The fully redesigned Oxford was announced in May 1954,[5] and following the formation of BMC, notably received the Austin-designed B-Series OHV straight-4.

This modern 1.5 L (1489 cc/90 in3) engine produced a respectable 50 hp (37 kW)[4] and allowed the Oxford to reach 74 mph (119 km/h).

The column gear change and front bench seat allowed the saloon to be advertised as a full six-seater.

Unusually for a British car of its class at the time, the heater was a standard fitting but the radio remained an extra.

The British Motor magazine tested a Series II saloon in 1954 recording a top speed of 74.2 mph (119.4 km/h) and acceleration from 0–60 mph (97 km/h) in 28.9 seconds and a fuel consumption of 28.2 miles per imperial gallon (10.0 L/100 km; 23.5 mpg‑US).