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Rover 200 RF 200 Vi (145 Hp)
Overall Rating
Rover 200:
The Rover 200 Series, and later the Rover 25, are a series of small family cars that were produced at the Longbridge factory by former British manufacturer Rover from 1984 until 2005 over four distinct generations.
The Rover 200 was conceived in partnership with Honda originally as a four-door saloon car based on the Honda Ballade. The second generation introduced in 1989 was made 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....(Read more on Wikipedia)
RF Overview:
Rover 200 (RF). With 174 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~8 l/100km). Weighing only 1135 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 7.5 s). The top speed reaches 204 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.
Tested in 1997, the Rover 200 (RF) received 2 stars for adult occupant protection, which was an average performance for its era, though it highlighted concerns regarding chest injury risk for the driver.
200 Vi (145 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The flagship performance model, offering exhilarating acceleration and a high-revving character, making it genuinely sporty for its class.
Fuel Economy
Decent fuel economy for its power output, but performance-oriented driving will significantly increase consumption.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Stylish and distinctive design for its era
- • Comfortable interior with good ergonomics
- • Engaging handling, especially in higher trims like the Vi
- • Wide range of engines to suit different needs
- • Good value on the used market
Cons:
- • Notorious K-series engine head gasket issues (particularly early models)
- • Dated safety features compared to modern standards
- • Rear passenger space can be tight
- • Some interior plastics feel cheap
- • Resale value can be impacted by reliability concerns
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Coupe (XW): 1994 - 2000).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Rover |
| Model: | 200 |
| Generation: | RF |
| Modification (Engine): | 200 Vi (145 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1995 |
| End of production: | 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Hatchback |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 3-5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 145 Hp @ 6750 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 80.7 Hp/l [297mm less] |
| Torque: | 174 Nm @ 4000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | K More details about the engine K |
| Engine displacement: | 1796 |
| 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: | 5.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 80 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 89.3 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 5.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 6.5 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 7.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 7.5 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 204 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 7.8 kg/Hp, 127.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.5 kg/Nm, 153.3 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 7.1 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1135 |
| Max. weight: | 1520 |
| Max load: | 385 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1086 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 304 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 55 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 3973 mm mm [297mm less] |
| Width: | 1688 mm mm [8mm more] |
| Height: | 1419 mm mm [49mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2502 mm mm [48mm less] |
| Front track: | 1472 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1466 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 | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 185/55 R15 V |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Suspension with traction connecting levers |
Does the Rover 200 live up to the hype? Give us your verdict!