Rover 75 1.8 16v RANGE
Rovers 75 Range Has Always Been A Big Draw, Especially In Entry-Level 1.8-litre Form. Jonathan Crouch Reports
Rovers 75 is certainly aging well, though the announcement of carefully facelifted versions in recent times has helped. So has the fact that the quality has improved, courtesy of a dedicated workforce at the companys Longbridge plant in Birmingham.
If youve owned a 75 before, youll notice the facelift applied to the latest models. The changes arent especially fundemental, the latest design embracing a sharper-edged front and rear exterior appearance, a larger integrated radiator grille, halogen projector headlamps and three distinct trim identities. So to recap, the 75 has a very definate appeal if you like the idea of something mid-way between a
BMW 3 and 5 Series in size that prioritises refinement and comfort above handling and performance. For confirmation of that, you have only to spend a few hours in the model on test here, the entry-level 1.
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8-litre version. Given that this engine was first seen in the MGF roadster and hot versions of the old
Rover 200, you might expect the K Series 1.8-litre unit to have a sporty, raspy
Honda VTEC-like feel. It doesnt.
A comprehensive re-tune has given it a more relaxed gait thats in keeping with the demeanor of the rest of the car. Still, performance isnt too bad, sixty being 10.9s away en route to 121mph. If you want to go faster, theres a turbocharged 1.
8T variant thats well worth consideration.
"In many ways, the 75s comfort-orientated approach is a rather refreshing one."
The improvements weve seen in build quality in recent times mean that you can now make a strong argument for the 1.8-litre entry-level model being by far the most sensible choice in the range, given that it brings real executive values to the Mondeo/Vectra/406 sector. Its £16,395 sticker price (in basic Classic saloon guise) would buy you only a relatively humble Mondeo or Vectra. Set a 75 alongside either of these and it seems a classier proposition altogether.
Part of this is thanks to
MG Rovers policy of not making entry-level buyers feel short-changed: no de-chroming, no skinny wheels. Indeed, park a 75 1.8 Classic alongside the 2.5 V6 Connoisseur SE model and the only major differences are the plastic wheel covers and absence of front foglamps.
You wont feel deprived inside either. Classic trim runs to plush velour trim with contrasting piping, leather-rimmed height and reach-adjustable steering wheel, leather gearknob, six-speaker sound with remote controls, electric windows, driver, passenger and side airbags, anti-lock brakes and remote central locking. In addition of course, you still get the steam engine binnacle dials that look like theyve been lifted from one of HG Wells time machines. Plus the other lovely detail touches that take you back: the chrome-plated door pulls, the satisfying clunk as the doors shut even the wood fascia, designed into the cabin rather than added on as an afterthought. It isnt really wood of course, but who cares? Its the ambience that matters and ambience is something every 75 has in abundance. If you want more, another £1,700 buys Connoisseur status, plus there are Contemporary models too, both these plusher trim levels also offered in SE guise. Accommodation is one area where those glorious junior
Bentley looks flatter to deceive.
The 75 may be somewhere between a 3 and a 5 Series in exterior length but inside, theres no more room than youd find in the smaller Three. This is surprising when you consider the natural packaging advantages that the front wheel drive Rover enjoys over its rear wheel drive German counterparts. In compensation, the boot is a reasonable size though you have to pay extra for a folding rear
seat. Still, if you want extra space, theres always the stylish Tourer version to consider at a premium of around £1,000 over the saloon.
This should swallow a little more luggage, thanks to boxy dimensions that disguise a slightly smaller 1222-litre capacity with the seats folded down. Dont go expecting to transport a grandfather clock mind you: theres only 45mm of extra rear overhang which means that the loadbay is restricted to 2060mm in length. As for road manners, well you have to remember that this car was originally developed by
BMW engineers. Mindful that this car would compete in the same sector as their 3 Series, the Bavarian bean counters had ordered them to emphasise ride and refinement above handling and roadholding hence the balance we have today. In many ways, its a rather refreshing approach thats certainly better suited to the real needs of the kind of people who will likely drive this car day in, day out.
And you can throw it about a bit if you really need to: its just that the car doesnt really encourage you to do so. The Rover sails over surfaces that would, quite frankly, be unpleasant in equivalent BMWs and Audis. Its quieter too in every area save that of wind noise. This is a vehicle you need to live with to really appreciate its virtues: talk to many who have and theyll often tell you that its the car theyd rather be in, capable yet undemanding. The 75 remains a breath of fresh air in a sector increasingly absorbed with performance and handling. Many of the other alternatives seem to have been developed with a complete disregard for the reasons why executives actually buy cars like these. That pride of ownership, that feeling of accomplishment behind the wheel.
Even if youre restricted to the lower rungs of the price ladder, youll still find it here.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Rover 75 1.8 16v range
PRICES: £16,395-£21,995 on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 8E
CO2 EMISSIONS: 185g/km
PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 10.9s / Max Speed 121mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (urban) 26.1mpg / (extra urban) 46.5mpg / (combined) 36.1mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front and side airbags / ABS
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Heightmm 4745/1970/1427
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