ROVER'S RETURN (some text hidden) --NONE--

BY JONATHAN CROUCH

Introductionword count: 42

The 200 and 400 series models were the cars that established Rover in the modern era. Though the design was closely based on Honda's Concerto, it developed its own identity and now makes plenty of sense as a quality used family hatchback.

Modelsword count: 85

Models Covered: Second generation 200/400 - 1989-1995 (Coupe & Cabriolet [1992-1999] Tourer [1994-1999]) (214/414 1.4 3 & 5dr Hatchback, Saloon, Cabriolet [i, S, Sprint, 16v Si, 16v SLi, 16v GSi, 16v]/ 216/416 1.6 3 & 5dr Hatchback, Saloon, Coupe, Tourer, Cabriolet [Si, SLi, GSi, GTi, Twin Cam GTi]/ 220/420 2.0 3 & 5dr Hatchback, Saloon, Tourer, Coupe [SLi, GTi TC, GTi Turbo, GSi, GSi Turbo, Turbo, GSi Sport]/ 218D/418D 1.8D 5dr Hatchback, Saloon [D, SD, SLD]/ 218TD/418TD 1.8TD 5dr Hatchback, Saloon, Tourer [SD, SLD, GSD])

Historyword count: 161

The 200 series was launched in October 1989 in five-door form. There were two engines - a 1.4-litre Rover K-Series unit offered in Si, GSi and SLi variants and a flagship GSi model with a 1.6-litre Honda powerplant. The 400 series saloon model arrived six months after, followed by the three-door, the Cabriolet and the Coupe in 1992. Engine additions included an eight-valve 1.4, normally aspirated and turbocharged 2.0-litre units and a 1.8-litre Peugeot diesel in turbocharged and normally aspirated forms. Towards the end of the 200/400 series production run in 1994, a small estate called the 400 Tourer arrived. After the three and five-door hatchback and four-door saloon line-ups were replaced by completely different models in May and November 1995, this, like the 200 series Coupe & Cabriolet models, continued in production. In March 1996, however, all three models were re-named Rover Coupe, Rover Cabriolet and Rover Tourer. This avoided confusion with the later 200 series & 400 series cars.

What You Getword count: 150

Quality family transport that's reliable and well-built. All the engines are dependable, whether they be Rover, Peugeot or Honda-sourced; in fact, the British 1.4 is surprisingly rapid. With this model, despite its affordable price, there have been no short cuts. On the contrary, there are all the hallmarks of Rover quality that during the production run, marked out the 200 Series as the finest product in its class. Whichever 200 series hatch, Cabriolet or Coupe model or 400 series saloon or 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 last decade.

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