ANGLO ACCORD (some text hidden) --NONE--

BY JONATHAN CROUCH

Introductionword count: 102

This is the car Rover believed would challenge the BMW 3-series, back in the days when it was owned by British Aerospace. Following the 1994 BMW take-over, the Germans let Rover continue development of the 600 but this centred on making it more 'British'. Under the skin, the 600 was actually the same car as the British-built Honda Accord - a deal that was signed way before the BMW take-over of Rover and one that served both companies well. The 600, though only moderately successful, gave Rover a dependable mid-range model until the 75, with no Honda input, was released in 1999.

Modelsword count: 27

Models Covered: Saloon, 1.8, 2.0 113bhp, 2.0 129bhp, 2.0 turbo, 2.3, 2.0 turbo diesel [i, iS, iL, Si, SLi, GSi, ti, Di, iLD, iSD, SDi, SLDi, GSDi]

Historyword count: 189

The Honda-engined 2.0-litre 600 range was launched into the August sales rush of 1993, so the first cars all have a 'K' registration plate. The 2.3-litre Honda-engined cars followed a few months later and the 2.0-litre ti turbo, with Rover engine, in July 1994. The 2.0-litre turbo diesel, also a Rover design, completed the line-up in December 1994. Model specifications were changed a few times and a 1.8-litre Honda engine was added in February 1996. There was criticism from some quarters that the cars were overpriced when compared to their Accord brothers, but Rover was able to deflect that by upping specs and introducing that cheaper 1.8-litre 618i lead-in version. Standard equipment was increased again in December 1996, with the addition of air conditioning and anti-lock brakes on all models bar the base 618i. In April there were also some suspension changes and a lower stance to make the car handle and ride better; pick the updated cars by their body-colour sills and door handles. The lower order trim designations were changed in March 1998. The 600 was finally phased out in 1999 following the launch of the 75.

What You Getword count: 74

It would be a great complement to Honda to say you get a classier Accord. The 600 looks for all the world like a 1990's interpretation of some of those old Rovers from the Fifties and Sixties - and that's a credit to Rover's designers. Most models have a good dose of leather and walnut as standard, along with shiny-silver door handles and number plate surround. The overall effect is pleasant and nicely understated.

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