Rover 45 Hatchback (RT) 1.8i 16V (117 Hp)


Overall Rating

5.5 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.0 / 5
Value 3.0 / 5
Performance 2.5 / 5
Comfort 3.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Rover 45:

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 45 (Hatchback (RT)). With 160 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~9.5 l/100km). Weighing only 1230 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 10.3 s). The top speed reaches 193 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.

1.8i 16V (117 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Offers a respectable balance of power and responsiveness for its class, suitable for most driving scenarios with the manual gearbox.

Fuel Economy

Good fuel economy for a 1.8L petrol engine, making it a relatively cost-effective choice for its performance.

Best Use Case: Mixed City/Highway

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Comfortable ride quality, especially on longer journeys
  • • Spacious interior for its class with good rear legroom
  • • Traditional British styling with a classic appeal
  • • Affordable on the used market, offering good value
  • • Range of efficient diesel engines for low running costs

Cons:

  • • Dated interior design and material quality compared to rivals
  • • Known reliability issues, particularly with the K-series head gasket
  • • Poor Euro NCAP safety rating (based on predecessor's platform)
  • • Limited modern features and technology
  • • Significant depreciation and challenging resale value

Specifications:

General:
Brand:Rover
Model:45
Generation:Hatchback (RT)
Modification (Engine):1.8i 16V (117 Hp)
Start of production:1999
End of production:2005
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Hatchback
Seats:5
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:117 Hp @ 5500 rpm.
Power per litre:65.1 Hp/l
Torque:160 Nm @ 2750 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:K18
Engine displacement:1796
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:5 l
Coolant:5.5 l
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:9.5 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:5.7 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:7.1 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:10.3 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:10.3 sec
Maximum speed:193 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:10.5 kg/Hp, 95.1 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:7.7 kg/Nm, 130.1 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:9.8 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1230
Max. weight:1640
Max load:410
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:717 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:380 l
Fuel tank capacity:55 l
Size:
Length:4362 mm mm
Width:1696 mm mm
Height:1394 mm mm
Wheelbase:2620 mm mm
Front track:1475 mm
Rear (Back) track:1465 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 brakesDisc
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size175/70 R14 H
Front suspensionWishbone
Rear suspensionSpring Strut

Every driver has a story. What’s yours with the Rover 45?