Review: Rover 75 (2001-05)

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