Skip advert
Advertisement

Rover 75

After years of being driven in foreign motors, the man at number 10 has at last bought British. Premier Tony Blair's official car is one of these, the new 75 Limousine.

The standard 75's key attributes of comfort and calm remain intact in the Limousine, and the rear has all the space passengers could need. But a few more luxuries in the back would not go amiss.

And it's easy to see why, as the long-wheelbase Rover is a mighty beast. By adding 200mm to the regular car's platform behind the B-pillar, the rear compartment is now huge, with enough room in the footwells for several ministerial red boxes. At the front, the 75 V8's grille gives real presence.

Unfortunately, the extra length has been disguised inside with an ugly overhead console that plays host to a clock and reading lights, while a lidded centre armrest hides a cheap-looking cubby. Rover has missed a trick here by not giving the rear passengers more toys to play with - a single- screen DVD player is a £2,500 option. That said, the leather seats are very comfortable.

The driver is equally well looked after, thanks to a fully adjustable steering wheel and heated electric memory seats. The dashboard is standard 75, and although the sat-nav is a £2,325 option, it is one of the best systems around. On the road, the car retains the regular model's cosseting ride and good body control. While the extra weight blunts performance, kickdown response is reasonable. Lifeless but well weighted steering allows unruffled progress in town and on the motorway, where only wind noise spoils the serenity.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,672 off RRP*Used from £12,200
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £4,500 off RRP*
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £11,895
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,271 off RRP*Used from £12,700
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort review: the best BYD yet
BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort - front

New BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort review: the best BYD yet

The new BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort is arguably the Chinese brand's most convincing model in its range
Road tests
11 Jun 2025
New Peugeot 208 GTi: electric hot hatch gets stunning looks and plenty of power
Peugeot E-208 GTi - reveal front

New Peugeot 208 GTi: electric hot hatch gets stunning looks and plenty of power

Hot Peugeot E-208 gets racier styling, 276bhp and does 0-62mph in just 5.7 seconds
News
13 Jun 2025
Best cars to own: Driver Power 2025 results
Driver Power 2025 - header

Best cars to own: Driver Power 2025 results

The best new cars to own in the UK right now according to the people who already do. It’s the 2025 Driver Power results!
News
10 Jun 2025