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Rover 400 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)
RT Overview:
Rover 400 (RT). With 210 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It boasts low fuel consumption (~5.6 l/100km). Weighing only 1295 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 11.2 s). The top speed reaches 185 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Rover 400 received a modest 2-star Euro NCAP rating, indicating significant risks of injury in frontal impacts, particularly to the driver's chest and legs. Side impact protection was comparatively better.
420 Di (105 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers strong torque and respectable acceleration for a diesel, making it capable on highways and for carrying loads or light towing.
Fuel Economy
Outstanding fuel economy, making it the most cost-effective option for high mileage drivers and long-distance journeys.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Comfortable ride quality for its class
- • Spacious interior, especially for rear passengers
- • Good range of economical diesel engines (L-series)
- • Classic British styling with a refined feel
- • Affordable on the used car market
Cons:
- • Notorious K-series petrol engine head gasket issues
- • Dated interior design compared to some rivals
- • Average safety ratings (Euro NCAP)
- • Some petrol engines can be quite thirsty
- • Inconsistent build quality in certain areas
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Tourer (XW): 1994 - 1998).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Rover |
| Model: | 400 |
| Generation: | RT |
| Modification (Engine): | 420 Di (105 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1995 |
| End of production: | 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| 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: | 4.6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 5.5 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 11.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 11.2 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 185 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 12.3 kg/Hp, 81.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.2 kg/Nm, 162.2 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 10.6 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1295 |
| Max. weight: | 1720 |
| Max load: | 425 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 810 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 470 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 55 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4490 mm |
| Width: | 1695 mm |
| Height: | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2622 mm |
| Front track: | 1477 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1465 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 |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 185/65 R14 T |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Spring Strut |
Fuel, speed, and comfort: How does the Rover 400 rank in your book?