Rover Streetwise Review (2003 to 2005)

Quick Summary

The Rover Streetwise is cheap, well built and, superficially at least, modern in appeal. The underpinnings may be a little creakier but it's nevertheless an enjoyable car to drive. One of the benefits of a very long development history is that most niggling faults tend to get ironed out. If you want family hatch space for citycar money, the Streetwise is a good looking option. One caveat, however. Don't be offended if some of your friends may not agree.

Overall:

Models Covered:(3/5 dr hatchback 1.4, 1.6, petrol 2.0 diesel [base, E, S, SE. Olympic SE])

WORD ON THE STREET

It's easy to get a touch superior about the Rover Streetwise. Beneath that macho cladding there's just a common or garden Rover 25 and those who know what goes on in the car industry will point to the fact that this is a car developed on a shoestring budget. Does that really matter? The Streetwise is arguably a good deal better looking than the restrained 25 and appeals to a younger crowd. With its beefy good looks and entertaining road manners, the Streetwise still has a good deal to commend it. As a used buy it stacks up rather well.
Used Rover Streetwise for sale

History of the Streetwise

Rover found themselves in something of a fix during 2003. In order to revitalise interest in the ageing 25 range, they needed something new yet at the same time development of the MG XPower SV and rear-wheel drive ZT models had left the company short of funds. The answer was the Streetwise, effectively a 25 with some additional body panels and a raised ride height. Although cynics laughed, this car has done reasonable business, bringing many new customers to a marque they previously thought a little old fashioned. The Streetwise looks tough and is built tough, from tried and tested componentry. It may feature the most modern interior, but it offers a dash of style and a lot of car for the money. An Olympic special edition model to commemorate the British success in Sydney was launched in June 2004.At the start of 2005 two new trim levels were introduced to bolster the range - GLi and GSi. Neither entry-level nor range-topping, they took the middle ground to offer more choice and complicate the line-up. 2005 sounded the death knell for the Streetwise as production at Longbridge ended.
Used Rover Streetwise for sale

Rover Streetwise Road Test

Rover is offering the Streetwise with a selection of petrol and diesel power units, various transmissions and three trim levels. Buyers can choose the familiar twin-cam alloy 1.4 litre K Series petrol engine in both 84Ps and 103Ps tune or a 1.6-litre 109Ps unit. Then there's the 101Ps L Series turbo-diesel unit. All these come with 5 speed manual transmissions but you can opt for a CVT automatic gearbox driven by a 117Ps 1.8-litre engine if the fancy takes you. The diesel is curiously the 101bhp unit, rather than the more recently introduced 115bhp version of the same engine. Apparently, the Streetwise's high-sided stance convinced the engineers that in terms of power, less is more in terms of safety. But is there really a market for a car like this? Well obviously, MG Rover thinks so. The company points to an increasing trend for small car buyers to seek a more 'personalised' variation in style and configuration – a kind of 'urban on-roader'. The Streetwise seems to meet this brief - robust, versatile and stylish, a small car that's fun to drive, handy in traffic, easy to park and able to shrug off hard use by active individuals and young families. It has elements of the SUV appeal, with good ground clearance and ruggedness, but without the costs and complexity of 4x4 transmission. At the same time, it offers decent all-round performance and capability out of town, from motorways to farm tracks.
Used Rover Streetwise for sale

Buying a Rover Streetwise

The Streetwise, being largely based on proven Rover 25 mechanicals has yet to show any significant failings. Check that the servicing work has been done, that there's no accident damage and you should be able to land a decent car. You'll also need to ensure that previous owners haven't taken the urban tough message a little too literally and scraped the plastic cladding to death. Likewise, it's worth having a look underneath to make sure the exhaust and suspension hasn't been damaged by mounting big kerbs.
Used Rover Streetwise for sale

Rover Streetwise Typical Pricing

The fact that the industry rather turned their nose up at the Streetwise is fantastic news for used car buyers. You can bag a 1.4-litre 83bhp S model on a 53 plate for around £4,525. Barely run-in, this represents a very realistic alternative to a lightweight citycar. The more powerful 103bhp versions start at around £4,675 on the same plate, as do the 2.0-litre TD models. £7,150 will net you an early 1.6-litre SE. Insurance for the Streetwise is affordable, opening at Group 5 and topping out at a modest Group 6.
Used Rover Streetwise for sale

Rover Streetwise Parts

(approx. based on Streetwise 1.4S) For most parts the prices are quite reasonable and worth the money. Expect to pay around £95 for a full clutch assembly, £485 for a full exhaust system (including the catalyst), around £80 for a headlamp and up to £115 for a radiator. Brake pads cost about £55 for the front and £50 for the rear, an alternator is around £175 and a starter motor around £140.
Used Rover Streetwise for sale