Rover 25 Overview

The Rover 25 is a popular, stylishly modern supermini and features the outstanding Rover K Series engine, a sports-tuned chassis and three or five-door body styles. 

With the launch of the Rover 25 in November 1999, followed by the launch of the Rover 45 in January 2000, the range of Rover cars now retains a clear Rover family identity. Each Rover car features the distinctive quad headlamp frontal style that was introduced with the Rover 75, while retaining its own individual character. Succeeding the popular Rover 200, the Rover 25 features advanced emphasis on chassis development to maximise driver involvement and enjoyment. It is priced, positioned and focused on the ‘premium super-mini’ sector, competing directly with cars like the VW Polo, Ford Fiesta and Peugeot 206 and aimed at younger buyers who want a distinctive and sporting hatchback, with size, performance and feature advantages.

All engines are engineered to meet the strict EU3 emissions standards introduced in 2001. This includes an uprated engine management system, with full sequential fuel injection and direct ignition on all the 16 valve K series engines. The former 1.4 litre 8 valve 75Ps engine has been replaced by a new 84Ps version with 16-valves, while the 1.4 litre 103Ps unit continues in its latest form. There is also the punchy 1.6 and 1.8 litre VVC. All petrol engines have extended 15,000 mile service intervals to reduce running costs, with diesels at class-leading 12,000 miles. A new 100Ps version of Rover’s L Series direct injection ‘drive by wire’ electronically controlled turbo diesel engine has been developed for the Rover 25 and Rover 45 ranges. This uses a new high pressure injection system with maximum torque raised by 30Nm to 240Nm (a 14% increase) for even more vigorous performance; at the same time its combined economy figure improves from 50.1 mpg (5.6 L/100 km) to 55.4 mpg (5.1 L/100km).

Major revisions to the suspension and steering for the Rover 25 have given it extra stability and an even more fun-to-drive character. All models have substantially uprated springs and radically changed damper characteristics, plus other roll-control measures. The Rover 25 model with Variable Valve Control engine moves up from 15 inch to 16 inch diameter alloy wheels. New tyre specifications have been selected to optimise the benefits of the new chassis settings. An entirely new power steering rack has faster gearing and new valving provides superior responsiveness and feel. These changes have improved the feel of steering and reduced the number of steering wheel turns from lock to lock. The Rover 25 has been transformed into a vehicle that competes with the world’s most highly regarded small sporting saloons and coupés. 

In addition to upgraded headlamps, larger door mirrors and tauter handling, the safety improvements made for the Rover 25 include a larger 45 litre driver’s airbag, seat belt load limiters (with all airbag installations) and high-elongation seat belt webbing. Control of the airbag and seat belt pre-tensioners is now via the latest impact sensing and deployment technology. ABS anti-lock braking has been extended to all 1.6 litre and 1.8 litre petrol versions as standard.