TOURER, TOURER, TOURER (some text hidden) --NONE--

BY ANDY ENRIGHT

Introductionword count: 93

Although the Rover Tourer can trace its roots right back to 1989, it was a superbly elegant compact estate in a market where such qualities were a distinct rarity. Oriental in origin, the car started life as the Rover 200/Honda Concerto and was thoroughly developed to provide a basis for a range of various body styles, the Tourer being sold until as recently as 1999. As a used buy it's good value, offering a combination of tried and tested and resolutely modern ingredients. Its lack of image also means the possibility of bargains.

Modelsword count: 11

Models Covered: 5dr Tourer 1.6, 1.8VVC petrol, 1.8 turbodiesel [base, SE])

Historyword count: 131

Had Rover known the fate to befall them, perhaps they would have stayed in bed slightly longer with Honda. The 200 series that was launched in October 1989 was later dubbed the 400 series, with three-door, five-door, Coupe and Cabriolet models all finding a ready market. The 400 Tourer was launched in 1994, but it was only in 1996 that the range was rationalised to avoid confusion with the later 200 series & 400 series cars. Three engines were offered a 1.6-litre propped up the range, a 1.8-litre turbodiesel appealed to the sensible shoes brigade whilst the 143bhp 1.8-litre VVC engine purloined from the flagship MGF made for something of a mystery Tourer. A sports car engine in a compact estate? Maybe Rover were merely spiking the guns of Alfa's Sportwagon.

What You Getword count: 122

The link between Rover and Honda produced some very good cars and the Tourer is no exception. With Japanese-style reliability and British branding, it was always a better car than its slightly old-fashioned image suggested. Whichever Tourer variant you choose the quality is the same. You'll notice the wood inserts on the fascia; the Rover-inscribed scuff plates on the door sills. Then there's the way that the door shuts with a solid thunk, the quality of the trim, that solid steering wheel perfectly positioned in front of you. All are telltale reminders of the wind of change which swept through Rover during the nineties. Some brave buyers opted for a CVT gearbox on the 1.6-litre model but, frankly, it's not much cop.

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