Rover 25 1.6 > Reviews (4)

I used to own a “P” Reg Renault Megane 1.4 RN and after owning it for about a year I was less than impressed with it – it got me from A to B, but was no fun - it was time to get a new car. After much deliberation and test-driving of various cars – Vauxhall Astra, VW Polo and a few others - this little cherry caught my eye. Of course, I didn’t buy new so I trawled around my local car dealerships before I found it, finally settling on a Rover 25 1.6 16V iXL in silver – with black leather interior and more electrics that you can shake a stick at!

EXTERIOR
The Rover 25 shares the same chassis shape as the MG ZR, the only difference is that the ZR comes in a range of bright colours and the fuel consumption figures (estimated) are slightly lower. It has twin BMW style headlamps with colour code trim and bumpers with twin front fog lamps built into the front bumper with a third high visibility brake light in the back window.

Unfortunately, in comparison to other cars in its class, the shape is quite plain with no frills or excess badges, just a simple, small British flag and a “Rover 25” badge on the back – strangely enough the car is classed as a super mini… strange for the size?!?!

RUNNING COSTS
The important bit! According to Parker Price Guide 2003 the Rover 25 is insurance group 7, which, in insurance terms, is quite reasonable. The fuel tank holds roughly 47 litres / 38kgs (just over 10.35 gallons) of petrol and takes roughly £37 to fill from empty (at 75.9 pence per litre). Due to new road tax rules and the emission dependent tax scheme, the car costs £125 a year due to the low CO2 emissions as opposed to the usual £165 for older cars. According to official figures, the car will average about 35 mpg (miles per gallon) urban and 40-45 on motorways.

In total, the figures are pretty average for a car of this size, not brilliant. What I have found on long trips is that @ 70mph (112km/h) the car uses MUCH more petrol and although the engine is very powerful it discourages you from using it to its full potential.

HANDLING AND BRAKING
The Rover 25 is equipped with 4 15” Silver Alloy wheels (steel wheel spare) and is controlled by Speed-Sensitive Power Assisted Steering (SSPAS) – a nice touch that varies the steering wheel resistance in proportion to the speed at which you are travelling, very useful.

It also comes fully equipped with a Traction Control System (TCS) which allows the car to hold the road even on the tightest of bends and an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBFD)… basically speaking, the wheels do not lock up when you brake hard (you wont skid) and you will not be thrown forward – the car distributes the pressure to the braking system in all four wheels, in accordance with the road conditions and the g-forces acting on the car.

These are excellent features of the car that increases the safety and comfort of driving. My only gripe is that the steering may be too stable for some people, it feels sporty enough but is quite boring on long trips.

ACCELERATION & TOP SPEED
Rated at 107 BHP (Brake Horse Power) it’s wicked, 0-60 in about 7-8 seconds depending on gear changes with a top speed of 140 on the clock (roughly 130 –135 manageable!), with very, very good response from the accelerator and clutch.

Although mentioned already, for optimum fuel economy keep harsh acceleration to a minimum as it will, literally, drink the juice.

INTERIOR
The 1.6iXL has a black leather interior and black vinyl dashboard with a clock and Traffic Master system located dead centre. The courtesy lamp is located in the centre of the cabin instead of above the rear view mirror, quite strange but useful! The console’s general theme is white dials with orange backlighting – quite a sporty look. The fuel-gauge, rev counter and speedometer are all present. The Rover has a digital odometer and trip counter located in the speedometer.

All in all a very nice, sporty looking interior but, again, quite bland in comparison to other cars.

ACCESSORIES
The Rover 25 1.6 iXL is virtually loaded with extras and other engine sizes and trims may come with some or all of the features listed here.

Driver and passenger air bags – for driver and passenger safety in a head-on accident
Supplementary Restraint System (SRS) – works in conjunction with the airbags to minimise whiplash and seatbelt bruising in the case of a collision.
Electric front windows and electric sunroof for hassle free opening and closing of transparencies + it looks cool.
‘Traffic Master’ traffic system built into the clock unit on the dashboard for advanced warnings of traffic hold ups in a 10 mile radius (no subscription, it’s free!)
Leather upholstery for durability, comfort and amazing looks.
Air Conditioning (AC) – for those boiling hot summer days.
Heated Electric Mirrors – hassle free all round visibility.
Side impact bars – to protect the passengers and driver from a side collision.

SECURITY
The security is very good for a car of this size. The factory fitted immobiliser and alarm come with remote key fob activation and auto deadlocks, to cap off the windows are Pilkington K glass toughened windows.

MANUFACTURER SUPPORT
If bought from new, Rover generally offer 3 years free servicing, warranty and roadside assistance. Even bought nearly new, as long as the service history is kept up to date the warranty still stands. The service prices range with the work to be carried out but is generally (with air conditioning) a 15,000 mile service costs about £230, without it usually costs about £190. Service every 15,000 miles or year for the first 3 years to retain manufacturers warranty and the cam belt should be changed at 90,000 – as opposed to 72,000 with most other cars.

OVERALL
A very good car that is fun to drive with lots of electric ‘toys’ to play with. The Rover 25 impresses with its excellent acceleration, solid handling, comfortable stylish interior, cheap insurance/tax and manufacturer support.

However, a very thirsty engine and mature persons image flaw the whole bundle. If you can deal with these minor flaws then the Rover 25 is an ideal choice of car… as an alternate you could try the MG ZR.....

REFERENCES
www.mgrover.co.uk
www.parkers.co.uk
www.autotrader.co.uk
www.jamjar.com