Rover still looks classy

Sep 8 2009 Peter Hayward

THE Rover 75 still looks great both on the inside and the outside, with better lines than the outgoing Jaguar S-Type.

British interiors are the best in the world at the top end of the car market, but you can have the best lower down with a 75.

I know the company's gone bust but there is still no problem servicing the different models or finding spares.

And that misfortune brought prices even lower than they were already, making some great bargains.

The 75's cabin has a real sense of occasion - of bespoke tailoring and luxury - and in a car at these prices, that is very special.

All have a cossetting ride and hold the road very well with safe, sure handling.

Engines range from a 1.8 16 valve, which has to be worked quite hard but still offers fair performance, through a 2 litre V6 so smooth and quiet its almost inaudible to a 2.5 V6 and a 2 litre BMW-sourced diesel. A 1.8 turbo was added later.

Interior

Higher spec models have wonderful leather upholstery, but all feel very special inside, with sweeping design shapes in the doors and trim, plus very traditional instruments.

The driving position is great, rear legroom is good, and the boot is also a reasonable size. As well as the four door saloon there is a five door estate is all the different specs.

FAST FACTS

Rover 75 1.8

Price: Pay around £2,500 for an 02-reg 1.8 Classic SE, £3,600 for a 53-reg 1.8T Connoisseur, or £7,200 for an 05-reg 2.0 Contemporary CDTi diesel estate

Mechanical: 118bhp, 1796cc, 4 cylinder petrol driving the front wheels via a 5 speed manual gearbox

Max speed: 121mph

0-62mph: 10.9 seconds

Combined mpg: 36

Insurance group: 8

CO2 rating: 184g/km

Marks: 9/10

Main Rival: BMW 5-Series