1999 Rover - Austin 200 BRM LE review from UK and Ireland

Nothing, only had it a week.

This car is amazing. Have always wanted one since I saw it at the motor show in 98 and now I have one. The interior is certainly different from the usual drab black plastics of most modern cars. Bright red leather everywhere and the carpets to match. You either love or loath the exterior styling (I love it). The orange nose certainly makes it stand out from the crowd. Now we get onto the engine, what can I say? Awesome. 1.8VVC pulls like a dream, that together with the close ratio gear box (change gear on song and it puts you straight back at 5000rpm) is a very exciting combination. Little slower to 60 than the standard VI (BRM wheels being a lot wider, thus more rolling resistance and the car being a tad heavier), but hit the bends and it a different story. The BRM only suspension set up, with the LSD and light weight alloys transform the car. Its got grip in abundance, have not found another hot hatch that can keep up. The only niggle I have about this car is insurance. Its Group 16, which is two higher than the standard VI and being only 22 it adds £350 over a standard VI premium. But its worth it.