The Rover 220 GTi is a Brilliant '90s Hot Hatch

The R8 generation Rover 200 was the best car to come out of the 15-year collaboration between Austin Rover and Honda.
A true 50-50 project, the Rover 200, Rover 400, and Honda Concerto did everything right. They looked great, they handled brilliantly, they were built well, and in the case of this T-Series engined 220 - went even better.
These are one of the most underrated cars from the 1990s.
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[@79devo]

As Rover/BAe manager in the 90s we (many 1000s of us) had the option to lease any car in the Rover range from Metro to 800 for a small monthly fee. And the best bit was that we could change the car every 6 months ! We were in our element choosing the model and colour every 6 months. “What are you getting next ?” … “I think a 416Si in Kingfisher blue …… you ?” …”623GSi in Nightfire Red.” Happy days. I think the most I spent was £200 a month.

[@paulnorcross5954]

I still reflect on and feel my 220 GTi with fondness. My late wife drove it fearlessly with a touch of insanity that it obeyed.

[@gbphil]

I had a 220Gsi Turbo for four years. The reason they sold so few was that it was £19.5k in 1996. Genuine 146mph and 0-60 in 6.4, still torque steered even with the Torsen diff. Devoured brake discs like crazy as I believe they were the same as those on the 1.4 ABS models and slowing down from 135mph warped them easily. Gear changes were 35mph, 70mph, 110mph, and 135mph into top so you could sneak 3rd down changing for a fast bend at 100. Took mine to the Nurburgring and did 35 miles in convoy with a 911 on the autobahn at speeds ranging from 130-145. Ultimate Q car as they upspecked the 1.4 into a special edition using the Turbo alloys and kept the half leather interior. 😎😇😱

[@MickyMadHatter]

Great video! I bought a 220GTi in 1997. I absolutely loved that car! To this day, it's the best car I've ever owned. Nice to see it getting some appreciation all these years later.

[@MePeterNicholls]

I really admire the skill, effort, dedication, research, planning you put in to these videos. Bit jealous tbh lol

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Peter, that’s very kind of you to say 🙂

[@TwinCam]

You know, apart from the Rover engineered suspension, and the fact that this was a 50:50 partnership from the get-go. But don’t let that get in the way of a good bit of Rover bashing.

[@carljones3078]

I owned a few rovers one of my favourites was a 820 vittesse turbo COUPE in silver

[@lucythemoggy1970]

Ed, since you have been able to drive the cars, your channel has gone from strength to strength, well done buddy

[@maxeluy]

For me the Tomcat is the best looking car of the 90s. I just love it!

[@chrissyboy7047]

Its funny you say that. I had a 216 Gti which I then sold to upgrade to a Tomcat. Was a brilliant car

[@nicholasmassey3046]

😂😂😂😂😂Hysterical

[@stagibbons]

Had a Tomcat on loan for a week from Rover... handed it back with 3 extra points on my licence...fantastic wheel spinning fun as a mid twenties year old. The Five-0 only caught me on the off ramp when my rear view mirror lit up like a Christmas tree...

[@Volfmech]

As many other viewers have commented, your research, delivery, is spot on. Back when I was yet to be a teenager, a family friend had a jet black 220GTi and I just adored it.

[@TwinCam]

What planet are you living on? 🤣🤣

[@TwinCam]

Ahh, was it satire? 😅

[@micksroversmg558]

Nice too see the Rover brand getting recognition! MG Maestro very capable car! Big shout out too all T16 Turbo crew still rocking the old power plant in 2022 and beyond!

[@tommycarradice3146]

This car is mine I'd love to whack a turbo on it but it's to low mileage and original

[@micksroversmg558]

@@tommycarradice3146 Nice stuff been building T16 Turbo maestro for years injured atm would love too build another once I'm fit again!

[@petemaxwell1136]

220 and 220 turbo are real beasts but even the 1,6 twin cam is quick, very good and vastly underated motors.

[@micksroversmg558]

All engines are nippy and economical all but 8v K series carburetor and even injection 8v but was miles ahead of the small bore engines on offer from most of competition at the time of late 80's! We really did bash our own products too death! Only 20 years too late for most of us all too see just that!

[@shane6115]

Honda never had an underrated engine.

