By Antti Kautonen
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.
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.
Buy British!
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.
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]
Jeff Glucker
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" height="391" width="640">
I got that too, immediately. Vibe with a last gen Bonneville front end treatment… somehow.
*Looks at watch* It is not 4:20 so I don't know what that smell is.
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" width="600">
Can I buy a Streetwise at CarSmart?
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.
The Calibra, the Boxster…
<img src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m407ztltgn1qkf6iw.jpg">
And the Euro Samara.
That looks really good actually….. Especially compared to what the factory itself did with it later.
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….
These guys claim there are at least a few Elcats running around the UK:
http://www.electricdriver.co.uk/magazine/content/…
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.
If it had 4×4 it could be an Eagle for the 21st century.
DO IT.
<img src="http://flipacars.com/pics/Volkswagen/volkswagen-golf-country-4×4-05.jpg" width="600">
I raise you:
<img src="http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j363/mldouthi/DSC03707.jpg" width="600"> <a href="http://www.forums.ncdubs.org/showthread.php?t=21597” target=”_blank”>http://www.forums.ncdubs.org/showthread.php?t=21597
Forgot about that one.
I kind want a Golf now.
Aaaaghhh!! The Streetwise. I, and all citizens of my city, Birmingham, appologise to the world for that car.
Hangs head in shame …..
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.