Rover 45 RANGE
The Latest Revisions To The 45 Range Give It A Whole New Lease Of Life. At Least Thats What
MG Rover Are Hoping. By Andy Enright
In the cut and thrust of the automotive world, its tempting to be seduced by the latest thing, the flashiest gadgets, the slinkiest styling and this seasons must-have ticket. The problem with this seasons look is that come next season it looks distinctly secondhand. There are two solutions to this dilemma. Either constantly replace your vehicle to stay at the forefront of fashion or duck out of this rat race with something reassuringly classic in appeal.
Something like Rovers 45.
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The word classic is often a pseudonym for the word expensive, but not in this case. In theory, you can buy a
Rover 45 for £9,995 but in practice, todays current line-up starts at £10,995 for the five-door 1.4-litre petrol 103PS GLi models. These come laden with equipment, much of which you wouldnt expect to find as standard on a car twice as much.
A full leather interior for example (choose from Light Smokestone or Black hues). Then youve to decide on the complementing wood finishing touches. Theres a choice of Black Oak, Light Oak or more traditional Burr Walnut. No good having all that of course if you dont also have the basics like electric front windows, an electric sunroof, twin front and side airbags, ABS, drivers
seat height and lumber adjustment and a CD stereo with remote audio controls: so these are all included. Unfortunately, air conditioning is missing but you cant have everything. Or at least you cant for £10,995. Throw another £1,150 at your Rover dealer and air conditioning is included on the £12,145 GSi model equipped with the same engine and the same five-door bodystyle.
For that, you also get alloy wheels, electric rear windows, chromed powered door mirrors, a pollen filter and locking wheel nuts.
"If youd written the Rover 45 off as some sort of automotive anachronism, its time to approach it from a fresh perspective"
The GSi trim level also gives buyers the chance to opt for 109PS 1.6-litre petrol power (for £12,845) or a 101PS 2.0-litre turbo diesel variant (£13,145). Both of these can be ordered in four-door saloon guise for an £800 increment.
If you havent checked out a Rover 45 for some time, then you probably wont be aware of the styling enhancements introduced in 2004. These were surprisingly effective, given that the cars fundamental design is, to put it politely, rather old. In fact, the deeper front grille and twin lens headlamps look distinctly
BMW in their styling influences (funny that). Integrated indicators and a fresh front bumper design have given the 45 a more dynamic look.
The rear end is, if anything, even more radical with an angular rear bumper entailing a repositioned number plate and a big, bold boot/tailback treatment. A rear lip spoiler and classy chromed Rover lettering across the cars posterior are also featured. Other exterior changes include side sill extensions and body coloured side rubbing strips. The remote locking now features a rolling code system that means that thieves will never be able to capture and subsequently use your transmitters frequency.
Rover have also fitted a master locking switch in the 45s fascia that instantly locks all doors and doubles as a panic function. Hold the switch for over two seconds and the doors lock and the alarm siren and hazard lights are activated. Anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution are now fitted to every 45 and most models feature the TrafficMaster traffic alert system to help you avoid congestion. Ultrasonic rear parking sensors are also available.
The interior was always the part which dated the 45 most appreciably and it too has come in for a rethink in recent times. Its nothing too radical and if you get in anticipating the cabin to be as funky as a
Honda Civic or
Vauxhall Astra, you may need your expectations managed. The fascia has been updated with four circular air vents finished in chrome and contrasting wood fillets inserted into the dashboard. On the road, you wont be expecting a cutting edge driving experience and you wont get one.
Still, the package is probably quite good enough for this cars likely (older) target market. Some of the 45 ranges most significant recent under-bonnet changes have been reserved for the 2.0-litre turbo diesel unit meaning its good enough to enjoy a much wider appeal. This engine features a high-pressure injection system that does little for the 101Ps power output but much for the crucial torque curve, giving extraordinary pulling power through the gears.
Even in high gears at low speeds, acceleration is instant, a match in fact even for the 2.5-litre V6 used in the 75. A diesel, in other words, to convince even die-hard petrol buyers or at least that's the idea. Another option for those looking to save on fuel bills is a Rover-authorised LPG conversion. If youd written the Rover 45 off as some sort of automotive anachronism, its time to approach it from a fresh perspective. The 45 is still some way off the cutting edge but its a charming and neatly styled car with a range of gutsy engines to choose from.
Whats more, it drives a lot better than you might expect just take a look at the stonking
MG ZS to see quite what this chassis is capable of delivering. The prices are keen and the overall package is appealing in a way none of its competitors can replicate. No class honours, but if you want a car with a slightly detached, imperial feel to it, the 45 is the one to choose.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Rover 45 range
PRICES: £9,995-£16,195 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 8-12
CO2 EMISSIONS: 150-174g/km
PERFORMANCE: [1.8] 0-60mph 9.3s / Max Speed 121mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [1.8] (urban) 29.8mpg/ (extra urban) 49.4mpg / (combined) 39.7mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Drivers airbag
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: [4dr] length/width/height 4517/1910/1395mm
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