2000 Rover - Austin 25 iS 1.6 from UK and Ireland
Summary:
Great warm hatch with good handling, looks and practicality, rounded off with a great little engine!
Faults:
Squeak from rear suspension fixed under warranty (new bushes) - standard modification apparently, although it took two dealers to "do" the mod until it made any difference...
That's it really, there were some other issues down to the previous owner (crushed passenger seat due to vigorous tightening of child seat, edge of passenger door bent and rusted where repeatedly slammed against brick wall!)
General Comments:
Generally, very good.
Handles nicely, turns in well, and great performance from the 1.6 K series, an underrated warm hatch (0-60 in 9.5 seconds).
Still gets 37-8mpg around town too!
The 3 door looks nice in platinum silver with the standard 15" alloys and the iS fog-lights and body-coloured spoiler too...
Cabin is nice - don't pay any attention to the press saying the interior is dated and the e/w switches are in the wrong place - the interior is modern and comfortable, although a cup holder would be nice!
Blot on the copybook is the dealer service I have had, ranging from barely competent to criminal. In fairness, as with any manufacturer, there are good dealers out there, but choose carefully...
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 1st July, 2002
11th Jul 2005, 08:10
Down to earth good common writing well done.