Review: Rover Mk.I 75 (2001-04)

Overview

Released in March 2001, the Rover Mk.I 75 was available as a mid-size sedan or wagon. Manufactured in England, the front-wheel drive 75 was powered by a 2.5-litre V6 petrol engine that was mated to either a five-speed automatic or manual transmission. The 75 range initially consisted of the entry-level Club, Connoisseur and range-topping Connoisseur SE variants. In October 2003, however, a new price-leading Classic variant was released, with a Club Limited Edition following in July 2004.

The related MG ZT has been reviewed separately.

KV6 engine

The Rover 75 was powered by Rover’s 2.5-litre KV6 engine which had a 90-degree ‘V’ angle, an aluminium alloy block with 80.0 mm bores and an 82.8 mm stroke for a capacity of 2497 cc, cast iron cylinder liners, an aluminium alloy cylinder head, double overhead camshafts (per cylinder bank), a pressurising variable intake system (VIS), four valves per cylinder actuated by hydraulic tappets, multi-point fuel injection and a compression ratio of 10.5:1. The firing order for the KV6 engine was 1-6-5-4-3-2.

Dimensions and suspension

Although developed when MG Rover was owned by BMW, the 75 was developed independently and not related to any BMW vehicles. The Rover 75 was 4750 mm long, 1780 mm wide, 1427 mm tall and had a 2750 mm long wheelbase. Furthermore, the Rover 75 had MacPherson strut front suspension (anchored by lower alloy L-arms) and a rear Z-axle.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Rover 75 included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, traction control, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners and front seatbelt load limiters.

Euro NCAP crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , a 2001 Rover 75 with a 1.8-litre petrol engine – and without curtain airbags – received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 29.78. The driver experienced high chest forces in the frontal offset impact test, though maximum points were achieved in the side impact test. On a vehicle fitted with curtain airbags, the Rover 75 passed the pole test; if two points had been added for this test, the Rover 75 would have scored 31.78 points, close to the 32.50 points required for a five star adult occupant protection rating.

Features: Classic, Club and Connoisseur

Standard features for the Rover 75 Classic included 15-inch alloy wheels, an eight speaker sound system with CD player, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable driver’s seat and an immobiliser.

Beyond this, the Rover 75 Club added leather seats and a boot-mounted six-stack CD player. Wagon models were also fitted with self-leveling rear air suspension, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, underfloor storage compartments and a cargo cover.

Compared to the Club, the Rover 75 Connoisseur was further equipped with 16 inch alloy wheels, power adjustable and heated front seats, driver’s seat memory settings, a power glass sunroof, rear parking sensors, front fog lights, power rear roller blind and on-board computer. The range-topping Connoisseur SE was distinguished by 17-inch ‘Serpent’ alloy wheels with low profile tyres, satellite navigation, choice of interior leather finishes, TV tuner and walnut steering wheel rim and gearshift.

October 2003: Rover 75 update

From October 2003, the 75 was also fitted with power adjustable front seats, including lumbar adjustment (previously reserved for the Connoisseur); furthermore, the Classic and Connoisseur were fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels.

2004 Rover 75 Club LE

In July 2004, a limited run LE edition of the Club variant was released. Compared to the standard Club, the Club LE added 17-inch ‘Meteor’ alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, folding door mirrors, ‘walnut effect’ steering wheel trim and metallic paint.

Review: Rover Mk.II 75 (2004-05)

Overview

Released in August 2004, the Mk.II 75 introduced a revised line-up, updated styling, quicker steering ratios and improved security. The range was expanded with the CDTi variant – available as a sedan or wagon – which was powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine (detailed below).

Visually, the Mk.II 75 could be identified by its larger grille and twin headlight design (previously four separate headlights) with halogen projector units. Inside, there were revised instruments, re-profiled seats and squabs and a ‘Light Oak’ interior theme; the Connoisseur, however, retained its burr walnut finishes.

M47R engine

The 2.0-litre M47R diesel engine had a cast iron block, an alloy cylinder head, common-rail direct injection, a variable nozzle turbine (VNT) turbocharger, double overhead camshafts (chain-driven), four valves per cylinder, Bosch DDE 4.0 engine management, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and a compression ratio of 18.1:1.

Features

Features for the Mk.II 75 were substantially the same as its predecessor, but added locking wheel bolts and a remote control boot release. Compared to the entry-level Classic, the newly introduced CDTi was differentiated by its full leather interior.

The Club was further equipped with a six-disc CD player, MP3-compatibility, front seat memory settings and power sunroof.

The range-topping Connoisseur was further equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, satellite navigation, colour television, heated front seats, front fog lights, rear parking sensors, rear blind and chrome door mirrors.

January 2005: update and CDTi variant

In January 2005, standard features were extended to coincide with a reduction in import tariffs. As a result, the Classic gained leather upholstery, the Club was fitted with satellite navigation and the CDTi gained a wood trim steering wheel, front fog lamps and rear parking sensors. The CDTi wagon – which was released in January 2005 – was also fitted with roof rails, a rear cargo blind and one-piece top-hinged tailgate.

Related links

• Rover 75 Brochure (July 2004)
• Wikipedia.org: Rover 75

Recalls: Rover 75

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: Rover 75

No recall information is available for the Rover 75. To search for recalls of MG models, please visit Product Safety Recalls Australia: MG.

