This page is in chronological order. It starts of from the Rover Group and then when the MG ZR ZS and ZT are launched, that indicates the starting of the MG Rover Group.
Rover Group
1986 Rover 800 (XX)
The Rover 800 was the 3rd major collaboration with Honda, the first being the Triumph Acclaim, and then the Rover 200. The Rover 800 shared its components with the Honda Legend, this is because Rover originally planned to re-skin the Rover SD1 however Rover's future planners saw that this was not viable for the future. So, therefore Rover collaborated with Honda to create the 800. Not only Rover benefited from this, so did Honda because they wanted to also launch a large car in America but did not have the platform to do so, Rover would teach Honda in the interior department of the side to look technologically advanced but still retaining that luxury feel.
The Rover 800 was the 3rd major collaboration with Honda, the first being the Triumph Acclaim, and then the Rover 200. The Rover 800 shared its components with the Honda Legend, this is because Rover originally planned to re-skin the Rover SD1 however Rover's future planners saw that this was not viable for the future. So, therefore Rover collaborated with Honda to create the 800. Not only Rover benefited from this, so did Honda because they wanted to also launch a large car in America but did not have the platform to do so, Rover would teach Honda in the interior department of the side to look technologically advanced but still retaining that luxury feel.
1988 Rover 800 Fastback
In 1988 Rover was privatized and sold to British Aerospace. This is Rover's first new model under the ownership of British Aerospace. This is the 'Fastback' version of the 800 with its aerodynamic hatchback design. It has obvious design overtones of the previous Rover SD1.
In 1988 Rover was privatized and sold to British Aerospace. This is Rover's first new model under the ownership of British Aerospace. This is the 'Fastback' version of the 800 with its aerodynamic hatchback design. It has obvious design overtones of the previous Rover SD1.
1989 Rover 200 (R8)
The second generation Rover 200 was Rover's interpretation of the Honda Concerto, however like the 800 Rover and Honda worked in close collaboration to come up with this new car. This was to become one of the most successful Rover cars due to comprehensive model range. This was the first Rover to use the all new K-Series engine. The range initially contained the 5 door version and also the 3 door version which is pictured above.
The second generation Rover 200 was Rover's interpretation of the Honda Concerto, however like the 800 Rover and Honda worked in close collaboration to come up with this new car. This was to become one of the most successful Rover cars due to comprehensive model range. This was the first Rover to use the all new K-Series engine. The range initially contained the 5 door version and also the 3 door version which is pictured above.
1990 Rover Metro (R3)
The Rover Metro, developed under the codename R6 is a significant reworking of the 1980 Austin Metro. Gone was the A-Series engine and in its place was a K-Series in 1.1 and 1.4 versions, something the old Austin was crying out for right from its launch. The Metro went upmarket with this significant facelift mainly shown in the updated interior and also the refinement of the car over the old Austin. Pictured above is the 1.4 GTa, some say that this is the spiritual successor to the MG Metro.
1990 Rover 400
This is a booted version of the Rover 200, the 400 is first in a long line of 200 derivatives, this car was designed to be an upmarket rival to the Ford Orion. The 400 is identical to the Rover 200 however, the 400 is a hatchback design instead of the 200's hatchback.
This is a booted version of the Rover 200, the 400 is first in a long line of 200 derivatives, this car was designed to be an upmarket rival to the Ford Orion. The 400 is identical to the Rover 200 however, the 400 is a hatchback design instead of the 200's hatchback.
1991 Rover 800 (R17)
In early 1991, the new Rover 800 was launched,The old 800 reskinned and re-engineered under the R17 codename This saw the re-introduction of the traditional Rover grille and more curvaceous bodywork. The scope of the design change was restricted by the need to retain the core XX structure, including the door structure and skin design, just like the Metro which had been released in the previous year. The redesign was a partial answer to major press and market criticism of the 'folded paper' school of design and the quest for better aerodynamics that had led to many cars appearing very similar, especially from the front. The redesign found much favour and as a result the car's sales enjoyed a renaissance, the 800 series becoming Britain's best selling executive car in the early to mid 1990s. This also shown British Aerospace's hesitation to release funds to the Rover Group as a new large car for the 1990's would have been even more future-proof.
