Rover 400 / 45

For the car marketed in Australia as the Rover 416i, seeHonda Integra.

TheRover 400 Series,and later theRover 45,are a series ofsmall family carsthat were produced by the British manufacturerRoverfrom 1990 to 2005. The cars were co-developed as part of Rover's collaboration withHonda.The first-generation 400 was based on theHonda Concerto,and the Mark II 400 (later the Rover 45) was based on theHonda Domani/Civic.

Rover 400 Series Rover 45
1993 Rover 414 SLi (first generation)
Overview
Manufacturer	Rover
Production	1990–2005
Assembly	United Kingdom:Longbridge,Birmingham
Designer	Peter Stevens
Body and chassis
Class	Small family car
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel-drive
Chronology
Predecessor	Rover 200 MkI(for R8) Rover 200 MkII(for HH-R) Austin Montego(for the saloon and estate/tourer) Austin Maestro(for hatchback)
Successor	MG 6

Honda petrol engines were used in some Rover models, while the market competitiveRover L-seriesdiesel engine was used from the mid-1990s in Hondas, before they designed their own diesel engine.

Rover 400 (R8; 1990–1998)

Rover 400 (R8)
Overview
Production	1990–1995 (saloon) 1994–1998 (Tourer)
Body and chassis
Body style	4-doorsaloon 5-doorTourer (estate)
Related	Honda Concerto Rover 200(R8)
Powertrain
Engine	petrol: 1.4 LK-seriesI4 1.6 LHonda D16I4 2.0 LM-seriesI4 2.0 LT-SeriesturboI4 diesel: 1.8 LPSA XUD7TturboI4 1.9 LPSA XUD9I4
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,550 mm (100.4 in)
Length	4,370 mm (172.0 in)
Width	1,680 mm (66.1 in)
Height	1,400 mm (55.1 in)

The original 400 Series, launched in 1990 as a four-doorsaloon,was a saloon version of the second-generationRover 200 Serieshatchback,both sharing the codename R8 during development. The 200 Series had been launched six months earlier. Like the 200, the model was designed in collaboration withHonda(who produced the corresponding designed for EuropeConcertomodel) and both models would share production lines at Rover's Longbridge facility. It used the same core structure and mechanicals as the Honda, but the rear-end redesign of the glasshouse and body were unique to Rover. Interior trim and electrical architecture were all shared with the R8 Rover 200.

Rear of Rover 416 GSi 16v MK1

Rover 400 Tourer (Europe)

An estate — or station wagon — version was subsequently developed by Rover Special Products and introduced in the summer of 1994.Badged as the Rover 400 Tourer, this remained in production alongside the second-generation 400 until 1998, as no estate version of the latter car was built. Many of the 400 Tourers were exported to Japan.

The R8 Rover 200 and 400 were the first applications of Rover'sK-seriesfamily of engines (appearing in 1.4 L (1,396 cc)twin-cam16-valveform).

The 1.6 L (1,590 cc) version used either aHondaD16A6 and D16Z2 SOHC or D16A8 DOHC powerplant, while the 2.0 LM-seriesunit from the800 Seriesfollowed soon afterwards (1991) in the sportier versions.

The Rover-engined models drove the front wheels via jointly developedPeugeot/Rover R65 gearboxes (1.4 litre) andRoverPG1 for the 1.6- and 2.0-litre versions. The Rover 420 GSI turbo and GSI Sport turbo, produced in limited numbers, were equipped with theturbocharged197 bhp (147 kW)Rover T-series engine.Also available were twoPSA(non-electronically controlled Lucas CAV injection pumps)Indirect injectiondiesel engines,with the choice ofnaturally aspirated1.9-litre XUD9 orturbocharged1.8 XUD7T engines. The Tourer eschewed the 1.4, naturally aspirated diesel, and the turbocharged petrol-engined options.

These engines were installed instead of the non-electronically controlled Bosch HPVEDirect InjectionRover MDi / Perkins Prima used in theAustin MaestroandMontego,as that engine, with its noisy combustion but lower fuel consumption, was deemed too unrefined for the new models.

A mid-life facelift in September 1993 (also applied to the Rover 200) saw the reintroduction of the Rover grille, which first reappeared on the R17 facelift of theRover 800.This change was achieved without significant change to the remaining structure, but provided a more distinctive Rover "family look" and established a certain distance from theHonda Concerto.

Rover 400 (HH-R; 1995–1999)

Rover 400 (HH-R)
Overview
Production	1995–1999
Body and chassis
Body style	4-doorsaloon 5-doorhatchback
Related	Honda Domani Rover 200(R3)
Powertrain
Engine	petrol: 1.4 LK-seriesI4 1.6 LK-seriesI4 1.6 LHonda D16I4 2.0 LT-SeriesI4 diesel: 2.0 LL-seriesturboI4
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,620 mm (103.1 in)
Length	4,320 mm (170.1 in)
Width	1,695 mm (66.7 in)
Height	1,390 mm (54.7 in)

Rover 400 saloon (rear)

Rover 400 hatchback (rear)

The dashboard of a Rover 400

The second-generation 400 Series, codenamed Theta or HH-R, was launched in 1995 as a hatchback and later as a saloon. It was based on theHonda Domani,which had been released in Japan in 1992, and was sold as part of the EuropeanHonda Civicrange in five-door hatchback form. It was no longer as closely related to the 200 Series, which was revised independently by Rover but still shared many components with the 400. It would prove to be the final collaborative model between Rover and Honda, ending a partnership that had begun with theTriumph Acclaimin 1981.

