Motoring: Here, Rover! Go fetch

HACKS AT Rover's press launch of the new 25 and 45 greeted the cars' ceremonial unveiling with spontaneous silence. Surely the revamped 200s and 400s did not justify such razzmatazz? Neither is a tour de force, technically or aesthetically. Both are interim models that foreshadow better things to come.

So why all the fuss? Because the new 25 and 45 represent the new face of Rover. They and the 75 flagship (said by Rover to be selling well, despite media reports to the contrary) are the cars that will drive Rover back into profit, perhaps by 2002.

Parent BMW has pumped billions of pounds into its British subsidiary and Rover dealers have invested millions more. So if money talks - and such sums were unheard of during the Honda courtship - Rover is making sure the message gets home. "We've turned the corner," says sales director, Jim Lynch. "We're moving forward with a long-term plan."

Part of that plan is to make cars that "provide a distinctive alternative to mainstream models". In other words putting quality before quantity. And it shows. Rover's latest models ooze distinction. What's more, they are now backed by a three-year warranty.

Turning the corner with the 25 started by making good the marketing mistake of the decade. When the 25's predecessor was launched, it was not pitched against other superminis - Fiesta, Polo and Punto - but against bigger cars such as the Escort, Golf and Astra. Similarly, the 400 was seen by Rover as a rival to the roomier Mondeo and Vectra when everyone could see it was too small for the job.

In repositioning both models so that they competed with like-sized opposition, Rover has given itself a fighting chance, especially as the 25 and 45 are much better cars than the ones they supplant.

Starting at pounds 8,295, prices for the 25 are competitive for down-range models, in the premium bracket at the top end. For instance, the new range- topping 25GTi (Rover has dropped the nondescript Vi tag), costs pounds 1,000 more than Peugeot's formidable 206GTi.

Driving impressions and prices of the 45 must wait until it is released in January, so let's concentrate here on the new-look 25, which unites the attractive shape of the old 200 with the 75's new corporate grille. Nothing wrong there: the 25 may not be an adventurous car, but it is certainly chic. Inside, there is no more room than in its predecessor; the new scooped-out seat backs may fractionally improve rear knee clearance compared with the 200, but space remains tight.

Rover has broadened the appeal of a range that now embraces seven engines and as many trim packages, not to mention six interior colour schemes, and five option packs. Other significant upgrades include wider wheels and tyres (to improve grip), firmer suspension (which has sharpened handling), and the introduction of Steptronic transmission.

All of the models I tried were pleasant and even mildly entertaining to drive but the one that impressed most was the pricey 2.0TD, powered by a torque-enhanced diesel engine that's beaten for performance only by the 2.0 petrol GTi.

It may not be the sweetest diesel on the market, but it is a class leader for mid-range pep: its overtaking ability - say, from 40 to 60mph in fourth gear - is quite outstanding. No petrol 25 emits less "greenhouse" carbon dioxide, while none gets close on economy.

A 113mph car that will exceed 60mpg, and regularly return over 50, is a hard act to follow.

Specifications

Rover 25 turbodiesel iE, pounds 11,895 (better equipped iL pounds 12,495, iS pounds 12,995).

Engine: 1994cc, four cylinders, eight valves, 101bhp at 4200rpm.

Transmission: five-speed manual, front-wheel drive.

Performance: top speed 113mph, 0-60mph in 9.9sec, 30-50mph in fourth 6.0sec.

Consumption: 55.4mpg combined (68.9mpg in EU extra-urban cycle).

RIVALS

Ford Fiesta 1.8D LX: pounds 10,850. Fiesta has just had an effective makeover. Handles and rides well but the diesel engine is no match for Rover's. Petrols particularly sweet.

Peugeot 206 1.9dLX: pounds 10,845. Hot-selling 206 is the glamour car of the class. Comfortable, with pleasant handling. But non-turbo diesel no match for sprightly Rover.

Renault Clio 1.9dRT: pounds 10,905. Smart looks, roomy cabin, keen price (especially 1.9d at pounds 9,505). But non-turbo diesel yields only 65bhp and modest torque, so no match for Rover on performance.

Seat Ibiza 1.9tdi: pounds 11,650. Good value Spanish five-door with VW underpinnings (engine included) and quality. Strong mid-range performance and good economy.

VW Polo 1.9L pounds 10,490: No turbo-diesel in the hatchback. The pounds 12,440 Polo TDi L saloon has decent pep but won't match the Rover. Excellent all-rounder.