New Rover Ready To Grow

MG Rover is entering the space race! Its TCV was already large enough to swallow a tumble drier, as demonstrated when it was first unveiled - and now insiders are suggesting it will be even bigger!

Auto Express Car Reviews

24th February 2004

When the production version arrives, probably badged Rover 55 or 65, it will offer executive levels of space for Volkswagen Golf money, and leave rivals more than a little cramped.

The new model is due in autumn 2005 and will be powered by Rover's K Series engines, updated to comply with the latest emissions rules. A diesel version with a Dagenham-built Ford/Peugeot motor is also likely. Meanwhile, production of the 45 and MG ZS could move to Poland, where the UK firm is sole bidder for the defunct Daewoo/FSO plant. Bosses hope this will help break into eastern European markets.

The interior of the 45/ZS is also being redesigned, because Honda, which supplied the dashboards, has stopped making the Domani car on which the models were based.