HIGH-SPEC EXEC (some text hidden) --NONE--

BY JONATHAN CROUCH

Introductionword count: 80

Rover's biggest saloon, the 800 had a difficult but nonetheless successful life. Launched to a lukewarm reception from the press in 1986, the initially underdeveloped 800 eventually found favour as performance and build quality improved. Rover relaunched the car in late 1991 with a new body and the return of the now famous grille. Persistence paid off - the 800 was transformed into a well-built and reliable prestige car that is still very much in demand both new and used.

Modelsword count: 73

Models Covered:First generation 1986-1991: 4dr saloon, 5dr Fastback - 2.0, 2.0 MPi, 2.0 turbo, 2.5 V6, 2.7 V6, 2.5 turbo diesel [E, 16v E, 16v i, SE, 16v SE, 16v Si, 16v SLi, 16v Turbo, Sterling, Vitesse, D Turbo] Second generation 800 - 1991-1999: 4dr saloon, 5dr Fastback, 2dr coupe - 2.0, 2.0 turbo, 2.5 V6, 2.7 V6, 2.5 turbo diesel [base, i, SE, Si, SLi, Vitesse, Vitesse Sport, Sterling, Di, SDi, SLDi])

Historyword count: 239

Launched as the V6 825i saloon in June 1986, the 800 was soon joined by 2.0-litre four-cylinder models. Build quality was not the best, and unsurprisingly, few of these cars survive. After criticism of poor performance, in 1988 an enlarged Honda 2.7-litre V6 replaced the original Honda-designed 2.5 - the new models were called '827'. At the same time, a five-door hatchback was released, available with all engines. In this guise, there was also a sporty flagship Vitesse model, though it was powered by the same 2.7-litre V6. In 1990, a 2.5-litre turbo diesel version was added. Best of these is the 827 Vitesse. The make-over for the 1992 model year brought Rover's flagship greater credibility as a BMW alternative and included the introduction of a 2.0-litre turbo Vitesse version. It also made pricey top-spec variants like the Sterling more realistic options. These cars continued until early 1996 when cosmetic changes were made to denote the new KV6 engine. The range then continued almost unchanged. Revisions for 1997 were centred around the standard fitment of air conditioning to all saloon and Coupe models Several low-volume models are worth looking out for - the turbocharged (post-1992) Vitesse, the 2.5 litre turbo diesel hatchback and the two-door Coupe. These are rare enough to be sought after by discerning buyers wanting something a little bit special, and British to boot. The 800 was finally replaced by the all-new 75 in June 1999.

What You Getword count: 97

Everything anybody ever bought a British car for - wood, leather, stainless steel, and tastefully placed chrome. The other things which used to come standard on most British cars - leaks, rattles, breakdowns and rust, are mostly absent from the 800 (at least in new-shape, post-1992 form). Performance from V6 and turbo models is very strong - Rover once advertised the Vitesse as its fastest ever car, though this was contentious. Interiors are very luxurious, if not overly spacious. Rear headroom can be a tight fit for those above average height. Legroom, however, is more than adequate.

To see the full road test text contact us on 0330 0020 227