Modest Updatings
by Ross Finlay (22 Oct 02)

You have to admire Rover for the way it keeps mildly refreshing its model ranges without going to the extent - which right now it can't afford - of renewing them altogether. With the 25, it has the advantage of a better looking interior than most other cars in the class, and it's working that as hard as it can, with new seat fabrics and "colourways", and certain details transferred from the 75.

The latest instrument dials take their cue - in colour and graphics - from the deliciously retro types on the larger saloon. Steering wheel, gear lever and heater control markings are also up-dated, and there's a change to the fascia and door trim.

Park distance sensors are a new option, and so is a Becker CD/satellite navigation system. Rover has decided to delete the cigar lighter to make way for a power socket for mobile phones and similar equipment, although if a customer doesn't want any of that new-fangled stuff it will skip the power socket and put a cigar lighter back instead. There's a more efficient wiring harness to cope with all the extra gizmos, although no sign yet of multiplex.

Other minor additions are CD holders, cupholders, pen clips and so on, and there's an extra-cost Velcro-fixed stowage box for the boot area, which it's better to watch somebody else assembling first time, especially in a high wind.

New exterior paint colours and alloy wheel designs feature in the latest catalogue, and Rover is also offering up-rated security features including a volumetric alarm system. A Thatcham Category 1 rating is the reward.

Noting The Traffic Problems

One handy item standard on all models in the new 25 range is the Traffic Alert congestion warning which uses the fascia clock screen for its display. Out in the country, on minor roads, there's nothing showing but the digital time clock. But once you get within range of a Trafficmaster transmitter - there are more than 7000 of them on English, Scottish and Welsh trunk roads and motorways, but none so far in Northern Ireland - an extra symbol appears. It shows a road narrowing into the distance, with the checkable stretch divided into three segments.

The system doesn't really get going until your car is within range of a second transmitter. Then, it indicates heavy traffic (meaning a traffic flow speed below 30mph, or below 20mph inside the M25 ring) in whichever direction. Road numbers, and motorway junction numbers as appropriate, are shown.

The three segments refer to the situation five, ten or 15 miles away on trunk roads, or one, two or three junctions away on motorways. It's simple but effective.

Engine choice in the 25 range continues as before, with 1.1, 1.4 and 1.6-litre petrol units, the 1.4 being available in either 82 or 101bhp stages of tune, and the 1.6 coming with the option of Stepspeed transmission. There's also a two-litre turbo diesel.

Trim levels are basic, E, L and XL, although they all have an "i" prefix too - meaning that the entry-level car is actually the 1.1i.

There's nothing new about the way the latest 25 drives or performs, but the detail modifications confirm it as a well built and, model for model, well equipped hatchback - three-door or five-door. Unlike so many of its rivals, it has a fascia which gives the impression of having been designed and laid out to suit a bigger car altogether, and that's definitely one of its plus points.

In the rear cabin, though, there's no optical illusion about how much space there is available. The 25 is not one of the second-generation long-wheelbase hatchbacks, and legroom isn't very generous.

Special Editions Already

Speaking of Impressions, Rover has launched the latest Impression special editions at the same time as the mainstream catalogue models. Prices start from £8970 for the 1.4-litre three-door Impression with 15" alloys, electric sunroof and remote central locking. The Impression S specification replaces the sunroof with air conditioning, then adds a leather steering wheel and gear lever top, electrically operated front windows and door mirrors, front foglamps and a CD tuner, as well as some small items of different fascia trim.

Impression and Impression S models are also available with the two-litre turbo diesel engine. Five-door bodywork adds £555 throughout the MINI-range.

At the Birmingham Show, Rover is using the 25 to showcase the latest Monogram catalogue of special colours, fabrics, seating and in-car entertainment. Fashion designer Matthew Williamson was given a fairly free hand to create his own special 25, with bronze-finished bodywork and Alpaca leather trim. That won't make it to production status, but the Monogram programme certainly offers an unusual amount of choice for a car in this price bracket.

Back to Rover Launch index
Back to main Launch index