Car Test
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R0314 | |
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February 2003 |
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| Brief Test | Rover 75 | |
| Printer Friendly Page | Featured model: 1.8T Club SE | |
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If there’s one criticism that can be levelled at the Rover 75 range, it’s that the 1.8-litre engine has to work hard in a car that’s unlikely to win a Slimmer of the Year award. But aiming for higher performance with the 2.5 V6 will not only cost you more in terms of initial layout and mpg, if you’re a company car driver it clobbers you with a greater tax liability, as well. Help is at hand, however, in the shape of the 1.8T.
It’s cunningly simple, really. By bolting a light-pressure turbocharger and intercooler to its 1796cc, four-cylinder K-series engine, Rover has upped the power and torque by a formidable 30bhp and 40 lb ft respectively, with the latter peaking at significantly lower revs. The upshot is near 2.5 V6 performance with a significantly lower CO2 output and with only a marginal increase in fuel consumption. And it’s all done in a rather discreet way - no fiery temperament, just a smooth, almost supercharged, surge of acceleration up through the gears, resulting in performance that puts the 75 in strong contention with its rivals. Such swift progress is aided by an admirable (if slightly clingy) gearshift, but the clutch - at 16kg - is rather weighty and it’s accompanied by an audible but unaggressive engine note. This is echoed on main roads and motorways, where the higher final drive ratio gives the 1.8T a longer-legged cruising gait. In other respects, the 75 remains very much as described in our earlier reports. From day one, ride comfort was, perhaps, the model’s most outstanding feature. And though, four years on, rivals have closed the gap, the suspension continues to impress with its pliant suppleness and its composure on patchy B-roads. However, enthusiast drivers seeking roll-free cornering and sporty handling to match the 1.8T’s eager performance will need to look elsewhere - this Rover, with its unchanged underpinnings, still puts decorum before door-handling. Similarly there are no concessions to this model’s sprightlier nature within the retro-styled interior with its oh-so-British burr walnut facia and oval, parchment-coloured dials. Some may feel that even the deliberately dated look is beginning to look, um, dated. Nevertheless, the car is impeccably trimmed for those of us who deplore baseball caps. It’s easy to achieve a comfortable driving position and we like the generally ergonomic switchgear, but it’s a pity the climate control buttons and readout are small and low-mounted. Thick pillars and intruding head restraints do all-round vision no favours, either - the optional rear parking sensors are a boon. The enveloping and supportive back seat is splendid for two, with ample leg-stretching space and kneeroom, but headroom isn’t over-generous. Avoid the ‘occasional’ centre seat if you can - it’s a lot less comfortable. Although the boot is already a reasonable size, the 60/40 divided back seats fold to provide additional carrying capacity. If you’re a serious cargo carrier, there’s also a Touring (estate car) version on offer. |
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