SHATTERING a myth that motoring journos confine their activities to top of the range or sports models, I've just taken to the road in the basic Rover 25, the 1.1i three door manual, and the results are surprising.
Ok, so I had to get used to manual window winders and no air con, but the overall impression of this £7,995 starter-model was of a refined and comfortable car, well worth its price.
In fact there is little to distinguish it visually from more upmarket stablemates, but my top score has to go to the engine which seemed ideally suited to the car.
It is the 1120cc, four cylinder, 16valve DOHC 'K' Series which is astonishingly smooth and gives a superb punch for its size.
Nobody pretends this is a sports saloon, but for an economy buy it offers a tremendous amount.
With a combined fuel economy figure of 42 mpg, 0-60mph can be reached in 13.5 seconds and top speed is 100 mph. All is achieved with not a hint of roughness or that the engine is working overly hard. Good ride and handling provides spirited control.
This is the largest small car in its market sector and unlike some Rovers of the past represents a sound buy for the money.
Standard equipment includes driver's airbag, load limiting seat belts, stereo cassette, split fold rear seats, perimetric alarm, immobiliser and isolated alarm sounder, power assisted steering and even a tailgate spoiler.
After some miles in this model I can only advise that in spite of the bells and whistles of higher priced models, if you're looking for cost-effective motoring it would be folly to ignore the basics of the car ranges - especially Rover.
FAST FACTS
Rover 25 1.1i 3-door
Price: £7,995
Mechanical: 75bhp, 1,119cc 4 cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 100mph
0-60mph: 13.5secs
Combined mpg: 41.3
Insurance group: 3
CO2 emissions: 164g/km
BiK rating: 16%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 6yrs anti-rust; 3yrs paint