A Feel-Good Interior
by Ross Finlay (30 Nov 02)

Yes, the 25 has been updated once again, particularly inside. There are new instruments of a design similar to the engaging retro type used on the 75, as well as a new look for the good-grip steering wheel and the gear lever knob. The latest models have different wood inserts, a better sound system, additional upholstery and colour options, more places for odds and ends, and an extra-cost fold-out stowage pack for the boot.

None of this is earth-shattering stuff, of course, and the 25 has its critics, who say that it's been round the block too many times to be worth bothering about. But it remains one of the very few cars in its class which gives the impression of having the kind of interior, in appearance, materials and finish, that you'd expect in something bigger and more expensive. And it feels solidly put together.

Rover has also come up with one unusual item of standard equipment on all 2003 models in the 25 range - Traffic Alert. Set up to warn of congestion miles ahead, the system goes live whenever it comes within range of one of Trafficmaster's 7500 or so main road and motorway transmitters.

Updated regularly when appropriate, the display is neatly integrated into the standard digital clock screen (itself well placed on the fascia top), so that there's no extra-cost gadgetry required. As well as that, updates on the situation - expected delay time, for example - can be called up on a mobile phone, by dialling 1740.

Where Rover scores with cars of this size, as has been proved right back to the days of the two-Rover-owners-ago link with Honda, is that it makes sure the fascia, console, seats and door panels look like something from a more expensive range.

Quality Trim 

There's nothing particularly 2003 about the interior, but it shows a high standard of fit and finish. Space is fine up front, and the 25 stands on a long-wheelbase platform, so that the rear doors are longer than in many rival cars. But the fact that it's what you might call the biggest small car in its class doesn't mean that rear seat kneeroom is lavish. At least, the comment in our test of a previous 25, that "it can be a bit of a struggle getting in and out of the back seats", still applies.

The iL version comes with the third-up of the four trim and equipment levels. So it has electric operation of the door mirrors, front windows and sunroof, as well as rear radio speakers and audio controls on the steering wheel. ABS with EBD is a £325 option, though, and it's £175 for a passenger airbag.

Over the years, the 25 has had its suspension modified several times (it was comprehensively reworked in 2000) and it still manages a pretty good balance between handling and ride, even if it's not as nimble in tight corners as some of the smaller and lighter superminis. That's hardly to be expected, and it's not what most owners look for, anyway.

The engine is one of the K-series designs the present Rover company must be grateful for having fallen heir to, although it's a little down on torque for those of us who like to see a petrol engine with maximum power and maximum torque figures closer together. There's 91lb/ft at 4500rpm, so be prepared to stir the gear lever when you're pressing on along minor roads or in hilly terrain.

On long journeys, the 1.4-litre is quieter and more relaxed than many of its more recently designed rivals, and it shows that in these conditions a superior cabin ambiance is often what counts most. Pretty good cruising economy too.

Price: £11,120
Capacity: 1396cc
Power: 101bhp
0-60mph: 10.2 seconds
Maximum speed: 112mph
Economy: 53.1mpg extra urban, 42.8mpg combined
CO2 emissions: 162g/km
Insurance: Group 6
Rover figures.

Back to Rover Road Test index
Back to main Road Test index