1995 Rover - Austin 200 218 SD Turbo review from UK and Ireland

No faults.

Despite decent economy and a pleasant dealer, I really didn't like this car.

For starters, the thing is virtually undriveable. Under 2,000 RPM literally nothing happens if you try to accelerate. Then suddenly the turbo spools up, and the car slingshots forward for a second or so until it hits 3,500 RPM where the engine runs out of steam. By 4,000 it's completely dead again. So you have an effective useable rev range of 1,500 RPM, which is a joke in a modern car.

The result is a car which needs more gear changes, and is harder work to drive smoothly around town than your average sports car. Equally worryingly, the (allegedly Peugeot) engine also sounds agricultural and rattly, like diesels used to about 15 years ago. A steady 45-50 mpg was the only compensation!

The ride is comfortable but the car floats and wallows over uneven surfaces - almost like the dampers are shot, but not the case according to the (very polite and helpful) dealer. The car also ploughs straight on in the wet at frighteningly low speeds, and has no steering feel whatsoever.

Standard equipment is non existent. A tinny sounding stereo, power steering and that's your lot. No sunroof, manual windows and one electric mirror! Penny pinching in the extreme.

All I really liked about it was that it was economical, however it was driven. The dealer was pleasant too, but everything else was forgettable or just hopeless.

I'm not anti-diesel or anti-Rover. I loved the diesel Peugeot 306 (direct rival) and enjoyed the Rovers (214SLi, 623 Si and 820) that I've driven before. This car is really disappointing though.