WORD ON THE STREET (some text hidden) --NONE--

BY ANDY ENRIGHT

Introductionword count: 100

It's easy to get a touch superior about the Rover Streetwise. Beneath that macho cladding there's just a common or garden Rover 25 and those who know what goes on in the car industry will point to the fact that this is a car developed on a shoestring budget. Does that really matter? The Streetwise is arguably a good deal better looking than the restrained 25 and appeals to a younger crowd. With its beefy good looks and entertaining road manners, the Streetwise still has a good deal to commend it. As a used buy it stacks up rather well.

Modelsword count: 16

Models Covered: (3/5 dr hatchback 1.4, 1.6, petrol 2.0 diesel [base, E, S, SE. Olympic SE])

Historyword count: 189

Rover found themselves in something of a fix during 2003. In order to revitalise interest in the ageing 25 range, they needed something new yet at the same time development of the MG XPower SV and rear-wheel drive ZT models had left the company short of funds. The answer was the Streetwise, effectively a 25 with some additional body panels and a raised ride height. Although cynics laughed, this car has done reasonable business, bringing many new customers to a marque they previously thought a little old fashioned. The Streetwise looks tough and is built tough, from tried and tested componentry. It may feature the most modern interior, but it offers a dash of style and a lot of car for the money. An Olympic special edition model to commemorate the British success in Sydney was launched in June 2004. At the start of 2005 two new trim levels were introduced to bolster the range - GLi and GSi. Neither entry-level nor range-topping, they took the middle ground to offer more choice and complicate the line-up. 2005 sounded the death knell for the Streetwise as production at Longbridge ended.

What You Getword count: 448

All right, so you don't get four-wheel drive - or indeed any kind of offroad ability - but both would in any case be largely pointless given the urban target market. Big wheels and raised suspension do at least deliver an offroader-style high driving position. And of course the aggressive front grille, mock skid plates, grey protective cladding and roof rails also give it an authentic 4X4 look. Inside, the Streetwise has its own specially-designed seating and trim treatment, with individual front and rear storage plus individual sports-style seating for four as standard, yet it retains a practical and versatile 60/40 split folding rear seat squab. One of the first things you'll notice in the showroom is the uncompromising Volvo XC70/Audi Allroad-style front end. The Streetwise has the front bumper and grille formed in a tough unpainted grained moulding. The same resilient material, resistant to chipping and scratches, is used for the wheelarch spats, sill mouldings, side rubbing strips, rear bumper and tailgate lift handle. Beefy roof bars, securely bolted to the roof on all Streetwise models, are similar to those fitted to the Rover 75 Tourer, and accept the same kind of cross bars and carrying systems for loads up to 65 kg. As standard, unique five-spoke 16 inch alloy wheels are available from the mid range upwards but entry models must put up with 15 inch steel wheels with drilled centres and 'kerb-proof' centre hub covers. In keeping with its extrovert character, the Streetwise offers up to twelve exterior paint choices from the strongest colours in the MG Rover palette, including the vivid Trophy Yellow and Trophy Blue finishes. Inside, there's a 'unique' four-seat configuration, with front and rear sports style individual seats. Between the rear seat cushions is a special central console with storage cubbies. Ingeniously, the folding seat squab retains the useful 60/40 split to allow four different cargo/passenger-carrying arrangements. For those needing five seats, there is the option of a normal bench rear seat, with 60/40 split folding squabs and three lap and diagonal seat belts. 'Monaco' seat fabric is used for the first two trim levels while a 'Sebring' fabric and leather seat trim with optional red or blue accents is standard on trim level 3 and optional on the others. All models feature a 'Puma' interior environment with silver accents around the switchpack. Other special Streetwise interior design details include a new centre console with new switchpack and improved storage plus a new floor console incorporating the gear lever, window lift switches and rear ashtray. There are distinctive blue instrument graphics, and the new circular front ashtray can be transferred, if required, to the cup holder section of the door pocket.

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