Rover 75 2.0 CDT RANGE
Rovers 75 Makes A Lot Of Sense In Classy Turbodiesel Form. Jonathan Crouch Reports
Though sales of diesel models in smaller sectors of the market might be wavering, executives seem to like them more and more. Every prestige maker offers a diesel option, with engines that are becoming more and more sophisticated.
Rovers 75 could not afford to buck this trend nor has it. Indeed, many feel the 2.0 CDT models featured here to be the pick of the range, equipped as they are with a
BMW common rail 2.0-litre turbo diesel.
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In fact, there are two different versions of this engine, the 114bhp CDT (offered only in base Classic guise) and the 129bhp CDTi offered across the rest of the range. Prices start at £17,695 for the CDT and at £17,995 for the CDTi. Many will feel the additional expense is well justified, as the CDTi is usefully quicker, sprinting to 60mph in 10.3 seconds as opposed to 11.
7 seconds with unaffected fuel economy. Both are frugal: around 50mpg would not be an unusual touring figure and most users will average nearly 50mpg. That makes the CDT models considerably more frugal than other comparable 75s: the savings wouldnt take long to stack up. Yet diesels in the executive sector have to be more than frugal. These are quiet as well very quiet. Yes, theres the usual clatter on start-up but on the move, youd be hard-pressed to notice the lack of petrol power.
Few cars in this class can match this level of refinement. Pulling power through the gears is reasonable too though not quite as strong as some of Rovers fastest diesel rivals. These include BMWs 320d, which shares basically the same engine. Otherwise, the recipe is much the same as youll find with other saloon, Limousine and Tourer estate 75s which means that really distinctive look and the distinctive feel that will come with ownership.
This is the kind of car that demands a long, lingering look every time you get out and walk away. 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.
"Few cars in this class can match this level of refinement..."
Set against cars like Audis A4, BMWs 3 Series, Saabs 9-3 Sport Saloon, Mercedes C-class and Alfa Romeos 156, the 75 looks larger and more classy. So much so in fact that youd think it competed in the next class up against
BMW 5 Series and
Audi A6 opposition. This is entirely intentional, for the 75 did of course, at a stroke, replace not one but two complete ranges the old 600 and 800 line-ups. Inside, the interior is equally distinctive, complete with its oval steam engine binnacle dials that look like theyve been lifted from one of HG Wells time machines.
Other lovely detail touches also take you back: the chrome-plated door pulls and wing mirrors, 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 the 75 has in abundance. 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 1,222-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 2,060mm in length. In the limousine model theres 200mm of extra wheelbase which translates into considerably more rear leg room than the conventional saloon. Standard equipment levels really depend upon the size of your chequebook and your choice between three main trim levels Classic, Connoisseur and Contemporary, the latter two offered with SE options. Either way, however, expect to find ABS, numerous airbags, powered windows and mirrors, a leather gearknob, a six-speaker stereo and an alarm fitted across the range.
Pay a £1,000 premium if you want the versatility of the Tourer estate version and prices starting from £27,295 for the limo. On the road, that emphasis on luxury continues. 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.
True, a 3 Series or an Alfa 156 is more fun to drive on a twisting country road, but a well-driven 75 wouldnt be that far behind: in every other circumstance, its the car youd rather be in, capable yet undemanding. Theres the usual choice of five-speed manual or a new five-speed automatic transmission which curiously, isnt available with the Tiptronic-style manual shift option now offered by rival European brands. Even so, this is the one to choose, the shift quality of the manual box, though adequate, not being one of the Rovers strongpoints. By and large, however, the 75 is 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. Youll find it here. Add the diesel benefits offered by the 2.
0-litre CDT engines and its clear that Rover has a strong package to offer even for customers who wouldnt normally consider this kind of power.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Rover 75 2.0 CDT range
PRICES: £17,695-£27,295 on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 8-9
CO2 EMISSIONS: 163g/km
PERFORMANCE: [CDTi] 0-60mph 10.3s / Max Speed 120mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (urban) 33.7mpg / (extra urban) 59.2mpg / (combined) 46.3mpg
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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