Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Rover 25 RF 1.8 i 16V (117 Hp)
Overall Rating
Rover 25:
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)
RF Overview:
Rover 25 (RF). With 160 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11.6 l/100km). Weighing only 1135 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 9.5 s). The top speed reaches 185 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.
1.8 i 16V (117 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers strong mid-range performance, making it suitable for longer journeys and more dynamic driving, though not a true 'hot hatch'.
Fuel Economy
Fuel consumption of 8.2 l/100 km is on the higher side for the class, reflecting its larger displacement and focus on performance.
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): | 1.8 i 16V (117 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1999 |
| End of production: | 2005 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Hatchback |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 3-5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 117 Hp @ 5500 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 65.1 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 160 Nm @ 2750 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | K18 |
| 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: | 5 l |
| Coolant: | 5.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 80 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 89.3 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 11.6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6.3 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 8.2 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 9.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 9.5 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 185 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 9.7 kg/Hp, 103.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.1 kg/Nm, 141 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 9 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1135 |
| Max. weight: | 1550 |
| Max load: | 415 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1086 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 304 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 50 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 3990 mm |
| Width: | 1688 mm |
| Height: | 1419 mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2500 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 |
| 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 | 185/55 R15 H |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Spring Strut |
Behind the wheel of the Rover 25. How does it handle on the road?