Rover Streetwise 2.0TD SE
It's still too early to tell whether Rover's Streetwise on-roader will be a hit or a miss, but it has certainly been attracting attention and dividing opinion since its launch.
If we were buying a Streetwise, we'd stick with the petrol. The diesel model is more economical, but the fuel saving and performance benefits are far outweighed by its crude nature. That said, the new range of accessories will enhance the on-roader's appeal.
It's still too early to tell whether Rover's Streetwise on-roader will be a hit or a miss, but it has certainly been attracting attention and dividing opinion since its launch.
We drove the 1.4-litre petrol version back in September, but since then the Midlands company has introduced a full range of Streetwise models and accessories for buyers to choose from. Now we've sampled the 2.0-litre diesel variant, which Rover expects to account for nearly half of all Streetwise sales.
As with the petrol car, the TD uses an old engine plucked directly from the 25 range. However, in oil-burning form the Streetwise is a far more rough and ready companion. The turbo unit is extremely responsive, but it goes about its business in a coarse and unrefined manner. At idle, the engine is incredibly rattly, while it transmits a huge amount of noise into the cabin at high revs.
This is the quickest and most economical model in the Streetwise range, though, and that is likely to be enough to persuade some buyers. The model's practical interior will also appeal. It features seats that are much more comfortable than those of the standard 25 and offers added flexibility courtesy of individually moulded back chairs, with a large oddments tray in the middle.
That said, the dashboard still comes straight out of the dated Rover hatch, and it really does show its age. The footwell is cramped and some of the controls, such as those for the heater and radio, feel awkwardly placed.
The add-ons seen on this example are bound to find favour with buyers, though. Our car was equipped with sill protection bars, a rear spoiler plus front and back lamp guards.
These are available alongside a full-length front nudge bar as part of the new accessories range, which gives the Streetwise a much more purposeful appearance - although the additions are largely pointless in day-to-day use.
But then, most SUVs are pointless in day-to-day use, and this is precisely the market Rover is hoping to tap into with the Streetwise - an 'off-roader' that doesn't even pretend to off-road.