Power came from 1.4- and 1.6-litreK-series,1.6-litre Honda D-series SOHC (automatic gearbox only), and 2.0-litre Rover T-seriespetrol engines,as well as a 2.0-litreL-seriesturbodieselborrowed from the larger600 Series.

The Rover 400 might have been marketed as a small family car, as it compared closely in size and engine range with contemporary models such as theFord EscortandVauxhall Astra.Instead, Rover priced the car to compete with vehicles like theFord MondeoandVauxhall Vectra.This was because Rover's only offering in theC/Dsegment at the time was the ageingMontego,and this gap in the company's line-up needed to be filled. A saloon version was later introduced for the 400.

The relatedHonda Civicwas not sold as a saloon in the UK, although a four-door version was available in other markets. This helped to expand the appeal of the Rover model into the executive car segment, and to better differentiate the two cars.

The second-generation 400 was initially popular, being one of Britain's best-selling cars between 1995 and 1997. However, within three years it was being outsold by traditionally poorer-selling cars, such as theVolkswagen PassatandRenault Laguna.

Rover 45 (1999–2005)

Rover 45
Overview
Production	1999–2005
Designer	Peter Stevens
Body and chassis
Body style	4-doorsaloon 5-doorhatchback
Related	Honda Domani Rover 25 MG ZS
Powertrain
Engine	petrol: 1.4 LK-seriesI4 1.6 LK-seriesI4 1.6 LHonda D16Y3I4 1.8 LK-seriesI4 2.0 LKV6V6 diesel: 2.0 LL-seriesturboI4
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,620 mm (103.1 in)
Length	4,360 mm (171.7 in) (1999–2004 hatchback) 4,520 mm (178.0 in) (1999–2004 saloon) 4,386 mm (172.7 in) (2004–2005 hatchback) 4,540 mm (178.7 in) (2004–2005 saloon)
Width	1,695 mm (66.7 in) (1999–2004) 1,678 mm (66.1 in) (2004–2005)
Height	1,390 mm (54.7 in) (1999–2004) 1,386 mm (54.6 in) (2004–2005)

Rover 45 hatchback (rear)

Rover 45 saloon (rear)

Interior (pre-facelift)

The Rover 400 was given a facelift in 1999, becoming the Rover 45. It was repositioned and priced to compete with theFord FocusandVauxhall Astra,rather than larger cars like theFord MondeoandVauxhall Vectra.From 2001, a re-engineeredhot hatchversion of the Rover 45 was launched and sold as theMG ZS.

The 1.4- and 1.6-litre K series petrol and 2.0-litre L series diesel engines were carried over from the 400 Series, along with the introduction of a 1.8 K series and a 2.0-litre V6 from the largerRover 75(replacing the 2.0 T series four-cylinder petrol unit) – although this power unit was only available on saloon versions. The 45 came equipped with the better seating of the 75 and whilst the 400 models handled very well, the suspension was tuned to give much better controlled ride characteristics with quicker steering.

Rover 45 hatchback (post facelift)

The 45 was available withContinuously Variable Transmission(CVT) supplied by the German manufacturerZF Sachs AGwhich had previously been used in the MGF. This particular design of CVT consists of an oil cooled laminated steel belt (with external oil cooler) running on variable pulleys. The revised model boasted improved equipment levels, comfortable interior and reduced prices, compared with the preceding 400-badged models. While the asking price was now in line with othersmall family cars,the Rover 45 began to lose market share, its chances of success not helped by its aged design. Therefore, the 45 was never able to seriously compete with more modern designs, such as theFord FocusandVauxhall Astrain terms of popularity. It was also outsold by the likes of thePeugeot 307,Fiat Stilo,Volkswagen GolfandRenault Mégane.

A 2004 facelift was MG Rover's last effort to boost sales of the Rover 45, with a new front and rear-end styling, a redesigned interior with refreshed dash, centre console and new switchgear, revised suspension settings, improved equipment and lower prices. Some of these changes were necessitated by the end of Domani production in Japan, as Honda refused to continue the supply of certain parts.

Rover 45 hatchback (post facelift)

Production of the car stopped in April 2005, due to MG Rover's bankruptcy. Honda swiftly terminated the licensing agreement with MG Rover - (thus ending the last vestiges of the alliance between the two companies that had begun in 1980 with theTriumph Acclaim) and removed the remaining tooling and assembly lines for the car from Longbridge prior to its sale to Nanjing Automotive, which meant that no versions of the Rover 45/MG ZS were ever produced by Nanjing Automotive.

