V.I.S.I.T. – Rover Streetwise

Antti Kautonen

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Comments

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The black plastic-cladded Streetwise is the Outback-y development of the Rover 25, itself a facelift and rebranding of the new-for-1995 Rover R3 200-series. The Streetwise was one of the least well-received cars from the dying brand, and it was only made from 2003 to 2005, when MG Rover ceased operations. It’s also about as well named as the Mitsubishi Carisma.

This example was seen in my town wearing Swedish plates. It kind of stood out, I have to say.

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It gives some insight into MG Rover’s finances, when you consider the exterior sheetmetal is all identical to the 1995 car, just padded up with black rubber. Then again, the car was rounded enough to not look dated in the new millennium, when it was badged 25 to match the new 75, and similarly received a quad headlight setup.

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Buy British!

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The Streetwise’s padded ruggedness looks a touch amusing, when you remember the car was front-wheel-drive and the raised ride height was the only thing making it more suitable for soft-roading than the standard 25. Inside, there’s vaguely sporty part-leather, and the roof racks and the bumpers’ guards might just be more plastic than metal.

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A quick check confirms Streetwises aren’t too expensive in Sweden, as 2-3k buys you a clean 2005 car with 100k on the clock. For what must be Rover’s Aztek it’s not an unreasonable price, if the Streetwise floats your Viking boat.

[Images: Copyright 2013 Hooniverse/Antti Kautonen]

About

Antti Kautonen

Antti Kautonen

The resident Finn of Hooniverse. Owns old Peugeots and whatnot, writes long thinkpieces on unloved cars. These two facts might be related.

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17 responses to “V.I.S.I.T. – Rover Streetwise”

  1. calzonegolem Avatar
    calzonegolem

    I'm getting a Vibe kinda vibe from this.
    Remove Rover badge ad one of these.
    <img src="http://media.caranddriver.com/images/media/107757/2008-pontiac-g6-gxp-grille-badge-photo-122955-s-1280×782.jpg&quot; height="391" width="640">

    Reply
    1. Preludacris Avatar
      Preludacris

      I got that too, immediately. Vibe with a last gen Bonneville front end treatment… somehow.

      Reply
      1. calzonegolem Avatar
        calzonegolem

        *Looks at watch* It is not 4:20 so I don't know what that smell is.

        Reply
        1. Preludacris Avatar
          Preludacris

          Don't worry, that's the jet fuel. But you don't see it at all?
          <img src="http://static.cargurus.com/images/site/2009/07/01/19/20/2003-pontiac-bonneville-se-pic-14828.jpeg&quot; width="600">

          Reply
  2. Alff Avatar
    Alff

    Can I buy a Streetwise at CarSmart?

    Reply
  3. Rust-MyEnemy Avatar
    Rust-MyEnemy

    Unfortunately there are depressingly few Finnish cars over here to photograph. The entire UK non-Saab Valmet owners club go on group outings on a hired tandem bicycle.

    Reply
    1. julkinen Avatar
      julkinen

      The Calibra, the Boxster…
      <img src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m407ztltgn1qkf6iw.jpg"&gt;
      And the Euro Samara.

      Reply
      1. Jay_Ramey Avatar
        Jay_Ramey

        That looks really good actually….. Especially compared to what the factory itself did with it later.

        Reply
      2. Rust-MyEnemy Avatar
        Rust-MyEnemy

        You know, I just knew you'd trot out a list of cars as long as your arm…..
        That said, I believe that the UK membership of the Finish-built Samara owners club do actually go on group outings on a rented tandem….

        Reply
    2. mdharrell Avatar
      mdharrell

      These guys claim there are at least a few Elcats running around the UK:
      http://www.electricdriver.co.uk/magazine/content/…

      Reply
  4. Hatchtopia Avatar
    Hatchtopia

    Except for the stupid name, I have to say I kinda dig it. The Vibe vibe is appropriate – I've always thought it would be kinda fun to take an AWD Vibe, lift it an inch or so, slap on some black steelies with SUV tires, a beefy roof rack and front bullbar with lights. But I haven't. Yet.

    Reply
    1. Rust-MyEnemy Avatar
      Rust-MyEnemy

      If it had 4×4 it could be an Eagle for the 21st century.

      Reply
    2. JayP2112 Avatar
      JayP2112

      DO IT.
      <img src="http://flipacars.com/pics/Volkswagen/volkswagen-golf-country-4×4-05.jpg&quot; width="600">

      Reply
      1. frankthecat Avatar
        frankthecat

        I raise you:
        <img src="http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j363/mldouthi/DSC03707.jpg&quot; width="600"> <a href="http://www.forums.ncdubs.org/showthread.php?t=21597” target=”_blank”>http://www.forums.ncdubs.org/showthread.php?t=21597

        Reply
        1. JayP2112 Avatar
          JayP2112

          Forgot about that one.
          I kind want a Golf now.

          Reply
  5. quijoteMike Avatar
    quijoteMike

    Aaaaghhh!! The Streetwise. I, and all citizens of my city, Birmingham, appologise to the world for that car.
    Hangs head in shame …..

    Reply
  6. Pizzahoon Avatar
    Pizzahoon

    Ok the streetwise is one of the lesser siblings of the K3 200 family, but its still a pretty good car for what it is i guess. I consider an Audi Allroad no better than this. I own a Rover 200 (pre-facelift) myself and it's ok. It's certainly classier than an Opel Astra or a Honda Civic. Apart from the shoddy Lucas (all hail the Prince of Darkness) electrics that is.

    Reply