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Rover 800 Hatchback 820 Ti (200 Hp)
Overall Rating
Rover 800:
The Rover 800 series is an executive car range manufactured by the Austin Rover Group subsidiary of British Leyland, and its successor the Rover Group from 1986 to 1999. It was also marketed as the Sterling in the United States. Co-developed with Honda, the 800 was a close relative to the Honda/Acura Legend and the successor to the decade-old Rover SD1.
The first product of the BL-Honda alliance was the Triumph Acclaim – and shortly after its launch the two companies mapped out an advisable strategy for future collaborative projects. Plans for a midsize car were investigated, but were dropped because BL already had the Austin Maestro and Austin Montego in the final stages of development. However both BL and Honda had a pressing need for a full-size executive car in their lineups. BL had to start planning for a successor to the Rover SD1, whilst Honda was keen to expand its presence in the lucrative North American market – something which it couldn't fully do unless it had a full-size luxury saloon which would compete with similar large Japanese imports from Toyota and Datsun. Joint development of the car began in 1981 under the "XX" codename; the corresponding Honda version was known as the Honda Legend, and was codenamed as "HX". The development work was carried out at Rover's Cowley plant and Honda's Tochigi development centre. Both cars shared the same core structure and floorpan, but they each had their own unique exterior bodywork and interior. Under the agreement, Honda would supply the V6 petrol engine, both automatic and manual transmissions and the chassis design, whilst BL would provide the 4-cylinder petrol engine and much of the electrical systems....(Read more on Wikipedia)
Hatchback Overview:
Rover 800 (Hatchback). With 240 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11.8 l/100km). With a weight of 1395 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 8 s). The top speed reaches 230 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 800 Hatchback generation predates the establishment of Euro NCAP testing (1997). Safety standards of the late 1980s focused on basic structural integrity and seatbelts, lacking modern active and passive safety features.
820 Ti (200 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 820 Ti was a performance flagship, delivering exhilarating acceleration and a truly sporty driving experience thanks to its powerful 200 Hp turbocharged engine.
Fuel Economy
While capable of decent economy on a light throttle, the turbocharged nature meant fuel consumption could climb significantly under spirited driving conditions.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Refined and powerful engine options, especially the V6 and turbo variants.
- • Comfortable and spacious interior, typical of an executive car.
- • Good ride quality, well-suited for long journeys.
- • Distinctive British styling with a touch of luxury.
- • Practical hatchback body style offering good versatility.
Cons:
- • Some interior trim quality issues and rattles over time.
- • Can suffer from electrical gremlins typical of its era.
- • Fuel economy can be high, particularly with the larger engines.
- • Resale value depreciated significantly compared to German rivals.
- • Handling, while competent, wasn't as sharp as some competitors.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Coupe: 1993 - 1999).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Rover |
| Model: | 800 |
| Generation: | Hatchback |
| Modification (Engine): | 820 Ti (200 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1994 |
| End of production: | 1999 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Hatchback |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 200 Hp @ 6000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 100.3 Hp/l [2mm less] |
| Torque: | 240 Nm @ 2100 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | T16T More details about the engine T16T |
| Engine displacement: | 1994 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Turbocharger |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.5 l |
| Coolant: | 8.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 84.5 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 89 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 8.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 11.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.7 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 8 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 230 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 7 kg/Hp, 143.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.8 kg/Nm, 172 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 7.6 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1395 |
| Max. weight: | 1910 |
| Max load: | 515 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 530 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 68 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4880 mm mm [2mm less] |
| Width: | 1730 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1390 mm mm [3mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2766 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1490 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1450 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 | 205/55 R16 |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
What’s the best feature of the Rover 800? Tell us in the comments!