Security Ratings

Rover 45 models were tested on three occasions by Thatcham's New Vehicle Security Ratings (NVSR) organisation, and achieved the following ratings:

01/00–12/02	Rating
Theft of car:
Theft from car:

01/03–03/04	Rating
Theft of car:
Theft from car:

04/04–05/05	Rating
Theft of car:
Theft from car:

Powertrain

These were the engines available for the Rover 400 (1995–1999) and Rover 45 (2000–2005):

Years	Model & Transmission	Engine	Power	Torque	Top Speed	0–100 km/h (0-62 mph)	Economy (MPG imp)	Emissions (CO2)
Petrol
1995–1999	1.4 16v Manual	1.4 L, I4	103 PS (76 kW; 102 hp)	127 N·m (94 lb·ft)	185 km/h (115 mph)	11.0 secs	41.0 mpg	175 g/km
1999–2005	1.4 16v Manual	1.4 L, I4	103 PS (76 kW; 102 hp)	123 N·m (91 lb·ft)	185 km/h (115 mph)	11.2 secs	40.0 mpg	168 g/km
1995–2004	1.6 16v Manual	1.6 L, I4	111 PS (82 kW; 109 hp)	145 N·m (107 lb·ft)	190 km/h (118 mph)	10.0 secs	39.0 mpg	178 g/km
1995–2000	1.6 16v Hondamatic	D16Y3	115 PS (85 kW; 113 hp)	143 N·m (107 lb·ft)	190 km/h (118 mph)	12.0 secs	32.0 mpg	212 g/km
1997–2005	1.8 16v Manual	1.8 L, I4	117 PS (86 kW; 115 hp)	160 N·m (118 lb·ft)	195 km/h (121 mph)	9.3 secs	38.0 mpg	174 g/km
1999–2005	1.8 16v Stepspeed	1.8 L, I4	117 PS (86 kW; 115 hp)	160 N·m (118 lb·ft)	184 km/h (118 mph)	10.3 secs	33.0 mpg	203 g/km
1995–2000	2.0 16v Manual	2.0 L, I4	136 PS (100 kW; 134 hp)	185 N·m (137 lb·ft)	200 km/h (124 mph)	9.0 secs	32.0 mpg	210 g/km
2000–04	2.0 V6 Stepspeed	2.0 L, V6	149 PS (110 kW; 147 hp)	185 N·m (137 lb·ft)	200 km/h (124 mph)	9.5 secs	28.0 mpg	234 g/km
Diesel
1995–1999	2.0 TD 86 Manual	2.0 L, I4	86 PS (63 kW; 85 hp)	170 N·m (125 lb·ft)	169 km/h (105 mph)	13.0 secs	49.0 mpg	168 g/km
1995–1999	2.0 TD 105 Manual	2.0 L, I4	105 PS (77 kW; 104 hp)	210 N·m (155 lb·ft)	185 km/h (115 mph)	10.4 secs	53.0 mpg	166 g/km
1999–2005	2.0 TD 101 Manual	2.0 L, I4	101 PS (74 kW; 100 hp)	240 N·m (177 lb·ft)	185 km/h (115 mph)	10.6 secs	52.0 mpg	150 g/km
2002–05	2.0 TD 113 Manual	2.0 L, I4	113 PS (83 kW; 111 hp)	260 N·m (192 lb·ft)	190 km/h (118 mph)	9.8 secs	50.0 mpg	150 g/km

Replacement model projects

R30

During the end of the 1990s, replacements for theRover 25and 45 models were developed by Rover Group under the codenameR30.Intended for launch in 2003 as the Rover 35 and 55, these would have been based on an all new platform. At launch, these would have used K-series engines, but newValvetronicengines were anticipated to be introduced by 2006. The R30 Project was cancelled, whenBMWdivested its ownership of Rover Group in March 2000.

It is possible that some of the development work may eventually have benefited theBMW 1 Series.

RD/X60

Following the termination of the R30 Project, from 2001,MG Roverplanned to replace the 45 with a model range based on theRover 75platform. Collectively referred to as theRD/X60project (sometimes also writtenRDX60), the range was intended to comprise the following variants:

• RD60:Rover hatchback
• X60:MG hatchback
• RD61:Rover saloon
• RD62:Rover "tourer" estate

A preview of how the RD62 "Tourer" might appear was given at the2002 Geneva Motor Showin the form of the Rover TCV (Tourer Concept Vehicle)concept car.

During the design process, MG Rover's design partnerTom Walkinshaw Racing(TWR) went into administration. MG Rover lost access to most of the computer aided design work for their new vehicle. Efforts were made to reclaim these from the administrators, however, the resulting uncertainty and delays made it impossible to progress with the project.

The abortiveSAIC Dealof August 2004 was to have included bringing a replacement for the ageing 45 to market, and the RD/X60 was a likely candidate for this. Ultimately, no such joint venture was entered into. After MG Rover's collapse, SAIC bought some of the company'sintellectual property,and released a concept called theRoewe W2.Like the RD/X60, this was partly based on the platform of the Rover 75. The W2 entered production in April 2008, as theRoewe 550.

A hatchback derivative of the 550 was announced in November 2009, as theMG6.

References

Media related toRover 400andRover 45at Wikimedia Commons