Rover 45 RT 1.4 i 16V (103 Hp)


Overall Rating

6.6 / 10
Safety 3.0 / 5
Engine 3.5 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.5 / 5
Comfort 3.8 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Rover 45:

The Rover 400 Series, and later the Rover 45, are a series of small family cars that were produced by the British manufacturer Rover from 1990 to 2005. The cars were co-developed as part of Rover's collaboration with Honda. The first-generation 400 was based on the Honda Concerto, and the Mark II 400 was based on the Honda Domani/Civic.
Honda petrol engines were used in some Rover models, while the market competitive Rover L-series diesel engine was used from the mid-1990s in Hondas, before they designed their own diesel engine....(Read more on Wikipedia)

RT Overview:

Rover 45 (RT). With 123 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~9.3 l/100km). Weighing only 1180 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 11.2 s). The top speed reaches 185 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

Safety Rating
Euro NCAP Year 2001
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars 3
Expert Note:
The Rover 45 achieved a 3-star Euro NCAP rating for adult occupant protection in 2001, which was considered average for its time but falls short of modern safety standards.

1.4 i 16V (103 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Sufficient for city driving, but can feel strained on highways or with a full load. Entry-level performance.

Fuel Economy

Very good fuel economy, making it an economical choice for urban environments and budget-conscious owners.

Best Use Case: City Driving / Economical

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Comfortable and compliant ride quality
  • • Good value for money on the used market
  • • Economical and robust L-series diesel engines
  • • Refined V6 engine option for smoothness
  • • Decent interior space for its class

Cons:

  • • Known reliability issues, particularly with K-series head gaskets
  • • Interior design and materials can feel dated
  • • Limited safety features by modern standards
  • • Some engines lack excitement or modern efficiency
  • • Resale value can be low

Specifications:

General:
Brand:Rover
Model:45
Generation:RT
Modification (Engine):1.4 i 16V (103 Hp)
Start of production:1999
End of production:2005
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:103 Hp @ 6000 rpm.
Power per litre:73.8 Hp/l
Torque:123 Nm @ 4500 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:K16
Engine displacement:1396
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 oil capacity:4.5 l
Coolant:5.3 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:75 mm
Piston Stroke:79 mm
Compression ratio:10.5:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:9.3 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:5.5 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:6.9 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:11.2 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:11.2 sec
Maximum speed:185 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:11.5 kg/Hp, 87.3 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:9.6 kg/Nm, 104.2 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:10.6 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1180
Max. weight:1640
Max load:460
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:810 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:470 l
Fuel tank capacity:55 l
Size:
Length:4517 mm
Width:1696 mm
Height:1395 mm
Wheelbase:2620 mm
Front track:1475 mm
Rear (Back) track:1465 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs
Rear brakesDisc
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size175/70 R14 T
Front suspensionWishbone
Rear suspensionSpring Strut

Your first impression of the Rover 45 in one word? Go!