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Rover MGF RD 1.8 i VVC (145 Hp)
Overall Rating
Rover MGF:
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)
RD Overview:
Rover MGF (RD). With 174 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 1060 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 7.7 s). The top speed reaches 212 km/h. A convertible car with a retractable roof, offering open-air driving experiences. Seating for 2 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Rover MGF generation was not tested by Euro NCAP. As a vehicle from the mid-1990s, it lacks many of the advanced safety features found in modern cars, relying primarily on basic structural integrity and ABS.
1.8 i VVC (145 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The VVC (Variable Valve Control) system transforms the driving experience, delivering a more eager and rev-happy performance that truly shines on twisty roads, offering a significant upgrade in sportiness.
Fuel Economy
Despite the increased power and performance, the VVC engine maintains reasonable fuel efficiency at 6.9 l/100 km, a fair trade-off for the enhanced driving dynamics and acceleration.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Mid-engine layout provides excellent balance and handling
- • Engaging and direct steering
- • Classic British roadster charm and styling
- • Affordable entry into sports car ownership
- • Hydragas suspension offers a unique ride quality
Cons:
- • Notorious K-Series head gasket issues (requires proactive maintenance)
- • Interior plastics feel dated and cheap
- • Limited luggage space
- • Scuttle shake can be noticeable on rough roads
- • Lack of modern safety features (no Euro NCAP rating)
Specifications:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Rover |
| Model: | MGF |
| Generation: | RD |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.8 i VVC (145 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1995 |
| End of production: | 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Cabriolet |
| Seats: | 2 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 145 Hp @ 7000 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 80.7 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 174 Nm @ 4500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | 18K4K |
| 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 layout: | Middle, 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) - combined: | 6.9 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 7.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 7.7 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 212 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 7.3 kg/Hp, 136.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.1 kg/Nm, 164.2 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 7.3 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1060 |
| Max. weight: | 1320 |
| Max load: | 260 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 209 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 50 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 3913 mm mm |
| Width: | 1628 mm mm |
| Height: | 1270 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2375 mm mm |
| Front track: | 1400 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1406 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 185/55 VR15; 205/50 VR15 |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Double wishbone |
What’s the best feature of the Rover MGF? Tell us in the comments!