[@petemaxwell1136]

@@shane6115 the MK2 2.0 litres were Rover M series and later on T series twin cams. I meant the cars were underrated unjustly

[@petemaxwell1136]

@@micksroversmg558 you are spot on, when you look at the problems with a lot of modern engines the K series looks superb. The thing is that it was very easy to make them totally reliable.

[@shane6115]

@@petemaxwell1136 my apologies.

[@paulphillipson2378]

I had a 416GTi and a work colleague had a 220GTi, we raced many times, he always had the edge from a dig, but the top of 2nd gear I was always in front.

[@stueyboy1966]

Best range of cars ever from Rover. Had the 220 turbo coupe... serious licence loser ... best video yet Ed, top work

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Stuart 🙂

[@micksroversmg558]

T16 Turbo maestro van with T28 etc in it in me picture it still up Scotland now!

[@warrenny]

I've worked for a large corporation and the teams of people who can design and build something even when their job is in doubt is a remarkable thing. Those people love what they do and should be recognized for their passion. Keep up with the history side of it all; it's the people behind the scenes who make the cars what they are. Liking that you are now driving and reviewing the cars. Seeing your expressions says a lot about these cars that sometimes words can't. Excellent review. As much as you appreciate our support, we appreciate your passion for cars.

[@andrewbarrett7207]

I remember driving my brother's 220 GTi for the first time back when it was new in the early to mid 90s and being very impressed by how quick and responsive it felt. This was before speed cameras, so it was possible to test things enthusiastically. It was a great piece of design with an equally great engine. Until recently I had its successor - the HHR 420GSi - and I'm pleased to see the merits of the T-Series engine being recognised. The way that engine could pull at 70mph in 5th was always a joy. When it hit 4000 revs it really kicked in in and would surprise a lot of other drivers. Sadly, average speed checks and other forms of monitoring mean those days are gone, but it's still a great engine.

[@x84man]

Great stuff. I worked in Longbridge for 11 years and loved it there. Rover-Honda years were the best and they would still be around if that continued. BMW made some big strategic mistakes as history has shown.

[@jigzonyt517]

Bmw made no mistakes let that sink in. They did exactly as they set out to do. I will never own a bmw for what they did to rover

[@petemaxwell1136]

@@jigzonyt517 took out their biggest competitor in Germany and took a lot of technology that they tried to marry to their outdated technology and were surprised when it didn't work.

[@JAY61ish]

The Tourer , in my opinion. is better looking than the BMW 3 Series tourer.. But as usual the british press did their best to bad mouth their own company .

[@TwinCam]

I have to agree. The 400 Tourer is a fabulous looking car. Far better than the E36 Touring, which has a very strange rear end.

[@sinisalucic1996]

I adore Britsh car industry. Shame that all these companies are no longer significant as they were in the 80s and 90s.

[@gnashings]

@@TwinCam that was an odd duck from BMW for sure. I'm not really sure what they were supposed to accomplish in the lineup. Loss leader? Come into the dealership attracted by the low price for an "actual" BMW ... Then seeing what it looked like and ponying up for the thing up the line up? 😁 This 220 has an uncanny resemblance to the first generation Acura Integra (I'm in North America hence the Acura). I wonder how related they are under the skin.

[@micksroversmg558]

My brother on doing a full nut and bolt rebuild on 420 Gsi T16 Turbo Tourer! He is very injured like me so slow progress! Will be a weapon when done! When was fit I built T16 Turbo maestro van! Was good for York 1/4 mile! As served as bed and race shed! Done a 14.5 and me old maestro Turbo done a 13.9 when me pal owned it! Nice too see rover stuff gaining appreciation shame its 20 years too late! Was criminal what been scraped as no one wanted a grandad car even tho was fast and reliable!

[@StarHorseLover2012]

That’s why BMW essentially killed it - it was threatening the 3-series. As was the 75, so they made sure it only appealed to the older generation. The ZT could have seriously damaged BMW if they had made it RWD. MG rover did it with the ZT V8 of course.

[@richardbean1203]

Ed, that was a brilliant review. An object lesson in clarity & thorough research, wrapped up with infectious enthusiasm for the car. A really enjoyable and informative 29 minutes! Thank you! You've made me start scouring classic car sites and Autotrader for an R8 Gti or Tomcat. Norty norty 😉😉😍

[@BRED510]

Lol, I was doing the same. The more I watch the various channels about them, the more I want an R8 Rover.

