Rover launches two new cars

[touringlegend]

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 £6,500-£8,500 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.



Analysis of the city car market shows that there are a number of target customer groups who require a budget size car and/or cost, from first time motorists to multi-car families. There are considerable differences in the buyer profiles for existing products in this sector, but a key pointer for the overall class is that a majority of main drivers are female, and there is a fairly even distribution of age bands. Approximately half of the cars in this sector are purchased as second cars in a household and buyers tend to be open-minded with around 60% of purchasers having no loyalty to specific brands.

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.

The lowest-priced 'Solo' model is well equipped, with standard features such as driver's airbag, front seat belt pre-tensioners, radio/cassette with four speakers, clock, lockable glovebox, variable intermittent wipe, rear wash/wipe, tinted glass with shadeband, cigar lighter, load space lamp, courtesy lamp delay, 4-speed heater/ventilation fan with recirculation setting, alloy gearknob, remote releases for tailgate and fuel filler, and many others.

Sporting features of the 'Sprite' model include alloy wheels, leather sports style steering wheel and gearknob, front fog lamps and a rear spoiler. Luxury features on the 'Select' model include front and rear electric windows plus air conditioning as standard. Both 'Sprite' and 'Select' have power steering, remote central locking, a tachometer and a CD/Tuner. All these features are standard on the top model, the 'Style', which also benefits from anti-lock braking and a passenger airbag._Paint choices include two solid colours and eight optional metallic shades.

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.

I think it's a very nice little car this "CityRover" but I don't like the name of it. The most important part is that it doesn't actually looke like a typical Rover, but it still hasn't got the style of a 206, Citroen C3 etc. Although, I think the price will attract a lot of people - £6,500 for a 1.4 is not bad at all - the reason it's cheap is because it's built in India, albeit under supervision from British Rover managers.

[touringlegend]

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.

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.

The Market for Streetwise
European small car sales grew strongly during the 1990s and are now steady at around 3.5 million units each year across the top nine markets. Last year in the UK, one in three of all new car sales were in the small and supermini sector. There is an increasing trend with small car buyers to seek a more 'personalised' variation in style and configuration. One of the emerging themes is for what Rover calls an 'urban on-roader'. Streetwise meets this brief - it is robust, versatile and stylish, a small car that's fun to drive, handy in traffic, easy to park and able to shrug off hard use by active individuals and young families. It has elements of the SUV appeal, with good ground clearance and ruggedness, but without the costs and complexity of 4x4 transmission. At the same time, it offers good all-round performance and capability out of town, from motorways to farm tracks.

Market research, showing Streetwise to focus groups from the target markets, has generated very positive responses, indicating significant conquest sales potential, particularly amongst younger buyers.

Streetwise in Outline
Presenting an entirely new 'direction' for a Rover, Streetwise has the front bumper and grille formed in a tough unpainted grained moulding. The same resilient material, resistant to chipping and scratches, is used for the wheelarch spats, sill mouldings, side rubbing strips, rear bumper and tailgate lift handle.

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.

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.

It all adds up to an attractive new package that was warmly received by market research focus groups, who saw Streetwise as sleek, sporty and modern, a car which combined fun with practicality.

Now, THIS is one definitely cool car I tell you - it's just a pity about the name, again! I think being "Streetwise" is what Rover's trying to do, but they don't need to be so bloomin obvious about it. Basically it's a Rover 25 on stilts, presumably aimed at the school run mum's, - all the good points of a small car but high enough...

I don't think they plan to badge either of these as MG's - I hope they don't, as keeping these cars as Rover's will begin to distinguish the difference between a Rover and a MG.

What does everyone else think of these? Making Rover cool or not ?

[davemorganfan]

Hmmmmm. CityRover - it'll do a job for them. Hardly cutting edge, but should sell well, and just has to be better than some of the other sub-superminis from the far East. And 85 bhp in such a small car sounds like it might just be fun. Streetwise - I don't like cars that look like pieces of agricultural machinery, so this ain't my cup of tea. Presumably it comes with a year's free supply of Back To Black, otherwise the looks will soon fade.

[garcon]

The CityRover looks like an early/mid nineties Saxo/106. Groundbreaking stuff...

And they can't fool me - that "Urban On-roader" (eh? :confused: ) is a Rover 200 with jacked up suspension and a bit of tacky plastic*. So another mid 90s car then...

(* ok, they admit that in the text)

Actually, these could bring some useful extra sales in for Rover for a pretty small outlay in terms of R&D. They need to get the marketing right though. The Rover 75 was nearly still-born sales-wise because they over-egged it - it's only now we've forgotten the marketing campaign that we're realising it's actually quite a decent car...

If they over-do this 'streetwise' thing, people will laugh nervously and shrink away - just like you do when your dad starts dancing to Ibiza club tracks at someone's wedding...

[Dave Brand]

I can see a close parallel here between MG Rover & American Motors in the 1980s - bolstering the bottom end of its range by buying in foreign designs, tarting-up an ancient range with tacky add-ons, no money to develop its own new cars, selling more on patriotism than the quality of its product (with one or two exceptions). Maybe the current signs of health are just rigor mortis?

