(First published in March/April 2000 issue of RoverTorque)
The Rover 25 has been unleashed on an expectant public, but does all the hype match the reality? We were offered the chance to find out.

We test drove a Rover 25iS in Tahiti blue pearlescent with a 1.6 litre engine & alloys.
There are 4 engine options in the iS range, a 1400cc, 1600cc 1800cc and 2.0 Litre diesel. All variations are available with the same standard & optional equipment, except that ABS is optional on the diesel and the 1800cc has a 'steptronic' automatic gearbox available as an option. There is also a choice of 4 different trim levels from basic hard wearing cloth to luxury leather and not forgetting 11 paint shades ranging from Arran white solid to Sienna Gold pearlescent.

The test drive:

Interior panel fit is better on this model than in the 200 & 800 series. Front door panels line up more equally with the dashboard. The external door fit could be a little better. Seats are comfortable and with height and lumbar adjustment on the drivers seat, you can get quite a commanding view of the road ahead. As already stated, the car we test drove came fitted with alloy wheels and for anyone who is into heavy modification, there is definitely room for 16" and probably 17" wheels if you so desire. The overall shape of the new Rover 25 is very pleasing and the twin headlights are not out of place or out of date, even though the idea is for a retro-look, from a bygone era.


If you are a previous Rover 200 driver, you will feel perfectly at home in the new 25, however it has to be pointed out that Rover claim over 50% of the vehicle are all new design parts. The vehicle as supplied in it's standards form should perform adequately for everyday use, it is comfortable & quiet with reassuring handling & braking, but no doubt the performance manufacturers will soon bring out kits and bits for anyone who wants to make the vehicle look even more indivdiual.

With its uprated look, new choice of colours, multiple engine options and the 1800cc available as an automatic version, the Rover 25 will hopefully open up a new chapter for Rover. Building on the strengths and successes of the 200 series. This car is a serious contender to anyone who may previously have been thinking of buying a Ford, Vauxhall, V.W etc. We wish it every success.

Specification. (optional items are in brackets):
Alloy Wheels, Air Conditioning, (CD changer), (CD Tuner), Central Locking, Driver seat Height & Lumbar Adjustment, Electric Door Mirrors, Electric Front Windows, (Electric Rear windows), Electric Sunroof, Front Fog Lamps, (Leather Sports Pack), (Leather Steering Wheel/Gear Knob), (Metalic/Pearlescent Paint Finish), (Passenger Airbag), (Sports Comfort Pack), (Volumetric Alarm).

The 25 range comprises of eight petrol engine models and three diesel variants, available in both 3 and 5 door. The petrol range starts at the 1.4i three door at £9, 395* and goes up to the 1.8 GTi five door at £15,495*. THe diesel engine range starts at £11,895* for the 2.0TD iE three door and goes up to £13,495* for the 2.0TD iS five door.
(*Rover quoted figures.Prices have since changed with special discount offers, see your local dealer for information. Established RoverTorque members qualify for discounts off new MG-Rover vehicles. Ring or e-mail the club office for details.)