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1992 MG RV8
The MG RV8 was a reworking of the best selling MGB range. Production of the MGB ended in 1980 so therefore a heritage body shell was used. Rover spent £5 million transforming the MGB into the MG RV8 for the 1990's. The 3.9 Litre Rover V8 was used with power output at 190bhp, this was not an out and out sports machine however it was a quick way of making progress in a civilized manor. This car provided MG fans a car to purchase while the MGF was still being developed.
1992 Rover 200 Cabriolet
In 1992, Rover released it's first convertible, the 200. With its t-bar construction it provided maximum safety and also with its 4 seats great practicality. Rover released many niche products in the early 90's this was one of them. Rover updated the Coupe Cabriolet and Tourer versions of the R8 platform model in 1995 with mild styling revisions and the fitting of the new dashboard from the new 1995 200, which was possible due to the shared front bulkhead. In the UK, these models were no longer branded as 200/400 models, simply being referred to as the Rover Coupe, Cabriolet and Tourer to avoid model confusion.
1992 Rover 200 Coupe (Tomcat)
This was famous for being the fastest ever Rover production vehicle at the time with its 2 litre T-Series engine adding to Rover's niche line up of the early 1990's. Rover updated the Coupe Cabriolet and Tourer versions of the R8 platform model in 1995 with mild styling revisions and the fitting of the new dashboard from the new 1995 200, which was possible due to the shared front bulkhead. In the UK, these models were no longer branded as 200/400 models, simply being referred to as the Rover Coupe, Cabriolet and Tourer to avoid model confusion.
1992 Rover 800 Coupe
At the time, the Rover 800 portrayed everything which was good about the Rover Group. Although based on the 800 which had been around by this time for 6 years, the 800 was a giant leap away from those early cars. The 800 featured understated styling which conformed with the 'Rover Look' at the time. The understated styling also continued on this inside of the vehicle with its extended center console, use of tanned leather, and also the 800 Coupes came with real wood interiors. However the car was priced too high at the time and depreciated due to the fact that Rover still had a bad reputation for poor build quality, however if the public saw how far away the 800 Coupe was from Rover's of the 80's, then their perception would almost instantly change.
At the time, the Rover 800 portrayed everything which was good about the Rover Group. Although based on the 800 which had been around by this time for 6 years, the 800 was a giant leap away from those early cars. The 800 featured understated styling which conformed with the 'Rover Look' at the time. The understated styling also continued on this inside of the vehicle with its extended center console, use of tanned leather, and also the 800 Coupes came with real wood interiors. However the car was priced too high at the time and depreciated due to the fact that Rover still had a bad reputation for poor build quality, however if the public saw how far away the 800 Coupe was from Rover's of the 80's, then their perception would almost instantly change.
1993 Rover Mini Cabriolet
The Rover Mini Cabriolet was launched in July 1993. Production numbers were as low as 300, making it one of the rarest Mini's every to go on sale. In the UK alone, Rover had 700 dealers this therefore means that most of the dealerships never sold a single car and probably never even saw one.
1993 Rover 600
The Rover 600 was almost pure Honda in design this was due to the agreement Honda had formulated when giving Rover the license to produce their own version of the Accord. The 600 originally was designed for a Montego replacement, as you can see from the picture above it is in a different league from the Montego range. Rover had done a good job of transforming a bland Accord into an elegant Rover 600. However this was not entirely true for the interior of the 600, because unlike the body which was almost all Rover in design, the interior was 100% Honda, even the steering wheel, which in my opinion ruins the ambiance of the rest of the interior, the 600 could have very easily benefited from a R17 style steering wheel.
