MG-Rover introduced two new models today.
Introducing the new CityRover range
With the forthcoming launch of the new CityRover model range, Rover gains an important expansion of its market coverage. CityRover is an attractive modern ‘city sector’ small car that provides the most competitive value-for-money blend of space, performance and specification available in the L6,500-L8,500 price band. Although compact and easy to drive and park, it has a roomy and user-friendly ‘tall’ package in a semi-MPV style, with easy access for all ages, from babies in carrycots to mature citizens.
At launch, all CityRover models have a 1.4 litre OHC 85Ps petrol engine and five doors, which compares favourably with the many price rivals that offer smaller engines and only three doors. The new model will be sold through all MG Rover dealers and benefits from the regular three year/60,000 mile warranty and 6 year anti-perforation cover.
Rover’s designers and engineers have given CityRover a distinctive modern Rover appearance inside and out. CityRover uses the new-style Rover Viking Ship badge.
Following careful analysis of the key customer profiles in this market area, a range of four derivatives (‘Solo’, ‘Sprite’, ‘Select’ and ‘Style’) has been developed, with the two mid-range choices respectively emphasising sporting style or luxury. CityRover provides a strong entry-level underpinning to the Longbridge built Rover 25, 45 and 75 model ranges and will significantly strengthen the business activities of Rover and its dealer network.
CityRover – its sector and customers
The ‘city car’ sector of the overall European small car market accounted for 1.1 million sales in 2002. There is a considerable variety of styles and sizes within this group, which includes cars such as the Peugeot 106/Citroen Saxo twins, Ford Ka, Vauxhall/Opel Agila, VW Lupo and the Fiat Seicento.
CityRover’s value-for-money pricing structure will position it against some 90% of the products available in this entry-level sector. In addition, because of its generous space and power, it will be an attractive alternative to small cars in the next category, such as the Renault Clio, Toyota Yaris and Fiat Punto. Since there is minimal overlap with Rover 25 pricing, and a substantial difference in size (nearly 300 mm shorter), the CityRover complements the 25 and emphasises its positioning in the upper quartile of the small car sector. — Production of MG cars to resume at Longbridge.
Generous Space and Specification
The key to CityRover’s class leading interior space is its long 2400 mm wheelbase and tall build. Getting in and out is easy, with doors opening to 90’ and high mounted seating, which also gives a commanding driving position. The rear seats are slightly higher than the front ones to optimise the rear passenger viewpoints; they also feature the classic 60/40 split with jack-knife folding giving a flat load floor and flexible load carrying configurations between 220 litres and 610 litres. Rover-specified interior trim uses a variety of high grade woven or knitted fabrics according to model, and there is a full-leather option for the top ‘Style’ model.
Technicalities
At launch, all CityRover models will be powered by a 1405cc petrol engine, with an alloy cylinder head, single overhead camshaft and multi-point fuel injection. It develops 85Ps at 5500rpm, and a solid 115Nm of torque at 3000rpm. There is a five-speed manual transmission. Rover engineers have tuned the chassis, which has all-independent coil sprung suspension (McPherson strut front, semi-trailing arms at the rear), specifying larger 14 inch by 5J wheels and 175/60R 14 tyres, a lower ride height and revised damper and spring rates to give a good ride and handling balance. Steering is by rack and pinion, with power assistance standard on Sprite, Select and Style models, optional on Solo versions. Powerful servo-assisted braking is via 231mm diameter ventilated front discs and 200mm diameter rear drums.
New Streetwise range, the urban on-roader
MG Rover Group today announces a bold new extension to its small car range – the Streetwise. Due to commence sales in the UK towards the end of August, the new Streetwise is a specialised range based on the popular Rover 25 platform, but offering a distinctive new personality of its own. Designed to complement the existing Rover car range while significantly broadening the marque appeal, Streetwise is in tune with a growing European sub-sector for small cars with an ‘urban-tough’ attitude.
Streetwise features large wheels and raised suspension for greater ground clearance and a higher viewpoint. For extra toughness and durability, it has robust moulded bumpers, wheelarch protectors and rubbing strips all in a scratch-resistant dark grey-grained finish. Standard fit roof bars on all models offer a versatile carrying facility to complement the spacious interior and boot.
Inside, Streetwise has its own specially-designed seating and trim treatment, with individual front and rear storage plus individual sports-style seating for four as standard, yet it retains a practical and versatile 60/40 split folding rear seat squab.
Streetwise will be available with a selection of petrol and diesel power units, various transmissions and three trim levels. Market launches will be progressive and in the UK initial launch stock will feature the twin-cam alloy 1.4 litre K Series petrol engine in both 84Ps and 103Ps tune plus the 101Ps L Series turbo-diesel unit, all with 5 speed manual transmissions. Phasing in after launch will be an additional petrol engine with manual transmission, and a 1.8-litre K Series unit with Stepspeed CVT automatic transmission. Other markets may take different power train options. — Ford's agreement to sell Aston Martin.
Reflecting the role of Streetwise in developing the Rover brand, it is the first model to use a new modernised version of the classic Rover ‘Viking Ship’ badge.
Streetwise in Outline
Front and rear bumpers feature a contrasting insert for the lower central section with body colour on trim level 3 derivatives, (the alternative finish is an option in each case).
Beefy roof bars, securely bolted to the roof on all Streetwise models, are similar to those fitted to the Rover 75 Tourer, and accept the same kind of cross bars and carrying systems for loads up to 65 kg.
As standard, unique five-spoke 16 inch alloy wheels are available from the mid range upwards while entry models feature rugged 15 inch steel wheels with drilled centres and ‘kerb-proof’ centre hub covers.
In keeping with its extrovert character, Streetwise offers up to twelve exterior paint choices from the strongest colours in the MG Rover palette, including the vivid Trophy Yellow and Trophy Blue finishes. — Abarth 'Scorpion' returns.
Inside, Streetwise has, as standard, a unique four-seat configuration, with front and rear sports style individual seats. Between the rear seat cushions is a special central console with storage cubbies. Ingeniously, the folding seat squab retains the useful 60/40 split to allow four different cargo/passenger-carrying arrangements.
For those needing five seats, there is the option of a normal bench rear seat, with 60/40 split folding squabs and three lap and diagonal seat belts.
‘Monaco’ seat fabric is used for the first two trim levels while a ‘Sebring’ fabric and leather seat trim with optional red or blue accents is standard on trim level 3 and optional on the others. All models feature a ‘Puma’ interior environment with silver accents around the switchpack.
Other special Streetwise interior design details include a new centre console with new switchpack and improved storage plus a new floor console incorporating the gear lever, window lift switches and rear ashtray.
There are distinctive blue instrument graphics, and the new circular front ashtray can be transferred, if required, to the cup holder section of the door pocket.
