Rover CityRover

CityRover in brief

The CityRover was a small hatchback introduced by MG Rover in the autumn of 2003 under the Rover badge. Technically, it was the Tata Indica — an Indian car produced by Tata Motors in Pune, India. It was adapted for the British market: new bumpers, Rover badges, 14-inch wheels, and revised suspension settings.

Production ceased in April 2005 when MG Rover collapsed and stopped making all its models. Therefore, the CityRover is a short-lived model that you won't come across often in Lithuania.

Why the model was criticised

The car was poorly received: journalists found its dynamics weak, build quality subpar, driving characteristics poor, and the price too high. The starting price in the UK was £6,495, and it was reduced by £900 in December 2004.

A famous example — in May 2004, Top Gear presenter James May secretly tested the CityRover and dubbed it the worst car he'd ever driven on the show. In 2013, Top Gear Magazine included it in the 13 worst cars of the past 20 years.

For the 2005 model year, the car was updated — it received more standard equipment.

Engine and technical details

The CityRover had just one engine — a 1.4-litre (1405 cc) four-cylinder, eight-valve unit sourced from Peugeot. It produced around 85 bhp (63 kW) and 119 Nm of torque. It could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (around 97 km/h) in approximately 11.9 seconds, with a top speed of around 160 km/h.

The car featured a high driving position and a large glass area, providing the driver with excellent visibility. Standard features included a driver's airbag (front passenger airbag in the top trim and optional in lower trims), door impact beams, seatbelts with pre-tensioners, and ABS was available on 'style' versions.

What to check when buying a Rover CityRover

Since production ended many years ago, the key factor is the technical condition. Check the body for rust, the suspension condition, and engine performance (no oil leaks and unusual noises).

Also, inquire about the service history and whether the car has been in an accident. Regarding parts, it's worth knowing that the CityRover is technically close to the Tata Indica, so some components may be available through that model.

Bear in mind that the car was not strong in terms of either build quality or driving dynamics according to journalist reviews, so it's best considered as a basic city runabout.

Trim levels

Names and equipment vary by market and year; we list the versions most commonly found in Europe.

Comparing the versions

If you're considering a CityRover, look for a higher-spec model with ABS and in the best condition you can find. It's a basic city car with no major frills.

Frequently asked questions