Rover 200 Coupe (XW) 218i (145 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.1 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.5 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.8 / 5
Comfort 3.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Rover 200:

The Rover 200 Series, and later the Rover 25, are a series of small family cars that were produced at the Longbridge factory by former British manufacturer Rover from 1984 until 2005 over four distinct generations.
The Rover 200 was conceived in partnership with Honda originally as a four-door saloon car based on the Honda Ballade. The second generation introduced in 1989 was made in three or five-door hatchback forms, as well a coupé and cabriolet. Its sister model, the Honda Concerto was built on the same production line....(Read more on Wikipedia)

Coupe (XW) Overview:

Rover 200 (Coupe (XW)). With 174 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11.2 l/100km). Weighing only 1090 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 7.8 s). The top speed reaches 211 km/h. A two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.

218i (145 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

A lively and rev-happy engine, offering excellent performance for its 1.8L displacement, especially with VVC technology.

Fuel Economy

Good balance of power and efficiency, making it an engaging yet relatively economical option.

Best Use Case: Spirited driving, daily use where agility and a responsive engine are preferred.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Distinctive and attractive coupe styling with T-bar roof option
  • • Excellent performance from the 220 Turbo and 218i VVC engines
  • • Engaging handling for a front-wheel-drive car of its era
  • • Comfortable interior for its class, especially on longer journeys
  • • Becoming a sought-after modern classic, particularly the Turbo models

Cons:

  • • Known for K-Series head gasket issues (on 1.6L and 1.8L engines)
  • • Interior plastics can feel dated and somewhat cheap compared to rivals
  • • Dated safety features by modern standards (no Euro NCAP rating)
  • • Rust can be a concern on older, unmaintained examples
  • • Parts availability can be challenging for some specific components

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Cabrio (XW): 1993 - 2000).

General:
Brand:Rover
Model:200
Generation:Coupe (XW)
Modification (Engine):218i (145 Hp)
Start of production:1994
End of production:2000
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Coupe
Seats:4
Doors:2
Engine:
Power:145 Hp @ 6750 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:80.8 Hp/l [50mm more]
Torque:174 Nm @ 4000 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:18K4K More details about the engine 18K4K
Engine displacement:1795
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:DOHC
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:80 mm mm
Piston Stroke:89.3 mm mm
Compression ratio:10.5:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:11.2 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:6.3 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:7.8 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:7.8 sec
Maximum speed:211 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:7.5 kg/Hp, 133 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:6.3 kg/Nm, 159.6 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:7.4 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1090
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:610 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:300 l
Fuel tank capacity:55 l
Size:
Length:4270 mm mm [50mm more]
Width:1680 mm mm [Same width.]
Height:1370 mm mm [20mm less]
Wheelbase:2550 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1480 mm
Rear (Back) track:1470 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size185/55 R15
Front suspensionWishbone
Rear suspensionCoil spring

What’s the best feature of the Rover 200? Tell us in the comments!