Rover Streetwise

Infobox Automobile


boxcolor = darkblue
name = Rover Streetwise
manufacturer = Rover
production = 2003–2005
successor=Roewe 250
class = hatchback
platform =
body_style = 3-door hatchback
5-door hatchback
related = Rover 25
Rover 200
similar = Ford Fusion
Citroen C3 XTR
Renault Kangoo Trekka
VW Polo DuneThe Rover Streetwise was a small car made by Rover. It was based on the Rover 25, but had an increased ride height and chunkier bumpers. The car was marketed by Rover as an 'on-roader'.

As of April 2005 it is no longer in production due to the bankruptcy of MG Rover.

History

The Rover Streetwise was an attempt by Rover to appeal to younger drivers. Rover had modernised the existing models in 1999 with a facelift for the 25, 45 and the Rover-designed 75 models but Rover was suffering falling sales and a tarnished brand after the sale of Rover to the Phoenix consortium in 2000 by BMW. Although new models were in the planning stages, the 25 and 45 models would be 15 years old before the new models were launched. Phoenix owned the rights to the MG brand, and had marketed the ZR, ZS & ZT with reasonable success, restyling the bumpers on the existing 25, 45 and 75 models, coupled with tweaked suspension, as well as tuning to the K-Series engine.

Into a new market

With the MG brand proving popular, MG Rover Group turned their attention to the Rover brand. The Rover-badged cars had a rather staid image and were commonly associated with elderly motorists. MG Rover thus attempted to appeal to a younger market. To avoid costly mistakes, MG Rover decided to design a car for a niche market, and chose the ‘Urban on-roader’ look, similar to the Audi Allroad, Volvo XC70 and Renault Scenic RX4.

Design

The tough-looking Streetwise was designed as a two-wheel drive urban car with 4x4 looks. The streetwise had a higher ride height than the basic 25, and although it shared many of the common characteristics of the 25, it was visually different with large impact absorbing grey or black plastic bumpers. Unlike the rest of the Rover and MG range, the Streetwise bumpers were not colour coded. The front indicator and fog lights were redesigned to complement the circular headlamps, and most models came with chunky 16-inch wheels as standard. To extend the load space, the Streetwise was fitted with multi-purpose roof bars, which also served to distinguish the Streetwise from ZR & 25.

Options

The Streetwise offered a choice of sporty interiors, available in four or five seats (optional). The standard four seats had two separate rear seats and a separating centre console, and were half leather body-hugging seats. All models came with standard front electric windows, driver's airbag, PAS, and ABS. The S & SE Models came with leather steering wheel, gear knob and air conditioning. The electric window switch had been relocated next to the handbrake, with new-style rocker switch, in a circular design with chrome effect plastic in the middle. Other subtle changes included a riveted chrome effect plastic loop round the base of the gear lever, and a restyled blue dash dials. All Streetwises came with trafficmaster, an early warning device to warn the drivers of congested routes, and CD player as standard. The Streetwise also came with Rear Parking sensors, as an option or as standard on higher models.

treetwise engines

The Streetwise engines were available as 1.4, 1.6, 1.8 stepspeed (Automatic), and a 2.0 TD. The 1.6 & 1.8 were less common.

The end of production

The Streetwise ceased production in April 2005, when Rover ceased trading and went into administration.

References

* [http://www.austin-rover.co.uk/ The Unofficial Austin Rover Website] (Under MG ZR Development Story)
* [http://www.mg-rover.com/static/rover.html MG Rover Group Website]