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Rover 400 Hatchback (RT) 420 Di (105 Hp)
Overall Rating
Rover 400:
The Rover 400 Series, and later the Rover 45, are a series of small family cars that were produced by the British manufacturer Rover from 1990 to 2005. The cars were co-developed as part of Rover's collaboration with Honda. The first-generation 400 was based on the Honda Concerto, and the Mark II 400 was based on the Honda Domani/Civic.
Honda petrol engines were used in some Rover models, while the market competitive Rover L-series diesel engine was used from the mid-1990s in Hondas, before they designed their own diesel engine....(Read more on Wikipedia)
Hatchback (RT) Overview:
Rover 400 (Hatchback (RT)). With 210 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It boasts low fuel consumption (~5.6 l/100km). Weighing only 1220 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 11 s). The top speed reaches 185 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.
420 Di (105 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The stronger diesel option, providing better acceleration and effortless cruising, ideal for highway journeys.
Fuel Economy
Excellent fuel economy, making it a very economical choice for all types of driving, especially longer trips.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Comfortable and refined ride quality for its class
- • Spacious interior, especially for rear passengers
- • Good range of engines, including economical diesels and punchy petrols
- • Traditional British styling appealed to many
- • Generally good value on the used car market
Cons:
- • Notorious K-series head gasket issues on petrol engines
- • Below-average Euro NCAP safety rating (2 stars)
- • Build quality could be inconsistent in some areas
- • Dated styling and interior by the end of its production run
- • Steering lacked feedback compared to some rivals
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Tourer (XW): 1994 - 1998).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Rover |
| Model: | 400 |
| Generation: | Hatchback (RT) |
| Modification (Engine): | 420 Di (105 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1995 |
| End of production: | 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Hatchback |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 105 Hp @ 4200 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 52.7 Hp/l [worst than previous generation] |
| Torque: | 210 Nm @ 2000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | L More details about the engine L |
| Engine displacement: | 1994 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration: | Turbocharger |
| Valvetrain: | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.5 l |
| Coolant: | 7 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 84.5 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 88.9 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 19.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Diesel |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 5.6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 4 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 5.5 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 11 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 11 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 185 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 11.6 kg/Hp, 86.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.8 kg/Nm, 172.1 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 10.5 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1220 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 720 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 370 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 55 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4320 mm |
| Width: | 1700 mm |
| Height: | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2620 mm |
| Front track: | 1480 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1470 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 175/65 R14 |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Spring Strut |
Every driver has a story. What’s yours with the Rover 400?