Rover 25
The Rover 25 was a small car produced by one of Britain’s most famous motoring manufacturers. Quite a sporty little number, it was reasonable to drive and offers excellent value for money these days. With some classic designs and a purposeful yet welcoming nature, it’s a great car for those people who are looking for something budget friendly and relatively reliable.
While the 25 nameplate was actually introduced in 1999, the car can trace its history back to the 4 door saloon 200 series of 1984, and later the 200 (R3) of 1995. With improved handling and an altogether perkier demeanour, the 25 was available in both 3 and 5 door models. A few different upgraded versions can be found, such as the Streetwise, and there was even a facelift around 2004 to improve the overall design. The best thing about the 25 though was that it led to the production of the ‘hot hatchback’ MG ZR.
To be honest the Rover isn’t bad to look at, but it’s not exactly what you’d call a stunner. It’s more of a conservative or ‘safe’ option from a company that was going down the pan at the time. However it’s friendly and newer versions have a nicely styled front end. The inside is simple and functional, but not the most spacious overall. 6 different trim levels mean there’s plenty of equipment on offer, and the GTi version in particular is well stocked. A huge boot for its size means practicality isn’t really a problem, and you can certainly tick off the ‘value for money’ box.
Quite fun to drive, the Rover is best nipping around town, although back roads and motorways don’t put it out of its comfort zone either. A firm ride and some lively performance, solid handling and good overall poise make it a nice surprise. GTi versions and the MG ZF are obviously the most fun. Several engines allow for insane frugality or a sportier punch, so there’s something for everyone. It’s certainly not an OAP mobile.
If you’re really serious about getting a second hand Rover 25, Motors.co.uk is one of the standout places to visit. As you can see, the selection of cars for sale is monstrous and low prices across the board means bagging a bargain is actually very easy. The best thing however is that quality is never overlooked, so you can be sure that any second hand auto you come across will be very good indeed.
So while the Rover 25 isn’t really an extra special in one area, it does a lot of things well. Its small size means it’s easy to drive and the plethora of different engines mean it can be as sporty or refined as you like. The simple fact is that if you’re looking for a small car that’s excellent value and doesn’t cause too much fuss, this one is well worth a look.
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