It has often been stated that the partnership between Rover & Honda was an ideal match.

Whether this be true or not, the partnership certainly helped to keep Rover afloat at a time when it was in serious trouble. Couple Honda’s build & engineering quality with a marque which held great admiration from bygone era’s, the result was not only a car company that was saved, but one which was able to produce cars to rival any other manufacturer in the world.
The history of the Rover 200, a car which, arguably, will go down in history as a Company saver. (The 400 came later).


The main thing to remember about the 200/400 series, and the 200 in particular, is that the car has been around for a long time (since 1984). Consequently, there have been a lot of ‘variations on a theme’, ranging from the 213S 4 door saloon up to & including the 1.8 VVC Coupe’ 2 door & limited edition Rover 200 BRM.

Prior to the Rover 200 series, the Triumph Acclaim was the first of the Honda/Rover vehicles. Albeit that the Acclaim was more of a badge engineered Honda with the ‘Triumph’ name. Known as the Honda Quintet throughout North America and Asia, the first Rover 200 was actually based on the Honda Ballade. It was introduced in 1984, using either a Honda 1342cc Un-leaded engine or a Rover 1598cc 4* engine. (It wasn’t until much later, with revised styling of the 200/400 series, that Rover came to the fore with its own design).

The 200 was seen as a welcome addition to the Austin Rover range at the time. Slightly more compact than the Austin Montego. The “Roverised” version of the 200 was nicer to look at than its Japanese counterpart, and benefited greatly from more English styling than the plastic Honda one.

When you set out looking for a Rover 200/400, the first thing to sort out is the type of vehicle you want/need & price range, (it is surprising how many people go above their initial price to obtain that ‘bargain’). O.K, so just what do you want? The choice is yours, from a simple runaround, a sporty coupe’, a cabriolet or a tourer. There is a model to suit all tastes in the 200/400 series.
For ease of understanding, we have grouped the ranges into their respective years & when new engines or models were introduced.

As already stated, the initial Rover 200 came with either a Honda 1300 or Rover 1600 engine, both of which gave similar consumption figures!

October 1988 saw the 216SE fitted with an injected engine, it was also available in EFi & Vanden Plas variations. These were discontinued in 1990.

The, by now, hugely successfull ‘tie-up’ between Honda & Rover meant that the ‘new’ Rover 200 introduced in 1989 shared the body styling & 1600cc engine with the Honda Concerto hatchback.
Rover were using their noisier 1400cc power unit, whilst diesel variations used the proven & reliable Peugeot Diesel engine.


The bottom of the range vehicle was now a 214Si, various trim levels & engine options were available, up to the 216GSi which came with optional 4 speed auto’ box + various other ‘goodies’. Sports or Luxury pack were also available as an option.

The 4 door Rover 400 was introduced in1990, basically a Rover 200 with a 'boot’ instead of a ‘hatch’. Top of the range 416GTi had close ratio gearbox, twin chromed exhaust pipes, alloys & leather interior trim.

For the sportier person, September 1990 saw the 216GTi twin cam launched with close ratio gearbox. For cost conscious people, March 1991 saw the introduction of the 218 SD/SLD & the 418SLD/GSD with 1800 Diesel engine.

After what was considered a fairly successfull introduction of the 216GTi, a year later saw the 220 GTi introduced complete with power bulge in the bonnet. For people who really wanted breath taking performance coupled with stunning looks, October 1992 saw the Coupe’ being introduced in 3 guises. 216, 220 & 220 Turbo. Complete with ‘T’ bar roof & removeable roof panels. 1992 also saw the introduction of the now famous chrome grill. When these were first fitted, demand for Rover cars increased almost over night.

In 1993, protection was improved by all models having impact protection door beams fitted. June 1994 saw the introduction of the Tourer estate, GSi tourer had alloys, tailgate spoiler & electric sunroof as standard. The model was revised in 1996 & the 400 models were available until 1997.
For anyone who really wanted to pose,....well thay had to wait for over 10 years from when the first Rover 200 was sold, until July 1995 and the introduction of the gorgeous looking Cabriolet. These were available until 1996.

1995 saw the first of the ‘All new Rover’ being designed without input from Honda. Apart from some critisism for a cramped interior, the car was highly praised for styling, handling, finish & general performance. (December 1995 was when the new look Rover 200 was introduced). May 1995 saw a new & uprated 400 introduced. Leather upholstery became available in 216GSi models in 1997 & air conditioning became standard on some of the range.

October 1998 saw the ‘eccentric’ looking 200Vi BRM LE being introduced, an introduction to retro styling, now favoured by many car manufacturers including Rover in their latest Rover 75.
Little else has happened, although the Rover 200/400 have now been replaced by the Rover 25 & Rover 45 with twin headlights, just like the Rover 75! The story continues......

Here is a list of telephone numbers which may be useful if you are thinking of purchasing a second hand/used Rover.
1/ Used Car Inspection
RAC - 0990 333660 (www.rac.co.uk)
AA - 0345 500610 (www.theaa.co.uk)
2/ Driving Licence
DVLA - 0870 240 0009
3/ Vehicle History
DVLA - 0870 240 0010
Equifax HPI - 01722 422 422 (www.hpicheck.com)
(outstanding finance check etc.)

The Rover 200 series, versatile & very adaptable.
Article compiled by Steve Wright (Copyrightt ©copywrigh 2000+)