Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Rover 25 RF 1.4 i 16V (84 Hp)
Overall Rating
Rover 25:
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 25 (RF). With 110 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~8.8 l/100km). Weighing only 1085 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 11.8 s). The top speed reaches 175 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 2001, the Rover 25 achieved a 3-star rating for adult occupant protection, which was average for its time but falls short of modern safety standards. Pedestrian protection was rated at 2 stars.
1.4 i 16V (84 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A slight improvement over the 1.1L, offering marginally better acceleration for mixed driving, but still feels underpowered for spirited driving.
Fuel Economy
Achieves a respectable 6.4 l/100 km combined, making it a reasonably economical choice for daily use.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Affordable on the used market
- • Good handling for its class
- • Practical hatchback body style
- • Strong diesel engine options
- • Potent 1.8 VVC engine for enthusiasts
Cons:
- • Notorious K-series head gasket issues (petrol engines)
- • Interior quality and design feel dated
- • Inconsistent build quality
- • Limited safety features by modern standards
- • Rover brand perception impacts resale value
Specifications:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Rover |
| Model: | 25 |
| Generation: | RF |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.4 i 16V (84 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1999 |
| End of production: | 2005 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Hatchback |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 3-5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 84 Hp @ 6000 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 60.2 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 110 Nm @ 4500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | K |
| 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: | 5 l |
| Coolant: | 5.3 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 75 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 79 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 8.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 5.3 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 6.4 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 11.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 11.8 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 175 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 12.9 kg/Hp, 77.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 9.9 kg/Nm, 101.4 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 11.2 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1085 |
| Max. weight: | 1500 |
| Max load: | 415 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1086 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 304 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 50 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 3990 mm mm |
| Width: | 1688 mm mm |
| Height: | 1417 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2500 mm mm |
| Front track: | 1473 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 |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 175/65 R14 T |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Spring Strut |
Is the Rover 25 the king of its class? Share your thoughts.