engine range. The base 1300 and 1600 models were fitted with the well established 57/68bhp pushrod engines, whilst the 1600GT/GXL models received the new belt driven Pinto OHC engine which in 1600cc form offered a useful 20bhp more but carried a weight penalty of 8.16kgs. The pushrod 1600 engine was dropped during the models first major revamp in 1973, although the 1300 survived into the MkIV range.