Rover 200 XW 216 GTi (122 Hp)
Overall Rating
Rover 200:
The Rover 200 Series, and later the Rover 25, are a series of small family cars that were produced by former British manufacturer Rover from 1984 until 2005.
There have been three distinct generations of the Rover 200. The first generation was a four-door saloon car based on the Honda Ballade. The second generation was available in three or five-door hatchback forms, as well a coupé and cabriolet. Its sister model, the Honda Concerto was built on the same production line in Rover's Longbridge factory. The final generation was developed independently by Rover on the platform of its predecessor, and was available as a three or five-door hatchback. Just before BMW's sale of Rover in 2000, and following a facelift, the model was renamed and sold as the Rover 25, and the MG ZR was based on the Rover 25 with mechanical changes to the suspension. Production ceased in 2005 when MG Rover went into administration. Production rights and tooling for the model, but not the Rover name, now belong to Chinese car manufacturer Nanjing....(Read more on Wikipedia)
XW Overview:
Rover 200 (XW). With 139 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~10 l/100km). Weighing only 1095 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 8.9 s). The top speed reaches 196 km/h. A compact car with a rear door that swings upward to provide access to the cargo area. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Rover 200 (XW) generation predates the Euro NCAP crash testing program (which began in 1997). Safety features were typical for its era, including basic crumple zones and optional ABS, but it lacks modern passive and active safety systems.
216 GTi (122 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A lively 1.6L engine providing spirited performance, especially at higher RPMs, making it fun to drive.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is on the higher side for a 1.6L, reflecting its performance orientation.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Diverse engine lineup, from economical to high-performance.
- • Comfortable ride quality for its class.
- • Relatively spacious interior for a compact car.
- • Distinctive British styling with Honda engineering roots.
Cons:
- • Mixed reliability reputation, particularly with age and maintenance.
- • Safety features are basic by modern standards.
- • Some interior plastics can feel dated or cheap.
- • Resale value can be low compared to rivals.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(XW: 1989 - 1995).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Rover |
| Model: | 200 |
| Generation: | XW |
| Modification (Engine): | 216 GTi (122 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1990 |
| End of production: | 1995 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Hatchback |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 3/5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 122 Hp @ 6800 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 76.7 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 139 Nm @ 5700 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 1590 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 75 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 90 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 10 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6.4 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 8.4 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 8.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 8.9 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 196 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 9 kg/Hp, 111.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.9 kg/Nm, 126.9 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 8.5 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1095 |
| Max. weight: | 1580 |
| Max load: | 485 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 352 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 55 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4220 mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1680 mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1390 mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2550 mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1475 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1470 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 185/60 R14 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |











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