appConfigEntityId

bodyType

customContents

entityId

entityUuid

isVideo

articlePageQuery

article

articleSchemaContent

content

hooksArticlePageAdvertisementConfigArticle

appConfig

filter

json

liveArticle

SCMP Reporter

WHEN the new Rover 216i Cabriolet was launched on the Hongkong market at a special price of $250,000, 110 buyers immediately signed up for the new car.

   And what they got was a very good bargain considering the the model comes with automatic transmission, leather seats, a power hood and a general air of British good taste.

   What is surprising is that not one of these future Rover owners tested this new car, because none were available for testing.

  This puts me in the special position of having tested the car but not actually signing up for one, unlike those who have signed on the dotted line, but are yet to settle into the Rover's extremely comfortable leather seats.

    I have driven Rover 200-series cars before, and, I believe, this is the best model yet in looks and performance.

   The paint work, finish and trim of the car are all excellent. All the cars I have seen in this series come in unusual, but beautiful, colours, designed to make a bold impact both on the road and in the car park.

   In particular, the metallic emerald green gives the car a handsome, respectable look in keeping with its Rover pedigree and a reminder of the historic British Racing Green.

    The car comes with an assortment of excellent features fitted as standard. These include air-conditioning, power steering, alloy wheels, a power hood, leather seats and fittings, interior wood cappings and a splendid state-of-the-art four-speed gearbox.

   Air-conditioning is a necessity in Hongkong in the summer and spring, but is generally offered as an option. This has always struck me as unfair, because the ''option'' usually adds an extra $10,000 on to the price of a car.

   The move by Rover and some other manufacturers to now include air-conditioning as standard is welcome.

     On looks alone, this cabriolet is the winner among other similar convertibles. It is good to look at from every angle. There are no awkward lines and the entire package is set off by the attractive alloy wheels and a twin-pipe sports exhaust.

    Rover plans to spearhead a new assault on the Hongkong market using the 216i Cabriolet in an effort to gain a bigger share of local sales. To follow will be the convertible's larger brothers.

   Judging by the popular reaction to the launch of its Cabriolet, Rover is definitely off to a flying start. The new Rover is proving equally popular in Britain.

     The car drives as well as it looks. It has a solid well-made feel, with doors that close with a proper thud, body panels that match together cleanly and an overall presence of ability and purpose.

   The fact that Rover and Honda now work together on the design and manufacture of new models reflected in the Cabriolet's engine: a 1,590 cc, four-cylinder, double-over-head-cam, 16-valve gem of a power unit.

   From standing start, the car can either accelerate powerfully, forcing you back into the extremely comfortable seats, or gently amble forward. For a 1,600 cc, the car is no slouch when pushed.

    The gearbox works well, allowing the driver to select a sporty three-speed change or a more relaxed four-gear change. The gearbox is fluid and very able - well suited to the streets of Hongkong.

    Driving around the Peak and up Tai Hang Road, I was impressed by the nippy and energetic behaviour of the car. The chassis feels excellent and the brakes and overall structure give the driver a strong feeling of control over the car and trust in its ability.

    Inside, it can take four adults, the engine is economical and the look and feel of the car exudes luxury.

   This, combined with the reputation of Rover, could mean the car will have a strong impact in the territory.

    I was hard pressed to find fault with the Rover. Everything worked well and looked the part.

   The only negative thing I noticed was some shake over rough ground. This, however, has to be expected with a car that does not have a steel roof, reinforcing its structure.

  Inside, the car offers both driver and passenger comfort and plenty of extra equipment. There is a full, but simple, instrument layout, monitoring all important aspects of the car's operation.

   Rover has a winner in this model and deservedly so.

   Once the car is seen, word should spread fast.

   about this good looking and able British convertible.



Rover 216i starts off drive into HK