First look: 75 leads update of Rover family

MG ROVER Group in the UK has revealed a facelift for the Rover 75 sedan and wagon models, ahead of launch at the Geneva motor show in March.

The design includes a sharper-edged front and rear exterior appearance, a larger integrated radiator grille and halogen projector headlights.

The new look, designed by Peter Stevens, is expected to flow quickly through to the other members of the Rover family, the 25 and 45, with their MG "Z" relations also getting their own versions of the new look.

Mechanical changes have been limited to the suspension and steering updates - with the 75 gaining the steering geometry from its ZT derivative.

There are also trim updates to the Rover and the addition of a new, "younger" interior design called Contemporary, although that may not be part of the local range when it goes on sale mid-year.

But we can expect to see a 100kW 2.0-litre BMW-sourced turbo-diesel engine as part of the range from update time, adding to the 2.5 V6 petrol engine currently offered.

MG Rover Australia is not commenting on pricing and specifcation adjustments until closer to the launch date.

Other new models from MG Rover Australia confirmed or under consideration include:* The $250,000 XPower SV-R supercar in the second half of the year. MGRA holds nine orders for the 5.0-litre V8 coupe, but is only expecting four cars to arrive this year.

* An expansion of the "Z" range, with the 4.6-litre rear-wheel drive ZT 260 set to be launched around Sydney motor show time in October, along with the facelift of the rest of the ZT and ZT-T range.

* The possible addition of a long wheelbase V8-powered 75 to contest the Statesman/Fairlane luxury category.

* The facelifted version of the hot-hatch ZR based on the 25 small car is also being seriously considered for launch in the third quarter of 2004. The ZR is tipped to cost around $35,000.

* An expanded Xpower range covering all the MG models should start arriving here in 2005, including the he-man supercharged ZT 385.

* The all-new Rover 45 replacement and its MG equivalent should also go on sale here in 2005.