| Overall Rating |
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| Description |
| The 45 is a classy compact family range with a cosy Rover image, good reliability and a comfortable cabin. But it's an old design, and it's starting to show. |
| Handling |
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| Comfort |
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| Quality & Reliability |
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| Performance |
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| Roominess |
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| Running Costs |
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| Value for Money |
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| Stereo/Sat Nav |
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| Best Models |
| 1.6 iXS hatchback; 1.8 Connoisseur saloon |
| Worst Models |
| IE or Classic without air con |
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| Road Test |
| Launched in 2000, the 45 really dates back to the mid-Nineties Honda Civic via the Rover 400. So it's really the final product of the Rover/Honda collaboration. And despite confident frontal styling that projects Rover's modern face as seen in the 75, the 45 shows that car design has moved on. 45 has another drawback; it has family hatchback and compact executive saloon pretensions (including a 2.0 V6 engine) but simply isn't big enough to rival Mondeo or 3-Series. The well-equipped cabin provides a welcoming environment and occupants enjoy a refined ride, but there's not enough room in the back. Handling is enjoyable and obedient, with good body control. All engines are willing, even the 1.4i; the 1.8i is probably the best choice as it's smoother and quicker than the 1.6i but almost as economical. The V6 (in saloons only) is refined but costs more to run. |
| Positive Points |
- Good looking in a conservative style
- Lots of choice of cheap used models
- Engines are willing and reliable
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| Negative Points |
- Less room in the back than many rivals
- An obsolete model from a defunct car maker
- 2.0 TD is too loud at times
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