The Rover 600 (RH) series, produced by the British manufacturer Rover Group from 1993 to 1999, represents a significant chapter in the marque’s history. Positioned in the competitive European executive compact car segment, the 600 series was a testament to Rover’s long-standing collaboration with Honda. The specific variant, the Rover 600 (RH) 618 i/Si (115 Hp), introduced in 1996 and produced until the end of the generation in 1999, served as a core offering, balancing performance with fuel efficiency and traditional British styling. While never officially sold in the United States, the Rover 600 played a crucial role in the European market, offering a more upscale alternative to mainstream sedans and bridging the gap between mass-market and premium brands. Its blend of refined aesthetics, comfortable interior, and reliable Japanese-sourced mechanicals made it a compelling choice for consumers seeking a sophisticated yet practical four-door sedan.
Rover 600 (RH) 618 i/Si: A Detailed Overview
The Rover 600 (RH) 618 i/Si was a key model in Rover’s lineup during the mid-to-late 1990s. It aimed to provide a comfortable and well-equipped vehicle for the discerning European driver, offering a blend of British design sensibilities and Japanese engineering reliability. The car’s success was predicated on its ability to offer a premium experience without the premium price tag of its German competitors. It was a crucial model for Rover as they navigated a challenging period of market shifts and ownership changes.
Engine & Performance
At the heart of the Rover 600 (RH) 618 i/Si (115 Hp) lies a 1.85-liter (112.89 cubic inches) inline four-cylinder gasoline engine, designated the F18A. This engine, derived from Honda’s engineering expertise, features an Overhead Camshaft (OHC) valvetrain and four valves per cylinder, contributing to smooth operation and respectable power delivery. The engine produces a peak output of 115 horsepower at 5500 revolutions per minute (rpm), providing adequate power for everyday driving and comfortable cruising.
Torque output is rated at 158 Newton-meters (116.53 lb.-ft.) at 4200 rpm, delivering a good mid-range pull that enhances the car’s relaxed driving characteristics. Power is transferred to the front wheels through a five-speed manual transmission, a common and reliable configuration for vehicles in this segment during the late 1990s. This powertrain combination allows the 618 i/Si to accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 10.7 seconds, achieving a top speed of 121.17 mph (195 km/h).
Fuel efficiency was a significant consideration for European buyers, and the 618 i/Si delivers a combined fuel consumption of 8.3 liters per 100 kilometers, equivalent to approximately 28.3 US miles per gallon. This made it a relatively economical choice within the executive car segment. The multi-port manifold injection system ensures precise fuel delivery, optimizing both performance and efficiency, while the 8.9:1 compression ratio is tailored for operation on standard petrol (gasoline).
Design & Features
The Rover 600 (RH) boasts a design that blends British styling with its Honda underpinnings, largely based on the fifth-generation Honda Accord. The 618 i/Si, like all models in the 600 series, is exclusively a four-door sedan. Its exterior showcases a conservative elegance, characterized by clean lines, a relatively low roofline, and Rover’s distinctive grille, lending it a more traditional and upmarket appearance compared to its Honda counterpart. The car’s dimensions – 182.87 inches in length, 67.52 inches in width, and 54.33 inches in height – provide a substantial presence without being unwieldy in urban environments. The 107.09-inch wheelbase contributes to a smooth ride and stable handling.
Inside, the Rover 600 (RH) offers a comfortable and well-appointed cabin designed for five occupants. Interior materials and finishes are a step above many contemporary mainstream sedans, reflecting Rover’s aspiration for a more premium market position. Standard features for the era include power steering, utilizing a hydraulic rack and pinion system for precise control and ease of maneuvering. Safety is addressed with the inclusion of an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), a significant feature for the late 1990s, enhancing braking performance and control in adverse conditions.
The suspension system employs a sophisticated double wishbone setup at both the front and rear, a design choice inherited from Honda that provides excellent ride comfort and handling dynamics. This independent suspension effectively absorbs road imperfections while maintaining composure during spirited driving. Braking power is provided by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear, ensuring confident stopping performance. The vehicle rides on 185/60 R14 H tires, offering a balance of grip and ride comfort. With a trunk capacity of 15.19 cubic feet (430 liters), the 600 series provides practical luggage space for families or business travelers. The fuel tank capacity of 17.17 US gallons (65 liters) provides a decent cruising range.
Technical Specifications
| Category | Specification |
| Brand | Rover |
| Model | 600 (RH) |
| Type (Engine) | 618 i/Si (115 Hp) |
| Production Start | 1996 year |
| Production End | 1999 year |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion Engine |
| Body Type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Combined Fuel Consumption | 8.3 l/100 km (28.3 US mpg) |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.7 sec |
| Maximum Speed | 195 km/h (121.17 mph) |
| Power | 115 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 158 Nm (116.53 lb.-ft.) @ 4200 rpm |
| Engine Layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | F18A |
| Engine Displacement | 1850 cm³ (1.85 Liters / 112.89 cu. in.) |
| Number of Cylinders | 4 |
| Engine Configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 85 mm (3.35 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 81.5 mm (3.21 in.) |
| Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel Injection System | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine Aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Engine Oil Capacity | 3.8 l (4.02 US qt) |
| Coolant Capacity | 7 l (7.4 US qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1330 kg (2932.15 lbs.) |
| Max. Weight | 1820 kg (4012.41 lbs.) |
| Max Load | 490 kg (1080.27 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) Space – Minimum | 430 l (15.19 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 l (17.17 US gal) |
| 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 Track | 1480 mm (58.27 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front-wheel drive, Internal Combustion Engine |
| Drive Wheel | Front wheel drive |
| 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 | 185/60 R14 H |
The Rover 600 (RH) series, and particularly the 618 i/Si variant, holds a significant place in European automotive history. It offered a compelling combination of British style, Honda reliability, and a relatively accessible price point. While it couldn’t compete directly with the established German premium brands, it provided a viable and attractive alternative for buyers seeking a comfortable, well-equipped, and dependable executive sedan. The car’s legacy is one of a successful collaboration and a testament to Rover’s ability to create a desirable vehicle during a period of significant change.
