HUNDREDS of cars for sale inside


‘ v r1t * L'w if J wgggggj»MOT^ over’s new 75 has By ADRIAN TAYLOR


I QUINT a little when you peer .a t Rover’s new 75 and you could ___f imagine it slotting un-noticed


into a 1950s English street scene. It has the stately appearance of a minis­


terial saloon, something Harold MacMillan might have used to motor down to Che­


quers. Yet this is the car Rover hopes will bring


fresh success in a new Millennium, the model to deliver its renaissance as the quin- tessentially British brand. And in times when you have to look at a


badge to tell one manufacturers wares from anothers, it certainly stands out. It is a substantial car, longer than the


600, but not as long as the 800 - the two cars it replaces in Rover’s line-up. There’s plenty of gleaming brightwork. A


chrome strip runs along its full length and adds elegance to its gently curved profile. More chrome - on the grille, window edg­ ing, sills, bumpers and number plate sur­ round - emphasises its sense of heritage and British tradition. At the back the boot slopes slowly down


and resembles a Bentley or Jaguar. The overall effect is a car that is serious


and subtle. Inside the dashboard is unlike any other.


It is formed from a single piece of walnut and polished to a gloss finish. The shapes, gentle curves and ovals, help create one of the lightest and attractive interiors for an


executive car. Rover has again sought inspiration from


the past with instrumentation. Oval dials in light beige draw the eye splendidly and chrome is used extensively to edge instru­ ments, for the door and glovebox handles, door pulls and gear lever surround. It will be loved or loathed. Some will


think it is too old fashioned but I prefer to give Rover credit for daring to be different. It is a relaxing cabin that works well and has plenty of character. It is far more subtle than anything German or Japanese manu­ facturers could produce. Customers will be able to select three


trim levels - Classic, Club and Connoisseur - and there’s plenty of choice for those who like leather and contrasting shades. If the look harks back to a golden age, the


technology is bang up-to-date and shows BMW’s considerable influence. Handling is positive and stable with little


body roll even under the most severe pres­ sure. Ride is refined and extremely comfort­ able. It is superb over broken surfaces and pot holes have little impact. Cornering is flat and predictable and it makes a brilliant


long distance tourer. There are three petrol engines and a new


technology BMW common-rail diesel engine to choose from.


The 1.8 litre entry level engine is econom


ical, rewy and eager to please. It is surpris­ ingly peppy considering the 75’s bulk, although it is noticeably noisier than the


bigger engined versions. Next up is the 2.0 V6 which is smooth,


strong and potentially the biggest seller. It is whisper quiet at times. The 2.5 V6 is even more refined, just as quiet and have lots of easily available power. The 2.0 litre turbocharged diesel is


hushed at speed, low revving and hugely flexible. It is now slouch - capable of 60 m.p.h. in second gear — yet it manages to average around 50 m.p.g. on the combined


cycle. All of which adds up to a car that plays


heavily on heritage, but is thoroughly mod­ em in driving responses. It is extremely safe too with side airbags, anti-lock brakes, elec­ tronic brake force distribution and a robust,


rigid body shell. My only quibble is over rear leg room. It


just doesn’t seem as generous as it should be in a car that seeks a boardroom clientele, although ride quality and attention to detail for rear seat passengers will be good compensation. I can see that some will scoff at the retro


styling, but there is no doubt its owners will look on it as something very special.


It is a feel good car, and one its owners


will take a real pride in. Examples will arrive in showrooms dur­


ing March and orders will start arriving in mid June. Prices range from £18,275 to £23,725.


ufacturers and Traders. Sales of the hatchback in 1998 hit a record


106 is a real city slicker T


HE Peugeot 106 is the UK’s best sell­ ing city car, according to the latest fig­ ures from the Society of Motor Man­


51,000, with the Zest version fulfilling its des­ tiny by picking up the lion’s share of sales at 25,000. Launched nine months ago, it was designed with city drivers in mind. The 1999 Zest range has been updated to include seven different model, with three or


Two new specials join Range Rover family L


AND ROVER has added two new special editions to the Range Rover line-up. Both models include auto­


matic climate control systems and cruise control, twin front and side airbags, four channel anti-lock brakes and four-wheel electronic traction control. At £42,595, the County SE comes with


and is equipped with a 4.6 litre petrol unit. Inside it features electric heated front windscreen, electric sunroof, electri­ cally adjustable seats, 11-speaker Har­ man Kadon sound system with CD autochanger, leather seat trim and addi­ tional walnut veneer. It costs £54,495.


a choice of 2.5 litre, six-cylinder tur­ bocharged diesel or 4.0 litre V8 petrol engines and a luxurious interior. The Vogue SE is even more luxurious


five doors, petrol or diesel engines and three (different levels of specification.


The on-the-road price for a three-door Zest


is £ 7,120 a price which currently includes one year’s car insurance and 12 months road fund licence. It is powered by a 1.1 litre, 60 b.h.p. petrol engine coupled to a five speed gear box and fuel consumption is 42.2 m.p.g. combined. Standard specifications include tinted glass, engine immobiliser, and radio/cassette.


“On top of our already Amazing Offers for T Registration, order your new car Now and we’ll also give you One Years Free Road Taxi”


Farrimond ' i 1 „ ■* V 1 r BRING YOU THE NEW MICRA INSPIRATION I M *-■ s. - r v


“Our Fantastic Offers won’t Bum a hole in your Pocket!”


HELEN SEDDON or SIMON ROBINSON


Motability Specialists Home Visits Available


L om e sh a y e Motor Pa rk, N e lson, J u n e 12 M65. TEL: 01282 606606


ATHIS IS A TRADEMARK OF MOTABILITY: REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER 299745. WRITTEN QUOTATIONS AVAILABLE ON REQUEST. CARS SHOWN FOR


ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY. FREE INSURANCE SUBJECT TO STATUS.


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