The Rover 600 (RH) 620 SDi represents a significant chapter in the history of British automotive manufacturing, blending traditional Rover styling with the reliability of Honda engineering. Introduced in 1993 and continuing through 1999, the 600 Series was Rover’s entry into the competitive European D-segment, a mid-size executive sedan designed to appeal to buyers seeking a premium experience without the premium price tag. The 620 SDi variant, launched in 1994, specifically targeted the growing European demand for fuel-efficient diesel engines, offering a compelling combination of economy, comfort, and understated elegance.
Rover 600 (RH) 620 SDi: A Collaborative Effort
The Rover 600 Series was born from a strategic partnership between Rover Group and Honda. This collaboration leveraged Honda’s renowned engineering prowess and manufacturing efficiency with Rover’s design expertise and brand heritage. The 600 Series shares its platform and many mechanical components with the fifth-generation Honda Accord, a testament to the depth of this partnership. While never officially sold in the United States, the Rover 600 played a crucial role in the European market, attempting to carve out a niche between mainstream family sedans and established German luxury brands. The 620 SDi, with its diesel powertrain, broadened the appeal of the 600 Series to business users and those prioritizing running costs.
Engine & Performance: The 20 2TN Diesel
The heart of the Rover 600 (RH) 620 SDi is its 2.0-liter (1994 cm3 or 121.68 cu. in.) inline four-cylinder diesel engine, internally designated the 20 2TN. This engine utilizes direct injection and is equipped with a turbocharger, resulting in a power output of 105 horsepower at 4200 rpm. Crucially, the engine delivers a robust 210 Newton-meters (approximately 154.89 lb.-ft.) of torque at a low 2000 rpm. This substantial low-end torque provides responsive acceleration and effortless cruising, making it well-suited for both city driving and long highway journeys.
The 620 SDi is paired with a five-speed manual transmission, channeling power to the front wheels. Performance figures are respectable for a diesel sedan of its era, achieving a 0 to 60 mph acceleration time of approximately 11 seconds and a maximum speed of 114.95 mph (185 km/h). However, the true strength of the 620 SDi lies in its fuel efficiency. It boasts a combined fuel consumption of 5.1 liters per 100 kilometers, translating to an impressive 46.1 US miles per gallon. This exceptional fuel economy made it an attractive option for high-mileage drivers and fleet operators. The engine’s two valves per cylinder and overhead camshaft (OHC) valvetrain contribute to its durability and efficiency.
Design & Features: British Elegance and Practicality
The Rover 600 Series features a classic four-door sedan body style, embodying understated elegance and executive appeal. Its exterior design seamlessly blends traditional Rover design elements, such as the chrome grille and tasteful brightwork, with the more contemporary and aerodynamic lines inherited from the Honda Accord. The car’s dimensions – 182.87 inches in length, 67.52 inches in width, and 54.33 inches in height – contribute to its balanced proportions and substantial road presence. A generous 107.09-inch wheelbase ensures a comfortable ride and ample interior space for five passengers.
The interior of the Rover 600 aims for a more luxurious feel than its Honda counterpart, often featuring quality materials like wood trim and plush fabrics or leather upholstery, depending on the trim level. Ergonomics are generally well-considered, with controls logically arranged. Safety features for the time include standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), enhancing stopping power and control. The hydraulic rack and pinion steering system provides precise feedback, assisted by power steering for ease of maneuverability. The sophisticated double wishbone suspension at both the front and rear contributes to a refined ride quality and composed handling. Ventilated front discs and solid rear discs provide confident braking performance. The trunk offers 15.19 cubic feet (430 liters) of cargo space, adequate for a family sedan.
Technical Specifications: Rover 600 (RH) 620 SDi (105 Hp)
| Category | Specification |
| General Information | |
| Brand | Rover |
| Model | 600 |
| Generation | 600 (RH) |
| Type (Engine) | 620 SDi (105 Hp) |
| Start of Production | 1994 |
| End of Production | 1999 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion Engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Performance Specs | |
| Fuel Consumption (Combined) | 5.1 l/100 km (46.1 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.0 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.6 sec |
| Maximum Speed | 185 km/h (114.95 mph) |
| Weight-to-Power Ratio | 12.1 kg/Hp (82.4 Hp/tonne) |
| Weight-to-Torque Ratio | 6.1 kg/Nm (164.7 Nm/tonne) |
| Engine Specs | |
| Power | 105 Hp @ 4200 rpm |
| Power per Liter | 52.7 Hp/l |
| Torque | 210 Nm @ 2000 rpm (154.89 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm) |
| Engine Layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 20 2TN |
| Engine Displacement | 1994 cm3 (2.0 liters / 121.68 cu. in.) |
| Number of Cylinders | 4 |
| Engine Configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 84.5 mm (3.33 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 88.9 mm (3.5 in.) |
| Compression Ratio | 19.5:1 |
| Number of Valves per Cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel Injection System | Direct Injection |
| Engine Aspiration | Turbocharger |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Engine Oil Capacity | 5.9 l (6.23 US qt) |
| Coolant Capacity | 7 l (7.4 US qt) |
| Space, Volume and Weights | |
| Kerb Weight | 1275 kg (2810.89 lbs) |
| Max. Weight | 1820 kg (4012.41 lbs) |
| Max Load | 545 kg (1201.52 lbs) |
| Trunk (Boot) Space – Minimum | 430 l (15.19 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 l (17.17 US gal) |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 4645 mm (182.87 in.) |
| Width | 1715 mm (67.52 in.) |
| Height | 1380 mm (54.33 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2720 mm (107.09 in.) |
| Front Track | 1475 mm (58.07 in.) |
| Rear (Back) Track | 1480 mm (58.27 in.) |
| Drivetrain, Brakes and Suspension Specs | |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front-wheel drive, Internal Combustion Engine |
| Drive Wheel | Front Wheel Drive |
| Number of Gears and Type of Gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbone |
| Rear Suspension | Double Wishbone |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated Discs |
| Rear Brakes | Disc |
| Assisting Systems | ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) |
| Steering Type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power Steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires Size | 185/65 R 15 H |
The Rover 600 (RH) 620 SDi, while ultimately overshadowed by the challenges faced by Rover, remains a noteworthy vehicle. It represented a successful collaboration between British design and Japanese engineering, offering a compelling blend of comfort, efficiency, and understated elegance in the competitive European executive sedan market. Today, it is remembered as a dependable and refined car that offered a unique alternative to its German and domestic rivals.
