Rover 45 Hatchback (00-04) - Review

Review by Parkers on
2
The 45 utilises basically the same chassis as the old 400. Being derived from a mid-90s Honda means it is a bit dated, but well-designed.
Rover 45 Hatchback (00-04)

Low running costs, good performance, handling.

Cramped interior, noisy engines, outdated styling.

New price range:

£9,995 - £15,480

Used price range:

£261 - £1,185

View all used prices

Summary

Parkers Rating:

2 out of 5

The 45 utilises basically the same chassis as the old 400. Being derived from a mid-90s Honda means it is a bit dated, but well-designed. Originally it would have been compared to Vectra/Mondeo class cars for size, but as successive generations of rivals have grown whereas the Rover hasn't, it really needs to be considered as a Focus/Astra sized car. The image won't have a universal appeal as there are those who consider it unbearably stuffy, but it hits the mark for some and all versions are well equipped for the money.

Parkers Ratings

Overall

2 out of 5

Performance

3.5 out of 5

Handling

3.5 out of 5

Comfort

3 out of 5

Practicality

3 out of 5

Behind the wheel

2.5 out of 5

Safety

2.5 out of 5

Reliability

3 out of 5

Running costs

3 out of 5

Green credentials

3.5 out of 5

Buying used

4.5 out of 5

Selling

2.5 out of 5

Equipment

2.5 out of 5

What owners say...

 Even thow its only a 1.4 it went a 600 mile trip fully loaded even pulling a small camping trailer.  

5 out of 5

David Sharples ,   21 Oct 2012    ... read more

 Economical, easily get 60 mpg with my kind of driving. 2 labs can sit in comfort at the boot. Back sits go flat and you can use it as a mobile tip carrier. She never cost much to keep on the road...  

4 out of 5

Dan Erlington ,   10 Sep 2011    ... read more

 Huge boot, especially when the back seats are folded, fitted all sorts of furniture over four years of ownership.  

4 out of 5

John Davies ,   11 Aug 2008    ... read more

See all Owners' Reviews

Next steps