{{short description|Hatchback supermini}} {{Use dmy dates|date=April 2020}} {{Use British English|date=January 2018}} {{Infobox automobile | name = Rover CityRover | image = 2004 Rover CityRover.jpg | manufacturer = Tata Motors | aka = Tata Indica | production = 2003–2005 | assembly = India: Pune, Maharashtra | predecessor = Rover Metro | class = Supermini | body_style = 5-door hatchback | layout = Front-engine, front-wheel-drive | engine = 1.4 L I4 (petrol) | transmission = 5-speed manual | wheelbase = {{convert|2400|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} | length = {{convert|3703|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} | width = {{convert|1620|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} | height = {{convert|1500|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} | weight = {{convert|1040|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}} | related = Tata Indigo | designer = I.DE.A Institute<ref>{{cite web|last=Aucock|first=Richard|title=On test: Rover CityRover|url=http://cars.uk.msn.com/reviews/articles.aspx?cp-documentid=147864374|work=MSN Motors|accessdate=29 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120522043339/http://cars.uk.msn.com/reviews/articles.aspx?cp-documentid=147864374|archive-date=22 May 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> | sp = uk }}

The '''Rover CityRover''' is a supermini car that was marketed by the former British manufacturer MG Rover under the Rover marque, between 2003 and 2005. Launched in the autumn of 2003, the car was a rebadged version of the Indian developed Tata Indica.<ref>{{cite web|last=Cheetham|first=Craig|title=Auto Express|url=http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/firstdrives/42274/cityrover_sprite_14i.html|work=CityRover Sprite 1.4i|accessdate=29 December 2011|date=December 2003}}</ref> Its performance was considered poor for a small car in contemporary road tests, and its lack of quality, poor road handling and high price were not well received.<ref>{{cite web|title=Rover CityRover 1.4 Style review - living|url=http://www.autocar.co.uk/CarReviews/RoadTestsLiving/Rover-CityRover-1.4-Style/206522/|work=Autocar|accessdate=29 December 2011}}</ref>

Production of the CityRover ceased in April 2005, along with the rest of the MG Rover range, when the company fell into administration.<ref>{{cite web |title=CityRover (2003 - 2005) used car review |url=https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/car-reviews/rover/cityrover/city-2003-2005/ |website=www.rac.co.uk |accessdate=18 April 2020 |date=28 October 2005}}</ref>

==Technical details== The CityRover was offered with only one engine: a Peugeot derived 1,405 cc (1.4 L) four cylinder, eight valve engine producing {{convert|85|bhp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}} and {{convert|88|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web|title=Rover CityRover 1.4 Style review|url=http://www.autocar.co.uk/CarReviews/RoadTestsDesign/Rover-CityRover-1.4-Style/206522/|work=Autocar|accessdate=29 December 2011|date=27 January 2004}}</ref> It could accelerate to 60&nbsp;mph in 11.9 seconds and had a top speed of {{convert|100|mi/h|km/h|1|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web|title=Rover CityRover 1.4 Solo 5d – Facts and Figures|url=http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/reviews/facts-and-figures/rover/cityrover/hatchback-2003/26680/|work=Parkers|accessdate=29 December 2011}}</ref>

The CityRover was manufactured by Tata Motors, at their factory in Pune, India.<ref>{{cite news|title=Tata Motors rolls out first CityRover|url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.in/2003/09/17/stories/2003091701420200.htm|accessdate=29 December 2011|newspaper=The Hindu Business Line|date=16 September 2003}}</ref> Alterations for the British market included new bumpers, Rover badge grille, 14" wheels, and new suspension settings.<ref>{{cite news|last=Hudson|first=Paul|title=Relax, it's a Rover|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/carreviews/2726367/Relax-its-a-Rover.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102023007/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/carreviews/2726367/Relax-its-a-Rover.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 January 2014|accessdate=29 December 2011|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|date=3 January 2004}}</ref>

==Safety== The high driving position and large glass area afforded drivers with good all-round visibility, while the rear lamps were mounted high up on the structure so other road users could see them more prominently. All doors were fitted with anti-intrusion bars, with child locks on the rear doors.

The steering column was collapsible, and a driver-side airbag was fitted as standard to all models, with a passenger airbag standard on the top trim level and available as an option on the entry-level and midrange trims. All seats had anti-submarine ramps and three-point seatbelts, with the front getting belt pretensioners and height-adjustable head restraints. ABS was included on "style" models.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/news/miscellaneous/2003-11/city-rover-goes-on-sale-from-gbp6495/|title=City Rover Goes on Sale from £6,495|website=Honest John}}</ref>

==Criticism== thumb|left|2004 Rover CityRover (United Kingdom) MG Rover was reported to be paying Tata £3,000 for each car and, with each model featuring a Rover corporate nose and revised suspension settings, the buying public was not impressed by the £6,495 starting price.<ref name="Marriage of convenience">[http://www.aronline.co.uk/index.htm?cityroverstoryf.htm Marriage of convenience?] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719190234/http://www.aronline.co.uk/index.htm?cityroverstoryf.htm |date=19 July 2011 }} Austin Rover Online</ref>

In May 2004, Rover refused to lend a CityRover to motoring show ''Top Gear'' to test it. In order to answer the question of "just how bad could it be?" James May went undercover and test drove one at a dealer while carrying a hidden camera. May went on to say, "that is the worst car I have driven on this programme".<ref name="Marriage of convenience"/>

Sales were well short of MG Rover's targets, so the CityRover was given an upgrade for the model year of 2005, with more standard equipment. In December 2004, prices were reduced by £900, confirming that the car's previous prices had not been competitive.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.whatcar.com/News_Article.asp?NA_ID=212803 |title=Rover to cut CityRover prices - What Car? |publisher=Whatcar.com |date=21 December 2004 |accessdate=10 May 2009 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20050526023621/http://www.whatcar.com/News_Article.asp?NA_ID=212803 |archivedate=26 May 2005 }}</ref>

According to car reviewer ''Parker's'', the CityRover was the worst rated Rover car from MG Rover, with a rating of two out of five.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rover Reviews |url=https://www.parkers.co.uk/rover/reviews/ |access-date=2024-02-21 |website=www.parkers.co.uk}}</ref> In October 2013, ''Top Gear Magazine'' placed the CityRover as number two behind the Perodua Kelisa on its list of "The thirteen worst cars of the last twenty years."<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.topgear.com/uk/photos/The-13-worst-cars-of-the-last-20-years-2013-10-30 |title=The 13 Worst Cars of the Last 20 Years |magazine=Top Gear magazine |date=31 October 2013 |accessdate=12 October 2014}}</ref>

==References== {{Reflist}}

==External links== *{{Commons category-inline|Rover CityRover}}

{{Rover Cars}} {{Rover}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Rover Cityrover}} CityRover Category:City cars Category:Subcompact cars Category:Cars introduced in 2003 Category:Cars discontinued in 2005 Category:Hatchbacks Category:Front-wheel-drive vehicles Category:Cars of India