Rover 75

By Chris Thorp

29th November 2006

	Bosses are refusing to comment on how the green technology has been adapted for a family saloon, but ensuring the cost of production is kept to an absolute minimum will be a top priority

Under the ownership of Chinese firm SAIC, the reborn marque will build a hybrid variant of its 75-inspired 750.

And Roewe - China's rebadged ver­sion of Rover - is set to put its petrol-electric car into production. The model debuted at last week's Beijing Motor Show alongside the rest of the new 750 range, and proves SAIC's commitment to expand its business on a worldwide scale. Derived from original Rover des­igns, the engine line-up comprises 1.8-litre four-cylinder and 2.5 V6 petrol units and an as-yet-unannounced diesel.

The hybrid powertrain was initially showcased on the MG TF HPD (short for Hybrid Performance Development) roadster, which was produced in 2004.

Bosses are refusing to comment on how the green technology has been adapted for a family saloon, but ensuring the cost of production is kept to an absolute minimum will be a top priority. The hybrid power­train is claimed to use around 25 per cent less fuel than a conventional petrol engine.

Key to the hybrid's cost efficiency, however, is its in-line set-up - the electric motor and geartrain sit between the standard engine and transmission.

Official UK launch dates for Roewe have yet to be revealed, but the brand is expected to make an appearance on these shores some time in 2007.

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