Problems and faults: Rover 75

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

KV6 Engine

• Background: when first introduced in the 1996 Rover 825, the KV6 engine was manufactured on a pilot production line which produced castings of variable quality and, in some instances, protruding cylinder liners; head gasket failure was a relatively common failure. By the time the KV6 engine was used for the Rover 75 and MG ZT, however, the production line had been fully automated and quality control significantly enhanced. As such, the KV6 engine for the Rover 75 and MG ZT is generally regarded as a robust engine when properly maintained.
• The timing belts should be changed every six years or 140,000 kilometres (whichever comes first). Since there are three belts, the primary belt and secondary belts on the rear of each cylinder bank, the cost of replacing the timing belts may make it worthwhile to also ancillaries driven by the belts (such as the water pump).
• In freezing temperatures, the throttle may stick due to moisture and dirt freezing within the engine bay. This can be prevented by spraying the throttle cable and throttle motor mechanism with WD40 and applying petroleum jelly to the cable and motor. When dry, these areas can then be coated.
• The thermostat housing may crack or the thermostat itself may fail (or the thermostat may fall out of the engine). A cracked thermostat housing will cause coolant to slowly leak from the engine.
• The Variable Inlet System (VIS) motors can fail due to oil from the engine breather system entering the plastic valves and sliders of the VIS system and creating resistance to their operation. As a result, the small motors which drive the valves and sliders burn out or the plastic rack in the motor wears where the motor jumps teeth from trying to actuate the stiff valves. A common symptom of failed VIS motors is a power surge at 3500 rpm, generally when the vehicle is in second or third gear. To fix, the intake manifold needs to be removed in situ (difficult since the manifold is sealed) and cleaned by 1) taking the VIS motors off and 2) moving the sliders while spraying a cleaner to remove the oil build-up.
• A continual rattling noise from the engine bay and sluggish performance may be due to a failed inlet manifold. If so, the inlet manifold will require replacement.

2.0-litre turbo-diesel engines

• There may be an oil leak at the radiator due to the intercooler O-rings failing; revised ‘Viton’ O-rings were subsequently released.
• Rattling noises from the engine bay may be due to a stretched cam chain. If engine performance is sluggish from around 1250rpm, the mass air flow (MAF) sensor may have failed and require replacement. Black smoke under heavy acceleration also indicates that the MAF sensor may require replacement.
• Over time, the exhaust gas recycling (EGR) valve may become restricted by soot and oil vapour and require replacement.
• A buzzing noise above the rear seat may be due to a fuel pump having deteriorated and requiring replacement. If not replaced promptly, the fuel pump in the engine bay may also fail.

Problems and faults: Rover 75

• The airbag light may illuminate – this will often be due to a loose connector under the front seats. If not, the airbag control module or side impact sensor may have failed.
• The bonnet cable has a ‘dividing block’ on it which can stretch and is susceptible to breaking.
• The handbrake may not hold the vehicle due to a single metal clip behind the tensioner which can stretch and deform over time.
• The plenum can accumulate debris and potentially become flooded – this can cause the engine control unit (ECU) to fail as the plenum houses the engine control unit; water may also enter the cabin.
• The reversing lights may stop working due to a faulty switch.
• A loud, vibrating noise when the boot lock is opened may be due to the boot lock mechanism not lifting high enough off the lock – this may be fixed by twisting the black rubber seals either side of the boot to raise the boot. If not, the motor may be faulty.
• For wagon models, the seals around the rear window should be checked for potential leaks.
• Uneven tyre wear, particularly for the rear tyres, may be due to misaligned suspension (even when new). If having a wheel alignment, it is recommended that the vehicle have a full tank of petrol, otherwise it may drift to the left.

Released in March 2001, the Rover Mk.I 75 was available as a mid-size sedan or wagon. Manufactured in England, the front-wheel drive 75 was powered by a 2.5-litre V6 petrol engine that was mated to either a five-speed automatic or manual transmission. The 75 range initially consisted of the entry-level Club, Connoisseur and range-topping Connoisseur SE variants. In October 2003, however, a new price-leading Classic variant was released, with a Club Limited Edition following in July 2004… Read full Rover 75 review

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Images: Rover Mk.II 75 (2004-05)

Released in August 2004, the Rover Mk.II 75 introduced a revised line-up, updated styling, quicker steering ratios and improved security. The range was expanded with the CDTi variant – available as a sedan or wagon – which was powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine. The Rover Mk.II 75 could be identified by its larger grille and twin headlight design (previously four separate headlights) with halogen projector units. Inside, there were revised instruments, re-profiled seats and squabs and a ‘Light Oak’ interior theme; the Connoisseur, however, retained its burr walnut finishes.

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Euro NCAP: Rover 75 sedan crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing, a 2001 Rover 75 with a 1.8-litre petrol engine – and without curtain airbags – received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 29.78. Videos are provided with the permission of Euro NCAP.

Men and Motors: 2000 Jaguar S-Type vs Rover 75

Note

Please note these videos are applicable to vehicles as they are supplied to their respective markets. As such, the features, prices and performance of the vehicles in these videos may differ from those which are supplied in Australia.