The Rover 600 (RH) 620 i (115 Hp): A Blend of British Elegance and Japanese Engineering
The Rover 600 series, specifically the Rover 600 (RH) 620 i (115 Hp) variant, represents a significant chapter in the history of the British automotive manufacturer Rover Group. Launched in 1993, the 600 series was positioned as a premium mid-size sedan, intended to compete in the highly competitive European D-segment. This generation, internally designated ‘RH’, was a crucial model for Rover, embodying a strategic partnership with Honda that aimed to infuse the brand with modern engineering and reliability while retaining a distinctly British aesthetic and a sense of understated luxury.
The 620 i, with its 115 horsepower, two-liter engine, served as a well-balanced entry in the lineup, offering a combination of respectable performance, fuel efficiency, and refinement. While never officially sold in the United States, the Rover 600 played a vital role in Rover’s efforts to establish a strong presence in its primary European markets, appealing to customers seeking a more executive-feeling sedan than common mainstream offerings, but perhaps not quite ready for the higher price point of German luxury marques.
Engine & Performance of the Rover 600 (RH)
At the heart of the Rover 600 (RH) 620 i (115 Hp) lies a naturally aspirated, 2.0-liter (1997 cm3 or 121.86 cu. in.) inline four-cylinder engine, designated F20A. This powerplant was a direct result of the collaboration with Honda, sharing its lineage with engines found in various Honda models of the era. The engine featured an Overhead Camshaft (OHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, a configuration that allowed for efficient breathing and a good balance of power and torque for its time.
The 620 i delivered a peak output of 115 horsepower at 5300 revolutions per minute (rpm), providing a respectable 57.6 horsepower per liter. Torque stood at 172 Newton-meters (approximately 126.86 lb.-ft.) at 4200 rpm, ensuring adequate pulling power across the mid-range. Power was transmitted to the front wheels via a smooth-shifting 5-speed manual transmission, a common and reliable setup for European sedans of this class. The powertrain architecture was a conventional front, transverse engine layout, driving the front wheels (Front-Wheel Drive).
In terms of outright performance, the 620 i was capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 miles per hour in a calculated 10.3 seconds, with 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) taking 10.8 seconds. Its top speed was rated at 197 km/h, or approximately 122.41 mph. These figures placed the 620 i competitively within its segment, offering sufficient performance for daily driving and highway cruising. Fuel economy was also a strong suit, with a combined cycle rating of 8.1 liters per 100 kilometers, which translates to an impressive 29 US miles per gallon, a commendable figure for a mid-size sedan in the early to mid-1990s.
Design & Features of the Rover 600 (RH)
The design of the Rover 600 (RH) was a careful blend of British styling cues and Japanese underlying architecture. Sharing its platform with the fifth-generation Honda Accord, the 600 series received a completely redesigned exterior and interior by Rover, aiming for a more upscale and traditional British executive look. The body type was a classic 4-door sedan, offering seating for five occupants. Its proportions were elegant, with a length of 4645 mm (182.87 inches), a width of 1715 mm (67.52 inches), and a height of 1380 mm (54.33 inches). The wheelbase measured 2720 mm (107.09 inches), contributing to a spacious cabin and stable ride.
Key features for the era included a sophisticated suspension setup, with double wishbones at both the front and rear. This advanced suspension design, inherited from Honda, provided excellent ride comfort and precise handling, giving the Rover 600 a refined driving dynamic that stood out in its class. Braking was handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear, complemented by an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), a crucial safety feature that was becoming standard in premium vehicles of the time. Steering was a rack and pinion system with hydraulic power assist, offering a direct feel and ease of maneuverability.
Inside, the Rover 600 aimed for an executive ambiance, featuring higher-quality materials, wood trim accents (on higher specifications), and comfortable seating. The trunk space was a practical 405 liters (14.3 cu. ft.), adequate for family travel or business needs. The overall design language emphasized understated elegance and a conservative appeal, distinguishing it from its Japanese donor car and aligning it more closely with European competitors.
Technical Specifications: Rover 600 (RH) 620 i (115 Hp)
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| General Information | |
| Brand | Rover |
| Model | 600 |
| Generation | 600 (RH) |
| Type (Engine) | 620 i (115 Hp) |
| Start of Production | 1993 year |
| End of Production | 1996 year |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Performance Specs | |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 10.5 l/100 km (22.4 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 6.9 l/100 km (34.1 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 8.1 l/100 km (29 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph (Calculated) | 10.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 197 km/h (122.41 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.9 kg/Hp (91.6 Hp/tonne) |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.3 kg/Nm (137.1 Nm/tonne) |
| Engine Specs | |
| Power | 115 Hp @ 5300 rpm |
| Power per liter | 57.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 172 Nm @ 4200 rpm (126.86 lb.-ft. @ 4200 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | F20A |
| Engine displacement | 1997 cm3 (2.0 liters / 121.86 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 85 mm (3.35 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 88 mm (3.46 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.9 l (5.18 US qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 7 l (7.4 US qt) |
| Space, Volume and Weights | |
| Kerb Weight | 1255 kg (2766.8 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1820 kg (4012.41 lbs.) |
| Max load | 565 kg (1245.61 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 405 l (14.3 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 65 l (17.17 US gal) |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 4645 mm (182.87 in.) |
| Width | 1715 mm (67.52 in.) |
| Height | 1380 mm (54.33 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2720 mm (107.09 in.) |
| Front track | 1475 mm (58.07 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1480 mm (58.27 in.) |
| Drivetrain, Brakes and Suspension Specs | |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive, Internal Combustion engine |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Double wishbone |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 185/70 R14 H |
Legacy & Market Impact
The Rover 600 (RH) series, including the 620 i, carved out a distinct niche in the European automotive landscape during its production run from 1993 to 1996. While it did not achieve the sales volumes of mass-market competitors like the Ford Mondeo (Contour in the US) or the Vauxhall Cavalier (Opel Vectra), it successfully positioned itself as a more refined and upscale alternative. Its primary competitors in the European premium mid-size segment included the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, and Saab 900, though the Rover often offered a more value-oriented proposition with its blend of features and quality.
The car’s reputation benefited significantly from its Honda underpinnings, which brought a level of reliability and engineering sophistication that Rover had sometimes struggled to achieve on its own. This collaboration allowed Rover to offer a car with modern dynamics and a comfortable ride, wrapped in a distinctive British package. The 600 series was praised for its quiet cabin, smooth powertrain, and comfortable interior, contributing to Rover’s image as a producer of refined, if somewhat conservative, automobiles.
Despite its qualities, the Rover 600’s reliance on Honda for its core architecture also presented challenges. It was seen by some as lacking a truly unique Rover identity in its mechanicals, and its relatively high price compared to mainstream D-segment cars, combined with the strong brand loyalty enjoyed by German rivals, limited its ultimate market penetration. Nevertheless, the 600 series was a commercial success for Rover during its tenure, helping to bridge the gap between its smaller 200/400 models and the larger, more traditional 800 series.
The end of its production in 1996 marked the beginning of the end for the Rover-Honda alliance. The 600 series was eventually replaced by the Rover 75, a car developed entirely in-house by Rover, which aimed to recapture a more distinct British identity. Today, the Rover 600 (RH) 620 i (115 Hp) is remembered as a well-engineered and comfortable executive sedan, a testament to a unique period of Anglo-Japanese automotive cooperation, and a significant, if understated, model in Rover’s rich history.
