The Rover 25 was the 1999 facelift of the third-generation Rover 200, the small family hatchback built at Longbridge. It was produced until 2005, when MG Rover went into administration, and its high-performance sister model was the MG ZR.
Rover 25 at a glance
| Production | 1999–2005 |
|---|---|
| Based on | the third-generation Rover 200 of 1995 |
| Body styles | three- and five-door hatchback |
| Built at | Longbridge, Birmingham |
| Performance sister | MG ZR, with mechanical changes to the suspension |
| End of production | 2005, when MG Rover went into administration |
| Range history | the Rover 200 and 25 line ran from 1984 to 2005 |
Based on one source: the English Wikipedia article on the Rover 200 and 25, which covers the 25 only briefly; the article is therefore shorter than usual.
History of the Rover 25
From Rover 200 to Rover 25
The Rover 200 Series and the Rover 25 that followed it were small family cars produced at the Longbridge factory from 1984 until 2005 over four distinct generations. The third-generation Rover 200 was introduced in 1995 and developed independently by Rover on the platform of its predecessor; it was downsized and available as a three- or five-door hatchback. That model was facelifted in 1999 and renamed the Rover 25.
The MG ZR and the end of MG Rover
A higher-performance variant of the 25 was sold as the MG ZR, with mechanical changes to the suspension. Production of the Rover 25 ceased in 2005, when MG Rover went into administration, ending a line that had begun with the Honda-based Rover 200 of 1984.
Design and features
- Facelifted 200: the 1999 update of the Rover-designed third-generation hatchback.
- Two body styles: three- and five-door hatchback versions were offered.
- MG ZR sister: the performance model shared the body but had changes to its suspension.
Rover 25 versions
- Rover 25 hatchback (1999–2005): the standard three- and five-door car.
- MG ZR: the high-performance version with modified suspension.
The 25 replaced the Rover 200 and was based on the same platform as the Rover Streetwise. More cars are in the Rover collection.
Video: Rover 25 GTi – An Old Mans Car?
Video by Men and Motors on YouTube.
Sources
- Rover 200 / 25, English Wikipedia: the 1999 facelift, the MG ZR and the end of production