1994 Rover 400 Tourer
The Rover 400 Tourer was Rover's first estate car, well 'Tourer' it was not as such a load carrying car but an upmarket lifestyle car. The 400 Tourer was released late in the R8 program being released in 1994. Rover updated the Coupe Cabriolet and Tourer versions of the R8 platform model in 1995 with mild styling revisions and the fitting of the new dashboard from the new 1995 200, which was possible due to the shared front bulkhead. In the UK, these models were no longer branded as 200/400 models, simply being referred to as the Rover Coupe, Cabriolet and Tourer to avoid model confusion.
1994 Rover 100
The ageing Metro needed to be replaced soon, the renaming to 100 instead of Metro was so Rover could speak to a younger market, due to the fact that many people associated the word 'Metro' with the older car buyer. The 100 saw the introduction of Rover 200 style switch-gear and a 1.5 litre Peugeot diesel engine was now used, this therefore was the reason the grille differed from the usual chrome because of the increased cooling requirements of the Peugeot engine. A variety of bolder paint colours and the use of chrome trim helped give a more upmarket appearance. The interior trim was revised to give a greater impression of quality and luxury, but as there were no changes to the basic architecture it was considered by many as being short on space and outdated in comparison to its most modern rivals (most of which had been replaced with all-new models since the launch of the Rover Metro) It was criticised by the press for its lack of equipment, with front electric windows only available on the range topping 114 GSi. Rear electric windows were never an option on the 100.
1995 Rover 200
The Rover 200, codenamed R3, was smaller than the Honda-based R8 cars. This was due to Rover's desperate need to replace the ageing Metro, which by now was 15 years old. Although some elements of the previous 200 / 400 were carried over, it was by-and-large an all-new car that had been developed by Rover Group. The R3 featured a completely re-designed interior and dashboard to accommodate the fitment of a passenger airbag in line with new safety standards. the original plan was to retain the old 1989 Rover 200 dashboard, thankfully Rover never did this.
The Rover 200 might have been marketed as a Escort sized car, however it compares closely in size and engine range with contemporary models such as the Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa. Rover priced the car to compete with vehicles like the Ford Escort and Vauxhall Astra. Rover's only offering in the supermini segment at the time was the ageing Metro and this gap in the company's line-up needed to be filled. The third generation 200 was initially popular despite its high price, being Britain's seventh-best-selling new car in 1996 through to 1998. Within three years it had fallen out of the top 10 completely. The 200 along with the 400 and MGF formed the range of portfolio cars.
1995 Rover 400
Designed as a 'smaller brother of the 600' the 400 along with the 200 and MGF formed the portfolio range of cars. The second generation 400 Series, codenamed HH-R, was launched in the summer of 1995 as a hatchback and later a saloon the initial perception of the car was that it was not much different from the Civic MB6, maybe this public perception could have been avoided if the saloon version of the 400 was released first perceiving an upmarket image. Even Rover said at the time of the hatchback 400's launch that the 'real' 400 will be released soon.
1995 MGF
The first all-new MG since 1980, Rover Special Projects oversaw the development of the F's design much like all of Rover's niche products of the 90's such as the Coupe, Cabriolet and Tourer and also the Mini. The main innovation was the location of the engine behind the seats to create a mid-engined layout a niche design and innovative especially for MG as they are associated with the FR layout. This layout provides the optimum for weight balance and delivers excellent handling, and the MGF certainly has excellent handling. In addition the use of Hydragas suspension provides a quality ride, far in excess of that normally associated with precision handling sports cars, surprising to most as this suspension was fitted to the Metro.
1999 Rover Range
Here is the revised Rover Group model range. The reason for this facelift was to strengthen links with each car, for example the 25 and the 45 now share the quad light arrangement therefore giving the range a family look. The 25 and the 45 were only meant to last until 2002, this is because the new Rover 35 was being launched in order to replace the 25 and the 45.
This was a facelift of the 1995 Rover 200, the facelift was renamed the 25 and was released in 1999 under the Rover Group, to strengthen connections with the new Rover 75 and to maintain sales until the Rover R30 was released in 2002 (Rover's new mid range car designed to replace the 25 and 45) When the company became MG Rover Group the existing 25, 45 and 75 range were carried over along with the MGF.