[@hughwaddell5772]

@@BRED510 Good, on you! 😁

[@micksroversmg558]

Proper underrated cars been rocking rovers for my 19 year driving! Had loads of the T16 Turbo Ti and Vitesse was all for buttons too! Built T16 Turbo maestros etc from the cars after they got bit heat lol

[@lucythemoggy1970]

I had a 1997 tomcat coupe with a 1.8 vvc ' slightly tuned'... engine, I chickened out at 140mph, and it still had more! god I loved that car!

[@tanaka90]

I used to think these genre of cars stood for every bit the definition of mundane, but auto literature and media like your channel proved otherwise and really helped open the narrow mind

[@TwinCam]

I was born in 2000, so I remember these being around, but they weren't absolutely everywhere as they would have been 10 years before. I always remember the bumpers being too grey and them usually being driven by 87 year olds. But. I always thought they were good looking. I remember the grey/black rear panels marking them out from most other cars on the road. So I always liked them, but knew nothing about them and passed them off as old hat. But doing the research for these videos has opened me up to just how well they were received in period. The journalists absolutely raved about them. And having driven this one, I get it now.

[@fhwolthuis]

I love this era of Rovers. I like them more than the bubbles.

[@DarkDeviant]

I've owned a Black 220 GTi Turbo, a 620Ti and a 420 GSi Sport Turbo. Awesome cars. Shame that the bad reputation BL gained during the 70's haunted Rover when it was producing well built and very competitive cars.

[@JakeEP70]

glad that 90s rovers are getting appreciated.

[@TwinCam]

I think they deserve it. Brilliant things imo.

[@JakeEP70]

@@TwinCam all ways a pleasant sight to see one on the road

[@drevo50]

I drove a 216GTi for a while in the day - good car, wonderful engine. That Honda unit was like a turbine once you got used to revving it. The range should have been the basis of a solid future for Rover, sadly history tells us otherwise.

[@chrissyboy7047]

Same here. What a brilliant thing it was too. It was white and I got the all of the black bits colour coded. I loved that car. I replaced it with a 2 litre Rover Coupe and had loads of problems with the engine. Shouldve stuck with the Honda engine. Lol

[@micksroversmg558]

Rover engine good unit if maintained by competent mechanic and knuckle daggers not been at it! 😂🤣 Had a 416Gti twin cam bought it for£180 had 190k miles on it and put a clutch in it after about a month it flew for a 1.6 little reve monster! Mind don't care what anyone says there Friday cars in every stable just everyone has had bad rover! 😂🤣 Honda engine 827 Sterling auto was me worst! Was only £250😂🤣🇬🇧

[@chrissyboy7047]

@@micksroversmg558 the problem with the rover unit is that it doesnt leak oil, it seeps oil. Lol. Just constantly. From somewhere. Was a good powerful engine though. It overheated twice on the motorway but kept going. My dad had a 416Gti before I got the 216. Same honda engine. They were great

[@micksroversmg558]

@@chrissyboy7047 Not an oil leak on a turbo one it's sweating horsepower 😂! I bought and broke many for maestro conversions! There was a bloke breaking a genuine 420Gsi turbo too build a T16 Turbo maestro van!! Been there done that it's in Scotland 😂

[@BRED510]

Great video as ever. If you don't end up reviewing cars on TV in the future as a career I'll be very surprised. Great review. When I was 17 in 2000 a Rover was not the car to have, but now I have a little hankering for a 90's Rover. The R8 was actually a nice car. And people forget how advanced Rovers engines were in the early 90's, everyone harks on about Ford fitting 16v engines to the Mondeo in 94, Rover were doing it years before. The Rover story is a really sad one in the motoring world, it could have and should have been great, but in typical British fashion we drove it into the ground then let all the good bits go.

[@amylovell9029]

I owned a 220gti turbo hatchback back in 2005 She was 93' l plate but on a private plate. J13 DJH..looked so unassuming but after some diy power mods and handling upgrades from motobuild I then would go on to have proberly the fastest car locally. I loved it showing up the impreza and evo boys. 150mph was no issue for the rover and it capable of pulling 75mph in 2nd gear. Fun days they were. I've read somewhere that there are now only 27 turbo hatchbacks registered with the dvla. Mental cars...

