Rover Tourer (1994 - 1999) used car model guide

by Jonathan Crouch

6.0out of 10
New Rover Tourer (1994 - 1999) review

Although the Rover Tourer can trace its roots right back to 1989, it was a superbly elegant compact estate in a market where such qualities were a distinct rarity. Oriental in origin, the car started life as the Rover 200/Honda Concerto and was thoroughly developed to provide a basis for a range of various body styles, the Tourer being sold until as recently as 1999. As a used buy it's good value, offering a combination of tried and tested and resolutely modern ingredients. Its lack of image also means the possibility of bargains.

+ More

Detailed ratings

Small Estates
Overall
60 %
Economy
6 / 10
Space
5 / 10
Value
7 / 10
Handling
5 / 10
Depreciation
5 / 10
Styling
7 / 10
Build
5 / 10
Comfort
7 / 10
Insurance
7 / 10
Performance
5 / 10
Equipment
7 / 10

History

Had Rover known the fate to befall them, perhaps they would have stayed in bed slightly longer with Honda. The 200 series that was launched in October 1989 was later dubbed the 400 series, with three-door, five-door, Coupe and Cabriolet models all finding a ready market. The 400 Tourer was launched in 1994, but it was only in 1996 that the range was rationalised to avoid confusion with the later 200 series & 400 series cars. Three engines were offered a 1.6-litre propped up the range, a 1.8-litre turbodiesel appealed to the sensible shoes brigade whilst the 143bhp 1.8-litre VVC engine purloined from the flagship MGF made for something of a mystery Tourer. A sports car engine in a compact estate? Maybe Rover were merely spiking the guns of Alfa's Sportwagon.
+ More

What you get

The link between Rover and Honda produced some very good cars and the Tourer is no exception. With Japanese-style reliability and British branding, it was always a better car than its slightly old-fashioned image suggested. Whichever Tourer variant you choose the quality is the same. You'll notice the wood inserts on the fascia; the Rover-inscribed scuff plates on the door sills. Then there's the way that the door shuts with a solid thunk, the quality of the trim, that solid steering wheel perfectly positioned in front of you. All are telltale reminders of the wind of change which swept through Rover during the nineties. Some brave buyers opted for a CVT gearbox on the 1.6-litre model but, frankly, it's not much cop.
+ More

What to look for

With the vast majority of Tourers being 1.6-litre models, problems are rare. The109bhp four-cylinder engine is a sturdy performer and the running gear and chassis have proved similarly problem free. The CVT gearbox never proved popular, but few report any inherent problems. The brakes can suffer from judder and vibration and the electric windows had a history of occasional failure. Some owners have commented on the mischievous standard fit alarm plus the 'Piccadilly set fabric isn't the most hardwearing. Otherwise it's difficult to go too far wrong. Inspect the load bay for signs of damage and insist on a full service history.
+ More

Looking to buy?

Latest used Rover's for sale on Exchange & Mart…

Image of a 1999 Rover Mini
1999
Rover Mini £12,740
Rover logo
Image of a 1998 Rover 100
1998
Rover 100 £4,999
Rover logo
Image of a 1998 Rover 820
1998
Rover 820 £4,990
Rover logo
Image of a 1995 Rover 100
1995
Rover 100 £3,250
Rover logo
Image of a 1995 Rover Mini
1995
Rover Mini £6,500
Rover logo

Replacement parts

(approx based on a 1996 Tourer 1.6 - exc VAT) A clutch assembly will be around £190. An alternator is about £250 and brake pads around £75 each. A headlamp is around £75, a full exhaust system (excluding the catalyst) would cost you about £250, an alternator can be between £120 and £250 with an exchange varying from £70-£150, a starter motor £135 and a front head lamp £75.
+ More

On the road

In any Tourer you'll experience a feeling of class, a feeling that you're driving a much larger car. The relative lack of speed is more than compensated for by the free revving nature of the K-series 1.6). If you enjoy your driving, a brief test drive reveals further attributes like supportive seats, positive steering (although the power assistance that's standard on plusher models is well worth having) and failsafe handling. Squeaks and rattles are notable by their absence and refinement is such that, as I said, you could be driving a much more prestigious car.
The interior is something of a mixed bag, with some nice touches and some rather dated aspects. If it's in good condition, the seat trimming is aesthetically quite pleasant, adding to the expensive impression created by the chunky Rover-embossed safety steering wheel.
+ More

Overall

They may be a long way off the cutting edge, but for those that want something understated, well engineered and elegantly styled a used Tourer could be just the ticket.
+ More

Similar models…

Have you considered these alternative models...

Image of a Peugeot 308 SW
Peugeot 308 SW
7.5 / 10
Image of a Vauxhall Astra
Vauxhall Astra
7.2 / 10
Image of a Peugeot 308
Peugeot 308
7.0 / 10
Image of a Kia Proceed
Kia Proceed
6.9 / 10
Image of a Dacia Logan MCV
Dacia Logan MCV
7.5 / 10