Rover 25 RF 1.4 i 16V (103 Hp)


Overall Rating

6 / 10
Safety 3.0 / 5
Engine 2.0 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.5 / 5
Comfort 3.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Rover 25:

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)

RF Overview:

Rover 25 (RF). With 123 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~8.8 l/100km). Weighing only 1105 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 10.2 s). The top speed reaches 180 km/h. A compact car with a rear door that swings upward to provide access to the cargo area. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

Safety Rating
Euro NCAP Year 2001
Adult Occupant 17 points
Stars 3
Expert Note:
Tested in 2001, the Rover 25 achieved a 3-star rating for adult occupant protection, which was average for its time but falls short of modern safety standards. Pedestrian protection was rated at 2 stars.

1.4 i 16V (103 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

This 1.4L variant offers a good balance of performance for its size, providing adequate power for most driving situations, including highway use.

Fuel Economy

With 6.6 l/100 km, it's still reasonably economical, especially considering the noticeable boost in performance over the lower-powered 1.4L.

Best Use Case: Mixed Driving / General Purpose

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Affordable on the used market
  • • Good handling for its class
  • • Practical hatchback body style
  • • Strong diesel engine options
  • • Potent 1.8 VVC engine for enthusiasts

Cons:

  • • Notorious K-series head gasket issues (petrol engines)
  • • Interior quality and design feel dated
  • • Inconsistent build quality
  • • Limited safety features by modern standards
  • • Rover brand perception impacts resale value

Specifications:

General:
Brand:Rover
Model:25
Generation:RF
Modification (Engine):1.4 i 16V (103 Hp)
Start of production:1999
End of production:2005
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Hatchback
Seats:5
Doors:3-5
Engine:
Power:103 Hp @ 6000 rpm.
Power per litre:73.8 Hp/l
Torque:123 Nm @ 4500 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:K
Engine displacement:1396
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 oil capacity:4.5 l
Coolant:4.6 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:75 mm mm
Piston Stroke:79 mm mm
Compression ratio:10.5:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:8.8 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:5.3 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:6.6 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:10.2 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:10.2 sec
Maximum speed:180 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:10.7 kg/Hp, 93.2 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:9 kg/Nm, 111.3 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:9.7 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1105
Max. weight:1500
Max load:395
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:1086 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:304 l
Fuel tank capacity:50 l
Size:
Length:3990 mm mm
Width:1688 mm mm
Height:1417 mm mm
Wheelbase:2500 mm mm
Front track:1473 mm
Rear (Back) track:1466 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
Rear brakesDrum
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size175/65 R14 T
Front suspensionWishbone
Rear suspensionSpring Strut

Every driver has a story. What’s yours with the Rover 25?