[@philiprodney7884]

The very best ever commentary on the Rover/Honda adventure. It’s a shame that it was not continued instead of the BMW takeover.

[@MarcusTDM]

This is a really good video. So well researched and accurate. The 220 GTI was a great looking car. The R8 Rover was a great car, so much so that Ford copied the styling of it in the MK5 Escort. The Focus has always claimed to have had the first independent rear suspension in a car that size, when in fact Ford were beaten to it by Rover.

[@alexanderguesthistorical7842]

I used to work at a company called Tooling Products in Langrish in Hampshire in the late 1990's as a Model Maker. The company made the plastic injection mould tools for car bumpers and dashboards etc. I remember my first job was to do some work to the model for the tool which made the plastic wings on the first Land Rover Freelander. But we also made the tool for the dashboard and the bumpers. The bumpers on this car (220 GTi) are actually very familiar to me, because I can remember seeing the models for them stored on the shelves outside the model shop. In fact this video is the first time I found out what car they were for! I was in my mid 20's then and once we had a delegation of Japanese Honda engineers come round to see the model shop and the machine shop where all the tools were made. I was tasked with putting one of the models onto the barrow (a medieval style wooden pull along cart) and taking it from the model shop up the top, to the machine shop at the bottom, for the Honda engineers to inspect. So I trundled along with the model on the barrow down the road at the side of the factory. And with all the vibration on the cart as it was being pulled along (no suspension), the model, er.....how can I put it??? Slightly ......fell off. Honda had already broken ties with Rover by then. Can't think why they didn't have any ideas of re-igniting the partnership with the UK car industry....

[@roversteve8772]

Thanks Ed for a Wonderful review of these Amazing cars , appreciate the research and time you put in to make such an informative and professional video. I owned a Japanese Imported 1993 Rover 220 GTI in New Zealand back on 2009 an Awesome car 🙂👍.

[@paulware4701]

I was working for a Rover dealership during the days of the 200\400 series and everyone loved them. They were really classy.

[@mikes747]

Test drove a 216gti twin cam back in the mid 90's. It was in tahiti blue and I wanted it badly! My insurance company said absolutely no way as I was only 18 at the time!

[@atxplus]

I Had a rover 214 as a company car. Above 70 mph I could not shut the front windows, because the window would come off its runners! I hit a deer at speed on the M4. It completely demolished the front end. However I was still able to drive it home. The Engine was brilliant revvy as hell and a lot of fun

[@andrewrees5426]

What a great and well researched presentation. Been with you from your very early days and I must say the quality of your productions are really up there. I had a 216GTi with the Honda twin cam engine, a really classy car with fantastic performance and remains in my top ten of cars owned to this day. That says a lot, I’ve owned a serious amount of cars, from Citroen AXGT’s to modern Porsche Cayman’s along with Spitfires, TR7’s and a plethora of cars in between. Loved the 800’s too but the 216 GTi was special.

[@andygreen1a]

Fantastic review. I had an R8 in 1992 and loved it! Seeing this beautiful example makes me want one again. Your enjoyment driving it was evident. Fantastically researched review as always.

[@lrs3]

You’ve got to love a Rover R8.

[@timk3939]

Nice reminder of these, my dad had a couple of R8 214s. They were classier feeling and felt more substantial than most of the similar sized competition - Escort, Orion, 309, 405, Astra, Cavalier, Renault 19 etc. The decent models still look classy today, such as the 214SEi models and the 3 door GTIs and Coupes. Engines willing too, miles ahead of the Ford CVH for power and driving experience.

[@Poppy323F]

Another L-Plate stunner 😍 Hi Rover friend!

[@roberttaylor6295]

Ed, Your excellency increases with every episode! It was expertly and cleverly edited, obviously thoroughly researched, professionally presented, and now actual road testing is included, the truth of the car is enthusiastically given: I have not seen you smile so much! Continue to enjoy cars and please us! Rob

[@Dan-78]

I had the exact same shape which was the 220 turbo edition, bought from a doctor and it was a beast. Also had the 220 coupe turbo, quick again. The first one though was super rare, just a usual problem with the heads and a heavy right foot

[@alanpayn8699]

Nice review of the R8 bud, very underrated car. Poor old Rover group, such a shame they are no longer with us 😢

[@petewilliams1237]

Yet another fantastic vid Ed! Thanks again for all your hard work. Top man 👍

[@numberstation]

Terrific video, thank you.

