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Rover 400The Rover 400 Series is a mid-size automobile from the 1990s and still produced today. 1990 The original 400 Series, launched as a four-door saloon in early 1990, was simply a saloon version of the 200 Series hatchback. It used the same bodywork and mechanicals, and had all the same styling characteristics inside and out. 1995 The second generation 400 Series was launched in the Summer of 1995 as a hatchback and saloon in the Ford Mondeo size sector. It was no longer a saloon version of the 200 Series. Power came from 1.4 L, 1.6 L, 1.8 L and 2.0 L K-Series petrol engines as well as a 2.0 L turbo-Diesel from the more luxurious 600 Series. The Rover 400 may have been Escort-sized, but its high equipment levels, classy interior and premium asking price put it in the Ford Mondeo sector. It proved to be a sales success across Britain during the late 1990s. 1999 The Rover 45, launched in the Autumn of 1999, was little more than a facelifted 400 Series. With styling alterations to the interior and exterior, the only other major changes were the addition of a 2.0 L V6 engine which could also be had in the larger Rover 75. Build quality was improved and the chassis was retuned to give a more refined ride, but styling detailing inside and out was already showing its age. The Rover 45 was now selling (at rather disappointing levels) on its generous equipment, comfortable ride and competitive price. It was marketed as a rival for the Ford Focus but could not match this competitor and the other class leaders in terms of driver enjoyment or style. From the Summer of 2001, there was a modified version of the Rover 45 called the MG ZS which gave vastly improved handling and performance as well as looking far more stylish. It helped give the new MG Rover Group some real credibility as a maker of competitive cars. The Rover 45 and MG ZS were facelifted in the spring of 2004 but by that date plans had already been made for the range to be replaced by an all-new car. The replacement is likely to arrive by 2006. See also 400
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