I currently own a 216 Coupe, and have been so impressed with the car that I felt I owed it a decent review. This is my first review so be gentle!
OVERVIEW My car is a 1994 216 which means it is equipped with the Honda D16 single cam engine rather than the later models twin-camK-Series. It's well equipped for the money, and has proved to be utterly bulletproof so far with the 4000 miles I've put on it in the last 2 months.
IMAGE The 200 coupe was fortunate amongst the somewhat staid Rover 200 line as it is a handsome car that wears its years well. At the end of the day though, it is still a Rover whos design is over 15 years old, so if image is important to you, it might not be the car for you.
PERFORMANCE As I mentioned, this is the Honda 1.6 version of the car with the single cam engine, however I also own a twin camK series 200 (the newer shape) and the performance is practically identical - neither of which will exactly set the world alight. It gets up to 60 from rest in around 9.3 seconds and on to a top speed of just over 120mph. It does generally feel nippy however, and has more than enough pull higher up the rev range. It IS a revvy engine though, and can feel a little lacklustre low down. The brakes are never less than superb, and an average £35 fill up will do 300 miles of rush hour commuting into town.
HANDLING & RIDE The handling on these cars is absolutely superb, its not quite as good as the top-end turbo models with their clever TorSen differential, but it is fairly neutral tending toward mild understeer on the limit and never unpredictable. Turn in is sharp and precise and it is an easy car to place exactly where you want it. In common with many Rovers, the company have managed to blend this with a compliant ride that is uncharacteristic of such a cheap car.
SPECIFICATION The car is well equipped, with a rear spoiler, alloy wheels, and part leather sports seats. There isn't a whole lot of extra options available however, as this is both the base model and an old car. There is also no traction control or ABS.
RELIABILITY It is probably a little early to say after 2 months of ownership, but I have done an above average number of miles in it (4000) with no problems, and as I personally know the previous owner, I know that during his 3 years of ownership it never once broke down.
OVERALL QUALITY As an overall package, this car is a good buy, and a bargain for the usual sub £600 they go for. There are a couple minor quality niggles however. Firstly, the doors have no frame around the top, which means that the rubber seals around the top of the window tend to let through quite a bit of wind noise above 65mph. This has been a problem on both of the 200 coupes I have owned. Secondly, in common with most older rovers, there are quite a few rattles in the car which spoil the overall impression a little, but neither of these are major issues on a car at this price.
SUMMARY Overall, a fantastic buy for the money. Look for a good one and it won't let you down. It is more of a drivers car than a cruiser however due to a few quality niggles and the lack of power low down.
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Advantages: Stunning looks, rare to see, fantastic spec, good handling, cheap to buy and maintain Disadvantages: A few niggly faults, the 1.6 k series engine isn't much different to the 1.4
kris214 09.07.2009 ·
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Rover 200 Coupe
Advantages: VVC Engine or Turbo engines are extremely quick and handle well. Targa removable roof. Disadvantages: Turbo tyre wear, not a very modern dash!
fezza101 04.04.2006 ·
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
Review of Rover 200 Coupe
Advantages: VVC Engine or Turbo engines are extremely quick and handle well. Targa removable roof. Disadvantages: Turbo tyre wear, not a very modern dash!
fezza101 04.04.2006 ·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
Review of Rover 200 Coupe
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