[@addc3110]

Great review, the older I get the more nostalgic I become especially around hot hatch cars from the 90's. I had a white one mid 90's and it was rapid at the time. Keep up the good work!

[@phils866]

Fantastic, enthusiastic review. Entertaining and informative, without being bookish. And I totally agree with you on all counts, having worked in a Rover garage in the eighties. I remember my first drive in the 220 GTi. Totally blown away, and then later in the various turbo versions. That T-Series was such a good engine. That is a lovely example of the GTi, too. Subbed.

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Phil, that's very kind of you to say :)

[@jonathanpeden9930]

Awesome video Ed, a great dive into Rover history. I have always liked these cars - GTi is actually my favourite.

[@markramsay6399]

Fascinating video and info. Really enjoyable ! Mark.

[@Hairysnid]

Another great video Ed, getting slicker each time. Tommy's car is one nice motor. 👌

[@deanclarke1181]

I remember this car when I was younger,my brother had one and he absolutely loved it really quick for the time, great video bye the way keep up the good work thank you.

[@2loudspeakers]

Brilliant video. I had forgotten all about these. But now I remember that I thought that these were so cool and gorgeous looking. And seeing this video, they haven't lost their looks!

[@tr7inc]

So love all these videos well done, I have 2 R8s myself a 3 door and 5 door so really love this

[@cmac220t]

I still have my 220 gsi Turbo bought it 1999 real wolf in sheep’s clothing so so hard now to get any parts for it thou, great review love the enthusiasm for a old classic

[@HTMLEXP]

This is one of your best produced videos. It is documentary quality, well done! When you closed the sunroof blind, the light projection it caused triggered a flashback to my late father's Rover 825i.

[@RoxhamCottage]

My dream car garage keeps getting bigger! Another great review. 👍🙌🤩

[@moonbaby6134]

Had the 216 twin cam Gti. It had the old Honda engine on it. 130 bhp. Such a great car.

[@moonbaby6134]

I had the thing from 94-99 and it was the best car I had up until having my current. It was great fun and it looked great in the white.

[@crazyjay7676]

I have one of these Rovers back in period. It was a black 220GTi and was a really great drive but alas the head gasket blow at 80k so traded in for a much more solid ( but less fun ) SAAB.

[@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab]

I had the saloon version (420GSI) and it was a beast...overpowered with a hair - trigger throttle & limited rear traction , especially in the wet, - it used to torque-steer out of junctions and scare the hell out of me! Your research & presentation are superb Ed! 10/10

[@nicholasmassey3046]

Overpowered? 136bhp....😂

[@dietznutz1]

​@@nicholasmassey3046😂

[@simonheap4294]

Another brilliantly researched, presented and thoroughly entertaining video. I loved my 214 5 door in the early 90s but personally my ideal R8 would have to be the very rare 220SLi (136 BHP T-Series engine with the bonnet bulge, 5 door mid range hatch body). A real Q car!

[@johncrichton4341]

I had a 216Gti and it was a smashing car. Also, had an 820 Coupe Vitesse which was a fantastic drive.

[@carljones3078]

I owned s coupe as well

[@chrisbolton5461]

This is a brilliant video full of interesting facts and enthusiastically presented. Magic.

[@richardbanner9050]

Good video thank you. I had a 1995 220 Coupe from 2000 - 2010 best car I ever had.

[@daudder]

wonderfully comprehensive, as per usual. And that is quite a good looking car....

[@andicog]

All these small Rovers were great, they rotted less than the Escorts and had a lovely airy cabin, I bought, repaired and sold a lot of 214's, 414's and the odd 416 with the Honda engine. Scrap yards were full of them so panels and bits were cheap.

[@OXOtwo]

Excellent review.

