Rover 45 (RT) 2.0 TD (113 Hp)

The Rover 45 (RT) 2.0 TD (113 Hp): A European Mainstay from a Fading Marque

The Rover 45 (RT) represents a significant, albeit challenging, chapter in the history of the British automotive manufacturer, Rover Group. Launched in 1999 as a facelifted and rebadged version of the Rover 400 Series (which itself was based on the Honda Domani/Civic platform), the Rover 45 (RT) aimed to compete in the highly competitive European compact family car segment. The particular variant under scrutiny, the 2.0 TD with 113 horsepower, produced between 2002 and 2005, was a diesel-powered sedan designed to offer a blend of fuel efficiency and adequate performance for the discerning European buyer. While Rover vehicles were never officially sold in the United States, understanding models like the 45 provides valuable insight into the brand’s engineering philosophy and market positioning in its primary European and Asian markets during the early 2000s, a period marked by intense competition and evolving consumer demands. The 45 (RT) was a four-door sedan, offering five seats and a practical interior, striving to uphold Rover’s traditional values of comfort and a slightly more upscale feel compared to its direct rivals.

Engine and Performance of the Rover 45 (RT) 2.0 TD (113 Hp)

At the heart of this particular Rover 45 model was a robust 2.0-liter (1994 cubic centimeters or 121.68 cubic inches) inline four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, identified by the L / 20T2N engine code. This powerplant was a critical offering for Rover in a market where diesel engines were rapidly gaining popularity due to their superior fuel economy and torque characteristics. The engine’s architecture featured a front, transverse layout, driving the front wheels, a common configuration for vehicles in this class, optimizing interior space and manufacturing efficiency.

The 2.0 TD engine generated a respectable 113 horsepower at 4200 revolutions per minute (rpm), providing a power-to-liter ratio of 56.7 horsepower per liter. More significantly for a diesel, it produced a substantial 260 Newton-meters (191.77 lb.-ft.) of torque at a low 2000 rpm. This ample low-end torque was crucial for brisk acceleration and flexible driving, especially in urban environments or when carrying a full load.

Performance figures for the Rover 45 (RT) 2.0 TD (113 Hp) were competitive for its segment at the time. The sedan could accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in an estimated 9.3 seconds, with 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) taking 9.8 seconds. Its maximum speed topped out at 118.06 mph (190 km/h). These figures positioned the 45 TD as a capable cruiser, suitable for both daily commuting and longer journeys across the continent.

Fuel economy was a major selling point for diesel variants, and the Rover 45 2.0 TD did not disappoint. It achieved an urban fuel consumption of 30.2 US miles per gallon (7.8 l/100 km) and an impressive extra-urban (highway) figure of 54.7 US miles per gallon (4.3 l/100 km). These numbers highlight the efficiency of the common rail direct injection system combined with a turbocharger and intercooler, which were advanced features for the era. The engine’s compression ratio was a high 19.5:1, typical for a diesel, and it utilized an Overhead Camshaft (OHC) valvetrain with two valves per cylinder. Power was delivered to the front wheels via a smooth-shifting 5-speed manual transmission, offering driver engagement and further contributing to the vehicle’s efficiency.

Design and Features

The Rover 45 (RT) maintained the classic four-door sedan body style, a practical choice for families and business users in its target markets. Its design, while updated from the earlier 400 Series, still carried a distinctive British elegance, albeit one that was starting to show its age against more contemporary designs from competitors like Volkswagen, Ford, and Vauxhall. The sedan measured 177.83 inches (4517 mm) in length, 66.77 inches (1696 mm) in width, and 54.88 inches (1394 mm) in height, providing a compact footprint while ensuring adequate interior space. The wheelbase of 103.15 inches (2620 mm) contributed to a comfortable ride and stable handling characteristics.

Inside, the Rover 45 offered seating for five occupants. The interior was characterized by Rover’s traditional approach to comfort and materials, often featuring wood trim and quality fabrics or leather options, aiming for a more premium feel than many of its rivals. Practicality was also a strong suit, with a minimum trunk (boot) space of 16.6 cubic feet (470 liters), expandable to 28.6 cubic feet (810 liters) with the rear seats folded, making it suitable for varying cargo needs.

In terms of chassis and safety, the 45 (RT) featured a front wishbone suspension and a rear spring strut setup, providing a balanced ride and handling. Braking was handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear, complemented by an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), which was becoming standard for safety in the early 2000s. The steering system was a hydraulic power-assisted rack and pinion, offering direct feedback to the driver. The vehicle rode on 195/55 R15 tires, a common size for compact cars of the period, balancing grip and ride comfort. The kerb weight of the 2.0 TD model was 2700.66 lbs. (1225 kg), with a maximum permissible weight of 3902.18 lbs. (1770 kg), allowing for a maximum load of 1201.52 lbs. (545 kg).

Technical Specifications: Rover 45 (RT) 2.0 TD (113 Hp)

Legacy and Market Impact

The Rover 45 (RT) 2.0 TD (113 Hp), along with its petrol counterparts, played a crucial role in Rover’s strategy to maintain its presence in the competitive European C-segment. In its primary markets, particularly the UK and parts of continental Europe, the 45 competed against established players such as the Ford Focus, Vauxhall Astra (Opel Astra), Volkswagen Golf/Bora (Jetta in the US), Peugeot 307, and Renault Mégane. While the 45 offered a distinctive British charm, a comfortable ride, and a more traditional interior ambiance, its underpinnings, derived from a 1990s Honda design, meant it often lagged behind newer rivals in terms of dynamic prowess and cutting-edge technology.

The diesel variant, especially the 113 horsepower 2.0 TD, was particularly important for fleet sales and for buyers seeking lower running costs. Its strong torque and excellent fuel economy made it an attractive proposition in an era where diesel engines were increasingly favored for their efficiency over long distances. However, despite these strengths, the Rover 45 (RT) faced an uphill battle. Rover Group was undergoing significant financial difficulties and ownership changes throughout the 45’s production run, which impacted development budgets and public perception. The brand struggled to shed its somewhat conservative image and appeal to younger buyers who were drawn to the sportier and more modern designs of its competitors.

The legacy of the Rover 45 is inextricably linked to the eventual demise of the Rover brand itself. Production ceased in 2005 with the collapse of MG Rover Group, marking the end of a long and storied British automotive manufacturer. The 45, therefore, stands as one of the last mainstream Rover models produced, a testament to the brand’s efforts to survive in a rapidly evolving global automotive landscape. While it may not have achieved the widespread success or iconic status of some of its predecessors, the Rover 45 (RT) 2.0 TD served its purpose, offering a practical, comfortable, and efficient option for European consumers who valued a touch of traditional British motoring. Its robust diesel engine and solid, if dated, engineering provided reliable transportation for many, even as the company that built it faced insurmountable challenges. For enthusiasts and historians, the 45 remains a poignant reminder of a unique marque’s final chapter.