MG Rover News 2005, so far...

[Ion Pulse]

As this will probably be a very uneventful year for MG Rover, as they have no money or means to develop new models they are doing their best with what they've got. Although the deal with Chinese firm SAIC, looks to be very fruitful and we should see an all new small family car around mid-2006. For just now MG Rover will be launching some new products for example the CityRover TD. It will use a uprated 1.4litre Turbo Diesel engine from TATA(who makes the CityRover). It will produce around 70bhp and 180nm of torque and will steal the Fiat Panda's crown of being the cheapest diesel car. This will arrive in the summer sometime.

The next new development is the 'new' Diesel engine, which will be fitted to the aged 25 and 45 ranges. Based on Rover's ancient L-Series unit which dates back to the fifties, MG Rover have worked with NVH specialists in Germany to ensure the unit lasts a little longer. Power has also been increased but final figures have'nt been confirmed yet. It should arrive in the autum along with the revised 75 which will gain a new interior.

MG Rover are also updating their roadster the TF which will receive mild tweaks on the exterior and interior to keep on the top of UK Convertable sales in the summer. A power boost for 160 models is on the cards increasing it to somewhere in the region of 180bhp. The TF will also see its sister car the GT Coupe launched. First seen as a concept in November the Coupe will be launched at the end of 2005 and share most of the Roadsters engines although a 200bhp flagship model will debut as well taking the 0-60 time under six seconds.


So its good to see MG Rover fans have something to look forward to for next few months or so, untill all-new products come in 2006 and 7.