[@QBALL-77]

That brings back some memories, Loved mine white 220 janspeed back box 1991. Eventually on later wheels. I kept it mint.......unfortunately I lent it to my apprentice to go home in and the next time I saw it it hadn’t gone well. Hitting a cyclist and 3 parked cars😔. No more car and quickly followed by no more apprentice. Sad times. Cyclist I believe made a full recovery.

[@GentilsGarage]

Great review. You need an R8 along your Metros

[@TwinCam]

I think I do. They’re belting cars.

[@JAY61ish]

@@TwinCam You definately do..

[@TwinCam]

And thanks as always!

[@stephennorris2524]

I had a J plate 220gti in BRG, my favourite car I owned.

[@TwinCam]

Fab! 3- or 5-door?

[@stephennorris2524]

@@TwinCam 3 Door

[@leefinney592]

I had one of these in the 5 door 1.4 si. It was my first proper car as such and I was in my early 20s. I have to say that it was one of the best cars I have ever had. Yes it did blow the head gasket but it was sorted with no drama. One of these over an escort of the time is a no brainer. Another car I should have kept.

[@roverboi100]

Awesome Ed rare beast I had 3 of em

[@tommycarradice3146]

Glad you finally managed to get the film sorted mate werid seeing my car on KZbin! Great video

[@richardi1027]

Really enjoyed that, Ed. I now want to buy one and it got me thinking: could you include a quick buyers guide with these videos.....?

[@andrewstones2921]

Great video, thank you so much. At the turn of the century I was living and working in Thailand. Rover had been selling Honda derived Rovers in Thailand and were effectively sold as luxury Hondas, prior to this some Honda cars had been sold under the Isuzu badge (eg Isuzu Vertex) . For many years they remained a prestige marque, till the Rover dealerships closed and local dealer changed into a KFC. A more surprising story from my experience is that GM sold a version of the Vauxhall Frontera in USA with a Honda badge, it was called the Honda Passport. Badge engineering is more common than many people expect, I always loved the Honda derived Rovers.

[@shaunbrookes766]

Great video, Owned 3 R8's, 214sli , 220gsi n/a and my favorite 220 coupe turbo. sold the coupe in 2006 and regreted it since. 🙁. All great cars for pennies at the time!

[@petersimpson5859]

I had lift-off oversteer in my dad's 214si just after passing my test. My first "off". I agree about the steering, ours had manual steering and it was better on the open road, if a little slow. Lovely chassis and a classy car. 117k miles and never missed a beat.

[@michaeltutty1540]

Well done video, Ed. Again you have taken a car I have never seen in person, and one in which I had zero interest, and you made it a very interesting half hour. Superb. When it comes to the Legend/800, the first generation Legacy used two differently tuned versions of the same engine. The coupé version was not as robust or long lived. Unfortunately that is the engine the 800 received, at least in the States. It was not sold here in Canada, but I did see one in person about 30 years ago. Keep up the good work!

[@thebests3153]

Great review and great memories. I owned the 214 Si 16v. Such a good comfortable car until the head gasket blew. On the way to get it looked at, someone rear ended me and wrote it off! Such a bitter sweet day.

[@barrio4166]

Being the owner of a 92 416 gti has been a joy, amazing to drive and so well built, and that d series is a beast

[@focusrssteve]

Had an R8 back in the day, 220 tomcat (coupe) loved it.

[@RogueBrit]

Had that body in a 1.4si with those wheels which look gorgeous in silver

[@cjmillsnun]

I've owned 3 R8s and loved every one of them.

[@michaelbarlow3686]

Excellent thanks

[@neilmustow368]

Remember the R8 200 launch in 1989 as an 15 year old Ed a great hatchback very nice GTi example here👍👍👍👍

[@mattw8332]

Despite being far too young to drive, I remember when the R8 was launched. It seemed like a revelation compared to the Maestro and Montego it replaced. Such a shame that Rover floundered from the mid 1990s. Has anyone else noticed that the side profile 3 door Rover 200 series looks a little bit like a Sierra XR4i? Without that strip of metal behind the B pillar it would have resembled a 1985-90 Toyota Celica. which wouldn't have been a bad thing.

[@TwinCam]

It does, absolutely! I can't say I'm the biggest fan of this look. I much prefer the blacked out pillars of the 5-door and saloon, but I think it makes it look more sporty, at least.