[Suzy]

*unhelpful comment* not as nice as my Peril *ends unhelpful comment*

I grew up with Rover cars in all their guises as most of my family worked for them (some still do and the others have been "trawled" and picked up by BMW) at the Cowley and Longbridge plants. I loved my metros, appreciated my 25 and I adore my Peril.

These seem to look like all the other cars on the road - it's as if nobody has any imagination anymore. Everything looks alike and Rover, at first glance, have gone down that same road.

I don't deny for one second that Rover needed a replacement for the Metro - they were great cars. A tad small for my needs these days but they were super little "first" cars. Hopefully this one will grow on me.

As for the second one - not keen at all. Rover have got enough 4x4's as it is without this one coming into the frame too.

[Dave Brand]

Originally posted by Suzy
I don't deny for one second that Rover needed a replacement for the Metro - they were great cars. A tad small for my needs these days but they were super little "first" cars.

Please tell me you're joking!

Oil leaks, rust, saggy suspension, poor-quality interior trim, awful driving position......they were lousy cars.

A good first car though - buy an old one & you'll learn all about car maintenance......the hard way!

[Tristan]

Oh dear god they're doomed.

[bella]

that cityrover would be ideal for my gran. it looks quite high up, so she'd be able to climb in and out of it quite easily.

perhaps that's the market they've aimed for....

[garcon]

Originally posted by Dave Brand
Please tell me you're joking!

Oil leaks, rust, saggy suspension, poor-quality interior trim, awful driving position......they were lousy cars.

A good first car though - buy an old one & you'll learn all about car maintenance......the hard way!

No, but imagine if Rover could produce a modern super-mini that didn't suffer from oil leaks, rust, soggy/saggy suspension, self-destruct trim, awful driving position... (hang on - you've just described an Alfa there!)

Er. Anyway, it could be such a great car! My guess is that, like Alfa, they'll have managed to sort the rust but not much else...

[Suzy]

Strange isn't it? I didn't have any of those problems with either my City X or my Rover 100.

[garcon]

They must've built yours while the auditors were in...

[429CJ]

Have Rover really designed and engineered that themselves, I mean...look at this indian Tata Indica:

[rdjones]

As people know I am a big Rover/MG fan. So here's my thoughts

The CityRover looks really good and from the one pic I quite like the look of it, if they market it right they might sell a few.

As for the StreetRover not so sure about that, we shall see.

[garcon]

Oh boy.

So the truth is that Rover haven't designed this thing at all, and they've not even taken the decision themselves to move production to India.

The truth is that Rover are going to take a car currently made in India by Tata and stick a Rover badge on it.

Here ends the British car industry. If I don't laugh I'll cry. So...

:confused:

[garcon]

P.S. Has anybody told the bods at Rover that India isn't part of the British empire anymore?

[Dani Filth]

it was anounced a few months back that Rover will do a car based on TATA ...

[Tristan]

I want to weep.

[touringlegend]

Like Suzy, we had an Austin Metro in the family when I was about 4 or 5. It was the only car that you could be guaranteed to step into and start first time. We've had VW's, Fords and Peugeot's since and all these cars give us more hassle than the Metro did.

The CityRover is a Tata Indica underneath, though it has been re-engineered. It could of easily been built in Britain, but it is far cheaper to build it in India. It's simply a solution at the present to save MG Rover from going under, if this car is succesful and MGR earn a profit, that will go towards future models to be built in Britain. So, just because it's a Rover, don't dismiss it..

[Maisie]

Personally, I quite like both of them. OK, so the CityRover is just a badge-engineered and updated Tata Indica, but it comes with a decent spec list, it's not too expensive, and best of all it's not hideously googly like most of the latest Superminis on the market (Ka, Micra etc).

The Streetwise is easily recognisable as being based on the 200/25 design, but it's rugged and hard-wearing looking, so when you're anticipating the odd biff with the trolley in the supermarket, it'll be ideal.

I hope they both sell well in the lower range of the market and get Rover some more respectability. The company is very different from that of the 80s and it's a shame so many people are living in the past as far as their perception of the brand goes.

[garcon]

Any truth in the rumour the Goodness Gracious Me! team are going to dothe tv ad for the City Rover?

"Introducing the new CityRover..."

"Indian!"

[woodyracing]

hmm, i dont like the CityRover, it looks like a Corsa on stilts (and i dont like Corsa's) but the price is cheap for a new car.

The streetwise looks ok, but not my cup of tea

[Sim_Da_BTCC_Man]

Was that large bang the british car industry and rover hitting the floor or just my lunch settling?

[redshoes]

Is it just me or does anyone else see the irony it all of this. The Indian car industry developed by building out-dated British designs - the Hindustan Ambasador was originally a 1950's Morris. Now the British industry survives by badge-engineering India designs.

What next? The MG tuk-tuk

[garcon]

At least Land Rover is in safe hands (financially at least). Otherwise the Freelander could've been a re-badged Tata Gurkha...

Come to think of it, that wouldn't have been much worse...