BRITISH interiors are the best in the world at the top end of the car market, but you can have one for much more reasonable price with the Rover 75.
It still looks great both inside and out, with sleek, good looking lines, which at launch bettered those of the Jaguar S-type.
I know the company’s gone but there is still no problem servicing the different models or finding spares according to my sources in the trade.
That crash brought prices even lower than they were already, making some great bargains for you and me.
The cabin has a real sense of occasion - of bespoke tailoring and luxury - and in a car at these prices, that is very special.
All have lovely comfortable ride and hold the road very well with safe, sure handling.
Engines range from a 1.8 16 valve, which has to be worked quite hard but still offers fair performance, through a 2.0-litre V6 so smooth and quiet its almost inaudible to a 2.5 V6 and a 2.0-litre BMW-sourced diesel. Latterly, there was also a 1.8 turbo petrol.
Interior
Upper models have wonderful leather upholstery but all feel very special inside, with sweeping design shapes in the doors and trim, plus very traditional instruments.
The driving position is great, rear legroom is good, and the boot is also a reasonable size. As well as the four door saloon there is a five door estate in all the different specs.
FAST FACTS
Rover 75
Price: Pay around £1,100 privately for an ’03 03-reg 1.8 Classic SE, or £2,000 for an ’05 05-reg Connoisseur
Mechanical: 118bhp, 1,796cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 121mph
0-62mph: 10.9 seconds
Combined mpg: 36
Insurance group: 20
CO2 emissions: 184g/km
Marks: 9/10
Main rival: BMW 5-Series