[@DjNikGnashers]

Great video. This was a much better car in every way than the wheezy XR3. Ford's seem to attract fanboys who think everything with a blue oval is a cosworth though.

[@davidsharp9166]

I remember one of these in a magnificent blue/purple colour. Which we all thought of as "Cadbury Blue". We all wanted one.

[@scottishcarenthusiastsandtrain]

Great review Ed,your video presentation is getting better and better each video, the driving aspect really helps. I do love a R8. It would take Ford another couple of years before their Zetec Engines would come in. I think at the time the R8 may have been slightly more expensive so people would rather have a Escort or a Astra, which is a shame because when you look at the Rover it's a much better styled car than the Astra or Escort. I must be cool as I own a Skoda and that's a car I would not have considered back in 2007!

[@Mrtallguy76]

What a really interesting video, thanks for sharing. I had a beige 414 SLi in the late 90s, never had a head gasket go but enjoyed over 60,000 miles of motoring with it - and had it tuned by Moto-build Racing. Always wanted a nightfire red 214 SEi or a 220 GTi but managed to get a 420 GSi which was sadly mechanically a bit of a lemon. They certainly didn’t look nearly as good when they moved away from this model.

[@eugenydemin3023]

Great video, great car. I believe, the T-series engine was the best 16-valve unit in Europe for 5 years or so. The 200 R8 was my dream car in teenage years. Unfortunately without any chance to have one...

[@deankalsevicius7610]

I'm glad I have the best thing rover ever made. The t series turbo is a peach. Just need to save the money to get it swapped into my zr then I will be very happy. Great video

[@ianelstub4097]

I hired a Rover 214 and then a Rover 216 the following year in Spain. Both great drives and there were lots on the Spanish roads, especially the 3 door.

[@glennj9045]

Great video I own a 1990 216 gti I love it

[@phwodehouse]

i have owned a 220 gti for more than a decade and it has performed faultlessly. i wholly concur on all the points made. thanksforthe review.maybe the mgzs 180 is a worthy successor. p.h.

[@mikeenglish6401]

Hi Ed Another ‘Memory Lane’ vlog which takes me back……. Excellent! Judging from the way you were bouncing around whilst driving, one might think there was not too much travel in the suspension! Mike

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Mike :) The lumpy, bumpy country lanes have a lot to answer for!

[@SB-vb8ch]

220 GTI & latterly GSI always lived in the shadow of the Coupe which was a bit of a shame really. I always fancied a GSI Turbo, quite a rare beast though.

[@fatwalletboy2]

Loved the under the radar 220gti and gsi turbo, the 420gi and gsi turbo and the coupe and 620ti......all rapid cars back in the day

[@Sr82.]

We had a blast back when i was 17 . I had a williams clio one friend had a 205gti and another had a rover 220 gti and the rover would keep up no problem with the pair of us across snakes pass in glossop england . A very impressive car for the time . My clio did a gearbox , driveshaft and timing chain in the time that rover had a oil change haha . 80s cars were great but crap all at the same time .

[@azimuth2142]

3 door for me. You need to get one yourself, you enjoyed that hoon session.

[@scottbuchele4814]

I won't be the first to say it nor the last but this was a fantastic video Ed. Makes me want a Rover R8 200 series even more. Just a shame I live in the U.S. where they aren't available. Here's looking forward to the next video!

[@ianscorey5293]

Brill video dude!!!! I believe that this Rover earned the nickname “TOMCAT” ‘cause it was as you say a fast and spectacular road car!! Regards Ian Scorey 👨‍🎤🇳🇿

[@nigelblack5295]

I bought a new 214si in 1991 and loved it. But when it was time to replace it the new 200 and 400 didn't fit the bill. The 200 to small and the 400 looked like a car my Granda would drive. I ended up buying a Golf GTI.

[@TwinCam]

It’s a shame that things went down the path they did. The new cars were fine, but the 400 especially wasn’t attractive, and if Rover needed one thing, it was cars that looked attractive!

[@grahammalin1713]

Good vid . Had one of these on a J plate as a company car . they do go really well . i had 6 points on my licence to prove it . its a shame that all that was the R8 really did not move on up with the next set of Rovers into the late 90's and to thier demise in 2000's .

[@TwinCam]

Thanks Graham :) It really is. It's successors just didn't move the game on.