Rover 600 (RH) 620 Si (131 Hp)

The Rover 600 (RH) 620 Si (131 Hp): A British Executive Sedan with Japanese Engineering

The Rover 600 (RH) 620 Si (131 Hp) represents a significant chapter in the history of the British automotive manufacturer, Rover Group. Launched in 1993 and produced until 1999, the 600 series was Rover’s entry into the competitive executive compact/mid-size sedan segment, primarily targeting the European market. Unlike many of its predecessors, the Rover 600 was a product of a strategic partnership with Honda, sharing its platform and many mechanical components with the fifth-generation Honda Accord. This collaboration aimed to infuse Rover’s traditional British styling and refinement with Honda’s renowned reliability and engineering prowess, a crucial move for the brand during a period of intense global competition. The 620 Si variant, with its 131 horsepower engine, was positioned as a well-balanced offering, combining respectable performance with a comfortable and upscale driving experience.

Engine and Performance of the Rover 600 (RH) 620 Si (131 Hp)

At the heart of the Rover 600 (RH) 620 Si (131 Hp) lies a robust 2.0-liter (1997 cm³ or 121.86 cu. in.) naturally aspirated inline-four gasoline engine, internally designated as the F20Z1. This powerplant was a testament to the Honda collaboration, offering a blend of smooth operation and reliable output. With a power output of 131 horsepower delivered at 5400 rpm and a peak torque of 131.29 lb.-ft. (178 Nm) achieved at 4800 rpm, the 620 Si provided ample motivation for its class. The engine featured a multi-port manifold injection fuel system and an OHC (Overhead Camshaft) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, ensuring efficient combustion and a responsive throttle.

Power was sent to the front wheels via a precise 5-speed manual transmission, a common and well-regarded setup for its era. This drivetrain architecture allowed the Rover 600 (RH) 620 Si (131 Hp) to achieve a 0 to 60 mph acceleration time of 9.7 seconds (0-100 km/h in 10.2 seconds), with a top speed rated at 124.27 mph (200 km/h). These figures placed it competitively within its segment, offering a sporty yet sensible performance for daily driving and longer journeys. Fuel economy was rated at a combined 26.7 US mpg (8.8 l/100 km), which was respectable for a non-turbocharged 2.0-liter sedan of the mid-1990s, thanks in part to its relatively low curb weight of 2799.87 lbs (1270 kg). The car’s weight-to-power ratio stood at 9.7 kg/Hp, indicating a well-engineered balance for its intended market.

Design and Features

The Rover 600 (RH) adopted a classic four-door sedan body type, designed to exude an understated elegance that blended British styling cues with Japanese practicality. With seating for five occupants, the interior was crafted to offer a comfortable and refined environment. The exterior dimensions—a length of 182.87 inches (4645 mm), a width of 67.52 inches (1715 mm), and a height of 54.33 inches (1380 mm)—contributed to its executive sedan proportions, giving it a substantial road presence without being overly cumbersome. The 107.09-inch (2720 mm) wheelbase provided a stable ride and contributed to generous interior space, particularly for rear passengers.

Suspension on the Rover 600 (RH) 620 Si (131 Hp) was advanced for its time, featuring a double wishbone setup at both the front and rear. This sophisticated suspension system, again borrowed from its Honda Accord sibling, offered a superior balance of ride comfort and handling precision, setting it apart from many competitors that still utilized simpler MacPherson strut designs. Braking performance was handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear, complemented by an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) as a crucial assisting feature for enhanced safety. Steering was of the rack and pinion type, equipped with hydraulic power steering, providing direct feedback and ease of maneuverability. The car rode on 185/65 R15 H tires, offering a good compromise between grip and ride quality. The trunk capacity of 14.3 cu. ft. (405 liters) provided ample storage for luggage, reinforcing its suitability as a family or executive vehicle.

Technical Specifications

Legacy and Market Impact

The Rover 600 (RH) 620 Si (131 Hp) carved out a distinct niche in the European market. Its primary competitors included established players like the Ford Mondeo, Vauxhall Vectra (Opel Vectra in mainland Europe), Volkswagen Passat, and Peugeot 406. What set the 600 series apart was its unique blend of traditional British luxury aesthetics, characterized by wood trim and leather options, combined with the underlying mechanical dependability of Honda engineering. This fusion allowed Rover to appeal to buyers who desired a more distinctive and characterful alternative to the often more conservative German or mainstream European offerings, without sacrificing reliability.

The Rover 600’s reputation benefited significantly from its Honda underpinnings. The F20Z1 engine, transmission, and suspension components were known for their durability and smooth operation, directly addressing previous concerns about Rover’s build quality. This strategic alliance was vital for Rover, enabling it to offer a competitive product in a segment where quality and refinement were paramount. While not a volume seller on the scale of some of its rivals, the 600 series played a crucial role in elevating Rover’s brand image and providing a more modern, capable vehicle in its lineup during a challenging period for the British automotive industry. It helped bridge the gap between Rover’s traditional, somewhat dated image and the demands of the modern car market, leaving a legacy as a comfortable, well-engineered, and subtly stylish executive sedan that offered a compelling value proposition to those seeking something a little different.