Rover 45 Saloon (2004 - 2005) engines

The saloon doesn’t have the choice of the 1.4 which is available in the hatchback, so the range consists of 1.6 and 1.8 K-Series petrol engines and a 2.0 litre Turbo Diesel offered in two states of tune. The petrol units are smooth and eager to rev but a question mark hangs over the reliability of the head gaskets. A CVT automatic gearbox is available on the 1.8 only.

A strength of the 45 is its handling and ride quality. It’s a composed, surefooted handler and entirely predictable in its behaviour, although it’s not really set up to excite the driver. It has a comparatively long wheelbase which contributes to a very relaxing ride quality.