Roewe The Reborn Rover 45

[far2000]

China's Ford Focus rival has been unveiled!
Set to reach UK shores in 2009, the compact family car was revealed by SAIC at the Shanghai Motor Show, and is the latest model to rise from the ashes of Rover.

Carrying SAIC's new Roewe badge - which we have already seen on a replacement for the Rover 75, known as the 750 - the company's latest model was displayed in the form of a concept car, called the W2.

The Focus rival - expected to be badged Roewe 450 when it appears on dealer forecourts - bears a close resemblance to the artist's impressions we showed you in Issue 949. Sticking to a four-door bodystyle with a chunky shape and a rising waistline, it has a distinctive look.

For the show model, SAIC's stylists have pulled out all the stops. They've added a new panoramic glass roof - which could become an option on the production version - metallic lilac paintwork and LED lights, all of which give the W2 real road presence.

The newcomer is the result of an Anglo-Chinese collaboration. Input has come from experts formerly employed by MG Rover working both for special engineering consultancy Ricardo 2010 in the UK and within SAIC in China, as well as from the manufacturer's own team in the Far East.

The W2 is the car that Rover would have launched to replace the ageing 45. It has been developed so quickly because SAIC has been able to carry on the work already started by the British company when it folded.

Under the skin, the model is based on a shortened version of the Rover 75 platform, and features a development of BMW's Z-axle system. Riding on 19-inch alloy wheels and with suspension tuned by ex-Rover and MG engineers, the W2 promises to provide a tempting blend of sporty handling and a comfortable ride.

Engine options will include a 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol based on the Rover K Series powerplant. This delivers around 150bhp, while a 2.0-litre diesel - which complies with Euro IV emissions

regulations - will provide a similar output. A hybrid drivetrain will also be offered, and all models are set to come with a choice of manual or automatic transmissions.

Inside, there's a two-tone dashboard made from tactile soft-touch materials. The quality of the finish is expected to rival that of mainstream European models, while the W2 gets some genuine design flair, such as the neat instrument binnacle, with its intricate dials. There's also a hi-tech touchscreen centre console for the audio, climate and sat-nav controls.

Although bosses are describing the newcomer as a concept, it's virtually showroom-ready. It's been designed to perform strongly in the latest Euro NCAP crash tests, including those for pedestrian protection. Production will begin at the end of this year, and it's scheduled to arrive in Europe in 2009, with prices starting from £14,500.

Roewe reveals reborn Rover 45 | Auto Express News | News | Auto Express

 

[Osnabrueck]

Sad to say, but the Chinese have come up with a better looking Rover than anything Rover itself could muster in recent years. Not mad about it, but it doesn't stink either.

 

[sunnyman12]

what a nice looking car

 

[far2000]

yeah, there looks 2 be good potential for the brand now....

 

[Giannis]

It's a nice design, but IMO not for the Rover name. Rover is meant to have classic cars, not sporty/youth ones!

 

[wltsm]

This looks very nice, is it a 45 underneath, or a totally new car?

 

[Mr. M]

Looks great. The Chinese sure are progressing quickly.

 

[Mr. M]

This looks very nice, is it a 45 underneath, or a totally new car?

Under the skin, the model is based on a shortened version of the Rover 75 platform, and features a development of BMW's Z-axle system.

 

[Giannis]

This won't be a real Rover. It will be under the badge of Roewe!

 

[Bartek S.]

Chinese Rover on test in UK.
Heavily disguised prototype was spotted as former MG Rover engineers hone new Roewe’s suspension for UK roads
The big giveaway is the one thing they couldn't hide - the exhaust. The unique oval shape made by the twin pipes means this can only be the Roewe 450, the Chinese version of the Rover 45. So what's so special about this picture? It was taken in the UK, and signals the Chinese have arrived!

This advanced testing means two things; firstly, that Shang­hai Automotive (SAIC) is deadly serious about selling the car in Britain. Secondly, the firm is tuning the suspension and steering specifically for UK roads.

As previously revealed in Issue 958, the Roewe will be based on the W2 concept. It was unveiled at the recent Shanghai Motor Show. Development of the Ford Focus rival is well advanced because large chunks of engineering research had been carried out before MG Rover collapsed two years ago. Put simply, it's the car that would have replaced the 45 if the Midlands firm had been given the chance.

The 450 is the result of an Anglo-Chinese collaboration, with input from experts formerly employed by MG Rover. They've been working both for special engineering consultancy Ricardo 2010 in the UK and within SAIC in China, while the manufacturer's own team in the Far East has also been involved in development work. The new car is built on a shortened Rover 75 chassis, with suspension tuned to offer sporty handling and a comfortable ride. There will be a range of engines, including a 150bhp 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol motor based on the Rover K Series unit. A 2.0-litre turbodiesel is also in the pipeline, and a hybrid system may follow, too.

Production of the Roewe 450 will begin at the end of this year, and it's scheduled to arrive in Europe in 2009, with prices starting from £14,500.
Chinese Rover on test in UK | Auto Express News | News | Auto Express

 

[ateekt]

Nice effort, but not enough ...!