1997 Rover - Austin 400 420 Si 5 door review from UK and Ireland

Only had the car a month.

Only possible thing might be a slight misfire first thing in the morning, performance is not hindered at all and it only last for a few minutes, so perhaps I am just hearing things, will replace the plugs and leads just to be on the safe side.

What a lovely car to drive!

I wasn't really looking for a Rover when I was buying, but this car just stood out.

The 2.0 engine is the dogs dangley bits!

It has the most wonderful sound when pushed near the limit and it's pretty quick too, loads of torque (overtaking power). Lovely to drive sedately as well, very few gear changes needed because of the torquey engine.

Cabin, plenty of space in the front although a little cramped in the back, is quite adequate for a 2 adults, 2 children family with surprisingly a large"ish" boot.

Well laid out controls, a nice touch is the way the rear wiper comes on when reversing (if your front wipers are on).

The power steering is little on the light side for motorway speeds, but perfect in town.

Fuel, drinks it like it's going out of fashion around town, but on a run is pretty darn good for a 2.0.

The only bit about the car I don't like is the way the car "jerks" in first and second gear if slow moving in heavy traffic, I think another reviewer noted this as well, also reverse gear is sometimes a fight to get engaged, but that is apparently a "Rover thing".

Insurance is a bit steep, group 13 seems a bit high for a "warm" hatch.