This was a facelift of the 1995 Rover 400, the facelift was renamed the 45 and was released in 1999 under the Rover Group, to strengthen connections with the new Rover 75 and to maintain sales until the Rover R30 was released in 2002 (Rover's new mid range car designed to replace the 25 and 45) When the company became MG Rover Group the existing 25, 45 and 75 range were carried over with the MGF.
1998 Rover 75
The Rover 75 was initially released under the Rover Group in 1998. It was known internally as the R40, the car was thoroughly up to date in terms of body design, safety ratings (4 Star NCAP rating) and also in terms of build quality and integrity. The picture of the Rover 75 above originally came with the caption below saying 'The Rover 75, now produced at Longbridge'.
MG Rover Group
The 75 Tourer was MG Rover's first significant car launch, it was designed to offer Rover customers a greater degree of practicality while retaining the 75's sleek looks and high-class image. Some may argue that it is even prettier than the saloon counterpart.
Next the first actual launches which MG Rover created themselves were the MG ZR, ZS and ZT. The 25, 45 and 75 carried over from the Rover Group with no changes, however in 2001 the MG Rover Group launched three new MG cars.
2001 MGF Trophy 160
This is the most powerful MGF by the time of its launch in 2001 with its 160bhp VVC engine also found in the MG ZR, this version was released along side with the MG ZR, ZS and ZT in 2001. The Trophy 160's styling brings it into line with the rest of the MG range at that time.
2001 MG ZR 160
The MG ZR is a re-working of a Rover 25 which in turn is a re-working of a Rover 200, however this car is what the Rover 25 GTi wanted to be all along with its increased power output now at 160bhp instead of 143bhp. This seriously took the MG Rover marque to the younger buyer. The MG ZR was also the car MG Rover was to take rallying.
2001 MG ZS 180
The MG ZS was a re-working of a Rover 45 which in turn is a re-working of a Rover 400. The ZS was the drivers car the 400/45 always wanted to be with its excellent handling front wheel drive chassis the ZS is truly a drivers car, however this could not be experienced in the 45 V6 because of the softer suspension and also the automatic gearbox. This is the car MG Rover took touring car racing.
2001 MG ZT 190
The MG ZT was a re-working of the Rover 75, the wood and leather had gone and in its place you can find graphite and alacantara a true rival to the 3 Series at the time which car would you rather have?
2001 MG ZT-T
The MG ZT-T (with the 'T' standing for Tourer) was released in 2001 and was a sporting version of the Rover 75 Tourer. Its sportswagon image took sales from the 3 Series Touring at the time. Identical to the MG ZT inside where the wood and leather has been replaced with graphite and alcantara. The Tourer came complete with underfloor storage, and a clever tailgate design. This allows someone to just open the rear window if you are placing something small into the boot instead of opening the whole tailgate.
The MG ZT-T (with the 'T' standing for Tourer) was released in 2001 and was a sporting version of the Rover 75 Tourer. Its sportswagon image took sales from the 3 Series Touring at the time. Identical to the MG ZT inside where the wood and leather has been replaced with graphite and alcantara. The Tourer came complete with underfloor storage, and a clever tailgate design. This allows someone to just open the rear window if you are placing something small into the boot instead of opening the whole tailgate.
2002 MG TF 160
This is the first significant facelift MG Rover released, the ZR, ZS and ZT range merely changed plastic bumpers and also trim. However, metal work was replaced on this model to give the car a sharper look as seen at the rear of the car with its new integrated spoiler. With its clear indicators at the back and the new sharpened up bumpers the looks match the new driving dynamics as the hydragas suspension from the MGF has now been replaced with conventional springs therefore sharpening up the ride.
2003 MG XPower SV
The MG SV (Sport Veloce) was released in 2003. The fast development of this car owes its thanks to MG Rover buying the factory and the rights to the platform of the Mangusta car from Qvale of Italy for an estimated £10 million in 2001. Many instantly admired the ridiculous good looks and its loud 4.6 Ford Modular V8, however for MG Rover what was more important at this time, a replacement for its ageing 25 and 45 range or this 'halo' car to promote what MG Rover can do?
