Rover 800 Hatchback 825 Si (175 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.5 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 4.0 / 5
Value 3.7 / 5
Performance 3.9 / 5
Comfort 4.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Rover 800:

The Rover 800 series is an executive car range manufactured by the Austin Rover Group subsidiary of British Leyland, and its successor the Rover Group from 1986 to 1999. It was also marketed as the Sterling in the United States. Co-developed with Honda, the 800 was a close relative to the Honda/Acura Legend and the successor to the decade-old Rover SD1.
The first product of the BL-Honda alliance was the Triumph Acclaim – and shortly after its launch the two companies mapped out an advisable strategy for future collaborative projects. Plans for a midsize car were investigated, but were dropped because BL already had the Austin Maestro and Austin Montego in the final stages of development. However both BL and Honda had a pressing need for a full-size executive car in their lineups. BL had to start planning for a successor to the Rover SD1, whilst Honda was keen to expand its presence in the lucrative North American market – something which it couldn't fully do unless it had a full-size luxury saloon which would compete with similar large Japanese imports from Toyota and Datsun. Joint development of the car began in 1981 under the "XX" codename; the corresponding Honda version was known as the Honda Legend, and was codenamed as "HX". The development work was carried out at Rover's Cowley plant and Honda's Tochigi development centre. Both cars shared the same core structure and floorpan, but they each had their own unique exterior bodywork and interior. Under the agreement, Honda would supply the V6 petrol engine, both automatic and manual transmissions and the chassis design, whilst BL would provide the 4-cylinder petrol engine and much of the electrical systems....(Read more on Wikipedia)

Hatchback Overview:

Rover 800 (Hatchback). With 240 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1380 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 8.7 s). The top speed reaches 217 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
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
The Rover 800 Hatchback generation predates the establishment of Euro NCAP testing (1997). Safety standards of the late 1980s focused on basic structural integrity and seatbelts, lacking modern active and passive safety features.

825 Si (175 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

The 825 Si's 175 Hp V6 engine offered a refined and potent performance, delivering smooth power delivery and strong acceleration, ideal for executive cruising.

Fuel Economy

Similar to other V6 options, the 825 Si had higher fuel consumption compared to 4-cylinder models, but it was a trade-off for its superior refinement and power.

Best Use Case: Highway / Executive Commuting

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Refined and powerful engine options, especially the V6 and turbo variants.
  • • Comfortable and spacious interior, typical of an executive car.
  • • Good ride quality, well-suited for long journeys.
  • • Distinctive British styling with a touch of luxury.
  • • Practical hatchback body style offering good versatility.

Cons:

  • • Some interior trim quality issues and rattles over time.
  • • Can suffer from electrical gremlins typical of its era.
  • • Fuel economy can be high, particularly with the larger engines.
  • • Resale value depreciated significantly compared to German rivals.
  • • Handling, while competent, wasn't as sharp as some competitors.

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Coupe: 1993 - 1999).

General:
Brand:Rover
Model:800
Generation:Hatchback
Modification (Engine):825 Si (175 Hp)
Start of production:1994
End of production:1999
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Hatchback
Seats:5
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:175 Hp @ 6500 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:70.1 Hp/l [2mm less]
Torque:240 Nm @ 2400 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:C25A More details about the engine C25A
Engine displacement:2497
Number of cylinders:6
Engine configuration:V-engine
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:10 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:80 mm mm
Piston Stroke:82.8 mm mm
Compression ratio:10.5:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:13.2 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:7.9 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:8.7 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:8.7 sec
Maximum speed:217 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:7.9 kg/Hp, 126.8 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:5.8 kg/Nm, 173.9 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:8.3 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1380
Max. weight:1910
Max load:530
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:530 l
Fuel tank capacity:68 l
Size:
Length:4880 mm mm [2mm less]
Width:1730 mm mm [Same width.]
Height:1390 mm mm [3mm less]
Wheelbase:2766 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1490 mm
Rear (Back) track:1730 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 size205/55 R16
Front suspensionDouble wishbone
Rear suspensionCoil spring

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