ROVER 200 Mark I

After the successful collaboration with Honda on Triumph Acclaim, which meant the lowest warranty cost ever for Austin Rover, the renewed collaboration should bring similar success for Rover. They relied on the name ROVER, which still stood for quality and reliability, although the reputation under British Leyland had suffered greatly. Especially since after the TR7 the name Triumph was to disappear into oblivion. At Austin Rover the division Austin should stand for volume models, Rover for higher quality cars.

For Honda the collaboration with Rover meant easier access to the European market, even though the Honda inspectors were not particularly satisfied with the quality of the British supplier parts. According to a joint quality report drawn up after two years of production by Honda and Rover inspectors, the main reason for the problems with the UK parts suppliers was that the smaller suppliers had not had their own quality control, or had done so inadequately. With the introduction of the improved models in 1987, quality also improved. In particular, the enlargement of the boot lid, which now reached down to the bumper, was widely praised. In addition, all models, especially the basic model, were equipped with an extEndd range of features.