Driving Instructors Association DIA

Rover 25

Model on test: 2.0i E Turbo Diesel

Many instructors want to fly the flag and buy a car from a British Company. The Rover 25 has been with us now for a number of years. However, it has not been a leading contender for the driver training market. The car is attractive to look at, solidly built and available with an array of engines and trim levels.

Unfortunately, Rover has been slow to realise the importance of the driver training market and, now that it has, the car is being put up against all-new models which outclass the Rover 25's slightly old-fashioned image. Nonetheless, the Rover 25 has been tried and tested and the vehicle does give sterling service. Engine availability includes a 1.1i, 1.4i, 1.6i and a 2.0i turbo diesel. We chose the diesel for our test, which has an on-the-road price of £10,925, although the range starts with a 1.1i, 3-door at £7,995, with the flagship 2.0i L at £12,020. It all seems a trifle expensive, especially when our test car had £1,920 worth of extras. We did, however, feel that the passenger airbag at £175 should have been standard equipment. An instructor needs to be protected by an airbag and, accordingly, it is essential safety equipment to have when shopping for a new training vehicle. The remaining extras fitted to the test car could be dispensed with: electric windows (£275), alloy wheels (£425), rear parking sensors (£250) and (£800) the supertalloic paint-work. Rover have sensibly introduced Monogram - a service to personalise your vehicle. New purchasers can select specialist paintwork such as supertalloic, kenetic and chromactive, the latter being an additional £1,800! Most instructors would not want their paint-work to change colours when viewed from different angles and, in fact, would understandably take fright of any specialist body painting. It may be good for the residuals, but a nightmare if it picks up any knocks and scrapes during driver training service. Externally, the body is protected by rubbing strips and the paintwork readily accepts sign writing. On the inside the Rover 25 does have some shortcomings. It is immediately noticeable that there is a lack of foot room and the cabin does not feel spacious. The seats are comfortable with the driver having height adjustment and even lumbar support, but there is not too much in the way of headroom, presumably due to the fitting of a glass tilt-and-slide sunroof. The easy to read speedometer and rev counter, which is directly in front of the driver, can be seen clearly from the instructor's seat and visibility is reasonably good all round but, once again, doing those reversing manoeuvres will cause a few problems to some.
The power steering has a good feel but the gear selector lever is not crisp in operation. Whilst the Rover 25 has been a workhorse for many, it still does have some life left in it. However, Rover badly needs a replacement in order to get back amongst the major players. On the road, the ride and handling prove comfortable, although the diesel was a trifle intrusive, especially at tick over. By fitting a 2-litre engine, the performance in such a small car is good and against the clock a 0-60 mph sprint is achieved in 9.1 seconds, with a top speed of 115 mph. Instructors buy diesel for economic reasons and the combined fuel economy reading is impressive at 51.5 mpg. CO2 emissions are 150 g/km, although purchasers are penalised as the vehicle comes into VED band D which currently costs £130. Insurance ratings are not good either at 7A. The Rover 25 is a pretty car and if instructors can live with the design shortcomings, we are sure they will be perfectly happy with their purchase. Training car star rating: 3

Your comments

Model Year Name mg zr 105 1.4cc oct 2004 Geoff Johnson I am using zr105 plate 54. this is my second. The clutch and gearbox are much improved over the old model. I have had a problem with the front seat covers on both my cars. I do find it ok for teaching although reversing usually reqires help from the mirrors esp for smaler people. I have added round "blind spot" mirrors to help. My second car seems much more responsive than the first but fuel consumption is considerably higher. Model Year Name MG ZR TD+ Graham Evans I have the MG ZR turbo diesel. I previously had a mini one but did not trust the car after previous experiences with one, I wanted a diesel for the extra economy and must admit that I am averaging 50mpg with the 2 litre engine, the turbo helps put a big smile on mine and my pupils faces. The looks of the car are fantastic. Bad points are rear visability however the side view for reversing around a corner is much better than the Mini. Overall I have done just over 3000 miles and am very pleased with the car. Model Year Name MG ZR 1.4 04 PLATE DAVE HUGHES I USE AN MG ZR 1.4 I FIND IT OK TO TEACH IN BUT MAINLY WONDERING IF ANY OTHER INSTRUCTORS HAVE ONE SO I CAN COMPARE NOTES. OR IF YOU WANT TOO BUY ALL MEANS CONTACT ME ABOUT DOING A SMALL WRITE UP Name* Email Comments* Model Year   Fields marked with * are required Please note that all entries in the forum are checked by ourselves first. This is for legal reasons, and will in no way be used to change the expressed views of readers or members.