Rover 45
According to scientists, healthcare improvements and good living standards mean we're surviving for longer than ever. Britain's average life expectancy has in- creased by 10 years in the past two decades, and is set to get even better.
A fresh look has given the 45 a new lease of life, but we doubt it will last very long. While the car certainly has a more modern appearance, and the dashboard improvements are welcome, its average dynamics, outdated cabin layout and aged engine range give it a limited shelf life. The revised MG ZS, which is based on the 45, is a much better model to drive.
According to scientists, healthcare improvements and good living standards mean we're surviving for longer than ever. Britain's average life expectancy has in- creased by 10 years in the past two decades, and is set to get even better.
All of which is good news for the 45. In automotive terms, the family saloon is of a pensionable age. It's based on the 1995 400 - which in turn stemmed from the MkV Honda Civic. Lacking the cash to develop a replacement, Rover has given it further surgery to keep it going for a few more years.
But is the car's latest session under the knife enough to make it competitive in a market dominated by fresh models such as the VW Golf, Vauxhall Astra and imminent Ford Focus?
In a word - no. Although it looks fairly stylish, and its new nose job and dash give a more modern appearance, there's no escaping that it is still an outdated package. Whereas rivals are brimming with technology, the 45 soldiers on with limited safety features, cramped rear seats and engines that can trace their roots to the late Eighties. That said, it does have its plus points. In saloon form, it has a huge boot, good driving position and comfortable cabin. As a motorway cruiser, it's pleasant enough.
It's also well equipped. At £16,195, the Connoisseur TD is the top 45. It gets leather, climate control, electric windows and a choice of wood dash finishes. Meanwhile, external goodies include front foglamps, chrome mirrors, a new high-security locking system and 16-inch alloy wheels.
On the road, revised steering and improved brake feel give it a slightly more dynamic edge than before, but the chassis still feels numb and the ride is easily upset. The 2.0-litre L Series diesel is noisy, but the Connoisseur's extra insulation reduces intrusion.
The engine might be old, but it's incredibly lively, with impressive acceleration. Unfortunately, its relatively high CO2 emissions and pronounced turbo lag give away its years. The 45 remains what it always was - a value-for-money offering, but one which is inferior in many ways to its newer rivals.
