2000 Rover - Austin 75 Connoisseur SE review from UK and Ireland

Have had the car since new, and though fitted with a lot of electrical extras, have had absolutely no problems, right from day one. Just pure motoring pleasure.

What can I say to sum up this car? It's pure and simply heaven on wheels, and the best car I've ever owned. Admittedly we've done a low mileage so far, but if the last 14 months are anything to go by the build quality and attention to detail leave nothing to be desired. We've also taken the car abroad, and don't know if 75's are rarer in the rest of Europe, but people gather round the car when you park it up!

One word of warning, it isn't a racing car. If you want that buy the MG, but if you want refinement, tons of torque and a car that feels turbine smooth, buy the 2.0 CDT, you won't be disappointed. As an added bonus economy is excellent too, around 50mpg and at 70mph the rev counter is barely reading 2000rpm. You would not know this car was a diesel, but for the pleasant surprise each time you visit the filling station.

As for the cabin, it's better than a Bentley, and yes I have sat in one, simply stunning although admittedly the retro theme probably isn't to all tastes. it's terrifically well built and there's just so much thought put into everything. My only criticism here, the lack of a locking glove box. I can live with that though.

I really can't praise this car enough, the dealership also, though a smaller franchise, has been great as well.

All you German car buyers out there, one day you'll see the light. When I park my beautiful 75 next to bland, boring BMWs', Audis' and Mercs' I wonder why you bothered.

Take a tip from me, when you tire of your German machines, buy British and buy a Rover 75. You won't regret it.