Reviews - Rover

Overall Rating

Indian-built but Rover-badged supermini is practical enough and now cheap, but that's about it. CityRover competes against rivals that are more modern, more talented and better value. Meagre equipment and low comfort levels don't help.

• Fairly roomy and family friendly
• Lively 1.4 engine gives fair performance
• Cheap for a Rover - but not for a supermini

• Styling lacks Rover finesse and subtlety
• Poor ride and high noise levels at speed
• Other modern superminis off more for less

CityRover is little more than a reworked Tata Indica - and it shows. Although its styling is inoffensive, get closer and the flaws become obvious. Inside, the quality of the plastics is poor and so is the finish. Drive CityRover and it becomes even more of a disappointment. The steering feels lifeless, and every bump in the road is transmitted through the cabin. It's uncomfortable and noisy; the trim rattles and the engines make quite a racket. There's just the one engine, a 1.4 petrol unit, excluding buyers who may want a diesel supermini. Marketed as a city car, CityRover ought to be more economical; it only manages 38 mpg when some rivals achieve over 45mpg. Value for money is poor, especially on the sparsely equipped basic models. Once you consider spending more, its competitors look even more attractive.

Best Models: The cheapest possible

• Daewoo Kalos
• Hyundai Getz
• Suzuki Ignis