Faults:

Rocker head gasket was loose when the car was bought, spilling oil onto the alloy area around the spark plugs. This was easy to fix, however, requiring just a socket set.

Apart from this the car is faultless.

General Comments:

The 1.1 litre K series engine is ultra-quiet and smooth. Indeed it seems more refined than many bigger engined cars that I have driven. Although ultimately it lacks power, and hence strong acceleration, it is more than happy to cruise all day at 80mph on the motor way (in countries where such a speed is legal). Just don't try to dominate the third lane.

Gear change and steering are high class. Both are smooth and accurate. The steering wheel - in common with most Rovers - is excellent and very comfortable to operate.

In terms of appearance the car (in metallic black) outshines most other small cars on the road - although the new Seats and Peugeots are very good too.

The inside of the car is plush and a class above most other small cars on the road. The seats are particularly impressive and support the driver nicely (I can testify to this as I regularly drive 400+ miles to Edinburgh).

Reasonable economy can be achieved with this car - around 35 urban, and 38-40 on a run. This seems a little disappointing...

Rear space is short - and this car is not recommended for transporting 3+ adult passengers regularly. The relative rear space is dependent on the class that the car is judged in: it lacks space for a 'small-family car', but it has a lot of space for a 'supermini'.

The standard stereo is poor and deserves immediate replacement - also the 200 1.1i comes without tweeter units, so if you object to listening to muffled music you will probably have to fit some yourself.

Still, an all round stunner of a car which is highly recommended.

Faults:

Nothing serious has gone wrong with this car, it's an all round reliable and good car to own.

General Comments:

The cars interior could be changed for the better, I have found that the radio is fiddly to operate, takes some getting used to!

Being in my car daily, I have found the seats to be great, no problems there, it's an enjoyable and responsive car to drive.

However it's definitely not a car for the learner driver due to its precise handling and great engine.

Faults:

No major problems to report, just the replacement of general wear and tear parts such as the tires and exhaust (wasn't my fault, honest!)

General Comments:

Having upgraded from a savagely underpowered 1.4l Escort I was over joyed with the wealth of power sitting comfortably under my heavy right foot. The car can shift!!! The 120bhp produced from the 1.8 K-series engine (the one used in the MGF) is outstanding and can drive the innocent looking little bubble mobile to unexpected levels of performance. So much so that "hot hatch", turbo and GTI drivers look with amazement into their rear view mirror and wonder why this Rover is glued to their ass!

This is until, however, cornering is involved and my first bad word about this car. Unfortunately it handles like it is on ice especially in the wet. The car suffers from aggressive amounts of body roll and very little grip from the slightly undersized 15" alloy's. This usually results in vast amounts of understeer and wheel spin whilst cornering at high speed. Once this is out the way however you will find yourself smiling from ear to ear once you are back on the straight and continuing your pursuit.

I have modified my 218, to further improve the performance and handling and would recommend to anyone to do the same to get the most out of the car.

As for the interior, it is nothing special. However I feel the traditional, fake Rover wood and leather steering wheel are a nice little touch. The stereo and speakers are crap, but what do you expect? The cabin is a bit cramped and it is a good job you can lower the drivers seat as any one over 6' feet would struggle, especially with a sun roof. I do manage however being a big 6'2, but don't expect anyone to sit behind you!