Since retrieval from the hands of BMW, Rover has become Britain's biggest domestically-owned car maker. Despite being financially challenged, the company is building a lot of fine cars, the classic lines of the 75 and much attention to build quality has ensured the model still remains a favorite with executive car buyers, and even the ageing 25 was given a new lease of life when designer Peter Stevens turned out a new variant, Streetwise. A replacement of 25 and 45 models-both of which are based on relatively ancient Honda models from the era when Rover was allied to that manufacture-is promised the near future, but in the meantime Rover has re-entered the pocket-sized car market place thanks to a joint venture with Indian manufacturer Tata which led the City Rover. The 75V8, which uses a sophisticated 4.6 litre power unit beneath its bonnet; this is simply shoe-horning a large engine into the front of the car., as the V8 will break Rovers front wheel drive tradition by putting its power through the rare wheels. Financial security is still someway off, but the future of Rover is cautiously optimistic.

75

When it was launched, this car surprised observers- here was the Rover that could stand tall with the products of then-owner BMW. A healthy range of front drive cars- all of which have a high level of credibility- has joined the super new V8. It has sophisticated Ford engine in the front, driving it out through the rear wheels. With 260PS to play with, and suitably uprated suspension, this is a spiritual successor to the Rover V8s of the 1970s, but with vastly superior driving dynamics.

25

Now showing age in form of driveline vibration which betrays its 1980s origin, the 25 continues to soldier on as a favorite of more mature drivers who appreciate ownership of what is perceived and marketed as a very British car. Even though the model started life as a Honda. As the car approaches the end of its life there are some excellent added-value bargain versions due to appear.

CITY ROVER

Developed and built in India, City Rover is what it says on the name plate; a Rover for city driving. The compact four seater is a pleasing little package-especially now that early build quality issues have been overcome-and makes use of 1.4 litre engine which endows the car with smart acceleration. The absence of a diesel variant is seen as a weakness, but a keen price point allows the car to compete against established rivals from Korea such as Daewoo Matiz and Hundia Getz. If there is a flaw in the package it is the absence of diesel variant-this is unlikely to be remedied in the foreseeable future, as the budgets are too restricted.

STREETWISE

Geared to provide young drivers with an affordable machine, Streetwise is a radically-altered 25 which draws heavily on post-modern surf culture, skid-yump moldings front and rear, roof bars for holding the board and jacked-up suspension combines to give lots of street-to-beach credibility. Despite the raised ride height handling is still surprisingly good, and there is a choice of engine options designed to meet the insurance-led economic strictures faced by Britain's youth. The inside is equally special with four bucket seats and a high-quality audio system. Cool Dude. Interestingly, despite its youth appeal, most seem to be bought by mid-life crisis sufferers.