The CityRover is not in any way a Rover. It is a small Indian car called the Tata Indica with a Rover badge on the front of it. Even Top Gear said back in 2003 that 'this does not look particularity any good or anything like a Rover' and they were right. Maybe if Rover offered this car at a cheaper price maybe this could have been a success. MG Rover brought each car in for £3000 and sold them for almost £8000, if the car was sold for £4000 a profit could still be made and also it would be one of the cheapest new cars on sale. If MG Rover made a little more effort on this car such as updating the interior for British standards this car may have worked but its sheer overpriced crudeness put buyers off. For £8000 Rover customers could get a 25, why get a CityRover when you can get a 25?
2003 MG ZT 260
The MG ZT 260 has the same V8 engine used in the MG SV but with a power output of 260bhp, it seriously is a wolf in sheep's clothing. This is because the only difference to this and the 190 ZT is a V8 badge below the indicators on the wings and also the quad exhaust with twin heat shields on the bumper. This is the ultimate 'Q-Car'.
The MG ZT 260 has the same V8 engine used in the MG SV but with a power output of 260bhp, it seriously is a wolf in sheep's clothing. This is because the only difference to this and the 190 ZT is a V8 badge below the indicators on the wings and also the quad exhaust with twin heat shields on the bumper. This is the ultimate 'Q-Car'.
2003 Rover Streetwise
MG Rover released this model to bring the Rover marque to a younger audience, this has already been done with MG through the ZR, ZS and ZT range of cars. Now it was Rovers turn. The 'urban on-roader' featured higher suspension and tough bumpers for being in an urban environment. MG Rover were not worried about altering with the Rover 25's image as the Streetwise was a niche model.
MG Rover released this model to bring the Rover marque to a younger audience, this has already been done with MG through the ZR, ZS and ZT range of cars. Now it was Rovers turn. The 'urban on-roader' featured higher suspension and tough bumpers for being in an urban environment. MG Rover were not worried about altering with the Rover 25's image as the Streetwise was a niche model.
The 2004 Facelifts
The facelifting of the MG Rover range was only intended to be a short term solution to the ageing line-up, the Rover 45 replacement was intended to released within the next year however it got dragged down by delays whilst Phoenix Four, the management of MG Rover tried to find a Chinese partner. This took longer than expected, MG Rover held back the 45 replacement so it could be tweaked for any Chinese requirements.
From the foreground to the background:
Rover 75 V8
Rover 75 Tourer
Rover 45
Rover 25
CityRover
From foreground to background
MG SV
MG ZT
MG ZS
MG ZR
MG TF
In the end, the facelifting was too little too late and production halted with the collapse on April 5th 2005.
The Rover 25 & 45 production lines were moved over to China following NAC's purchase of the company after the collapse. The Streetwise turned into the MG3, but production has stopped as an all new MG3 was released in 2012.
The 45/ZS was going to be the MG5, but NAC failed to get this into production before their takeover by SAIC. This was because as soon as MG Rover went into administration Honda swiftly receded the licensing agreement to make Rover's interpretation of the Honda Civic MB6, the Rover 45 and the MG ZS.
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The MG looked great in 2001! Personally I like the 5-door grey ZR. Have to say though, that CityRover is quite a sight! Haha!
ReplyDeleteEamonn you will be pleased to know that soon I will be releasing a MG Rover Group report. You can already see a 'Rover Group' report, this can be found in the navigation bar at the top of the webpage. The MG Rover report will look at the MG 'Z' cars in more detail. The whole range looked great in 2001, it's just a shame management at MG Rover relied on these models for too long. The CityRover was a marketing failure, no marketing blitz at launch it's as if MG Rover was ashamed of the new car. It could have been a success if they priced it right, but they were importing the TATA Indica from India for around £3,000 and selling them for over double!
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