Rover 45 Review
Rover 45s replaced the older, Honda Civic-based 400 in 1999, but the changes were largely cosmetic. The Car Shop Megastore can offer you a choice of two models – the four-door saloon and the more family-friendly five-door hatch.
You can get a used Rover 45 with either a 1.4, 1.6, 1.8 or a 2-litre KV6 petrol engine, the latter two with optional Steptronic CVT automatic gearbox. There are also two 2-litre turbodiesel models offering either 100 or 110bhp but both are sluggish and unrefined. The petrol engines, on the other hand, all enjoy a good reputation for refinement, performance and economy.
Inside the 45 feels rather old-fashioned, with a poor driving position and limited headroom in the rear for tall adults. The interior benefited from a refresh around 2004 and there were further refinements in 2005, so it's worth looking for later models.
Compared to newer cars, the equipment levels in a used Rover 45 are quite basic. Later GLI models are the ones to go for, offering alloy wheels and leather trim. The GSI also adds air-conditioning.