Rover 25 GLi RANGE
Rover's Latest 25 Still Has A Certain Unique Appeal, Especially In Affordable Leather And Wood-Trimmed GLi Guise, Thinks Jonathan Crouch
Class and quality are not features you expect to find on an affordable supermini. Practical plastics, efficient engines and frugal fuelling, yes. But a feel-good factor? Forget it.
This is where Rover hopes to have cornered the market with its latest 25 range, especially in its most recent, significantly improved form. Were looking here at one of the more recently introduced trim levels, GLi specification, announced to try and differentiate this cars appeal from that of more sophisticated supermini rivals. Rover knows that the 25 isnt a cutting edge product. Yet that doesnt mean that it cant create for itself a very effective market niche amongst buyers looking for an affordable runaround with the kind of wood and leather interior atmosphere that normally would be out of their reach on a budget of just £8,995.
| Build |
 |
| Comfort |
 |
| Depreciation |
|
| Economy |
|
| Equipment |
|
| Handling |
|
| Insurance |
|
| Performance |
|
| Styling |
 |
| Value |
|
Thats all you pay for the GLi in 84PS 1.4-litre petrol form. Alternatively, theres a 2.0-litre diesel version on offer for £10,795.
These prices are for the three-door models. If you want five doors, expect to pay £9,595 and £11,345 respectively. If you owned an earlier 25 model, youll certainly notice one of the key improvements to the latest version - a traffic congestion warning device built into the digital fascia clock. This uses signals from the Trafficmaster network to provide live traffic information, warning of congestion on motorways and trunk roads in three zones three motorway junctions or up to 5, 10 or 15 miles on trunk roads from the cars current position.
A Becker Satellite Navigation unit is an optional extra and incorporates a high-spec CD tuner capable of playing music at the same time as guiding you to a destination anywhere in the UK or Europe. Some effort has also been made to improve the cabin ambience. These days, 25 models have much smarter instrument graphics and parchment-coloured dials, similar to those in the larger
Rover 75. The graphics are also clearer for the heating and ventilation controls and the steering wheel and the gearknob are also more appealing for look and feel.
The fabrics are of a higher quality too.
"An affordable runaround with the kind of wood and leather interior atmosphere normally out of reach for £9,000 budget buyers..."
Those who drove an older 25 often complained about the lack of seating support, something now taken care of with a redesign for both the front chairs. The stereos higher-tech too, a slicker Blaupunkt unit. You even now get a cup holder, along with thoughtful touches like pen clips and front doorbin fittings that incorporate stowage space for CDs. Theres also a detachable twin cup holder insert for the centre console oddments box.
The Stowage Pack is worth considering. You get a neat, folding stowage box tailored to fit the floor area which stores flat when not required and assembles in seconds with velcro fittings. There also a useful hook that fits in both sides of the boot for shopping bags and takeaways. On the security front, the latest 25 model range boasts improved shielding of security-associated electronic items, ignition locks, rear door locks and boot/tailgate locks.
The sill-locking buttons have been shortened and the alarm sounders have a separate battery back-up. Special new anti-tamper arrangements have been made for the VIN plate too. These small but significant changes have led to an improved Thatcham Category 1 security rating. Both the engines on offer are quite efficient, particularly the 84PS 1.
4-litre 16v unit. This powerplant tends to account for the majority of sales. The 2.0-litre turbo diesel meanwhile, has a high pressure injection system and a plump torque curve, giving strong pulling power through the gears.
A diesel, in other words, to convince even die-hard petrol buyers - or at least that's the idea. Interior space isnt huge: to travel five-up, you'd need to be pretty friendly with your companions. Still, this is a supermini. Not that you'd know that from lifting the tailgate. The 25's 10.7cuft with the split-folding rear seats up is close to class-leading, though access to the boot area is slightly hindered by a rather narrow opening. Not that it's such practical issues you'll remember after taking a test drive. Class and quality, as we suggested at the beginning, are what this car is about. A classy package then, which deserves a second chance from buyers who may have omitted the 25 from their supermini shopping lists. Compared to its mainstream rivals, this car serves up surprisingly appealing fare.
It may not be at the cutting edge of technology but it's the kind of family car you'd be proud to have on your driveway. At the end of the day, if you're spending your own money, that may be what counts.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Rover 25 GLi range
PRICES: £8,995-£11,345 on the road
CO2 EMISSIONS: 150-164g/km
PERFORMANCE: [1.4 84PS] 0-60mph 11.8s / 0-60mph 105mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [1.4 84PS] (urban) 32.1mpg/ (extra urban) 53.1mpg / (combined) 42.8mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Driver's Airbag
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height" 156/66/56"
<< Back to Rover car reviews
<< Back to car reviews homepage
Find New & Used Cars in the UK |
New & Used Rover Cars For Sale UK
