1984 Rover 200 (XH) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The Rover 200 (XH) sedan typically has a curb weight ranging from about 950 to 1,050 kilograms (2,094 to 2,315 pounds), depending on the specific variant and optional equipment. This relatively lightweight construction for a mid-1980s compact sedan helps the vehicle achieve better fuel economy and agile handling characteristics. The lighter weight means the engine requires less effort to propel the vehicle, translating into more responsive acceleration and an efficient power-to-weight ratio. This aspect also makes the 200 (XH) easier to park and maneuver in tight city spaces. Overall, its moderate weight contributes positively to its reliability and ease of driving.

The interior of the Rover 200 (XH) is designed to comfortably accommodate four to five passengers within its compact sedan proportions. Front and rear headroom are generally adequate, with approximately 965 millimeters (38 inches) of headroom allowing passengers to sit comfortably without feeling cramped. Legroom in the front seats provides sufficient space for average-height adults, while rear legroom is more limited but still suitable for shorter trips or for children. The seating configuration offers a practical balance between compact footprint and passenger comfort, typical of mid-1980s sedans targeting small families and urban drivers.

The Rover 200 (XH) sedan offers a trunk space that typically ranges from 300 to 350 liters (about 10.6 to 12.4 cubic feet), depending on the specific model variant and interior trim. This capacity is typical of compact sedans of the 1980s, providing enough room for everyday grocery shopping, luggage for a small family, or other moderate cargo needs. The trunk design emphasizes practicality with a hard cover and a relatively flat loading floor, though it may not accommodate oversized items without folding down rear seats, which may or may not be available depending on the specific model configuration. Overall, the cargo capacity makes the Rover 200 (XH) functional for daily use.

The Rover 200 (XH) generation comes standard with 13-inch rims, which were quite typical for compact sedans of the mid-1980s. These 13-inch wheels strike a balance between ride comfort and handling precision. Smaller diameter rims like these generally allow for higher-profile tires, which help absorb road imperfections and contribute to a smoother ride, especially on uneven urban roads. While not designed for aggressive sporty performance, the 13-inch wheel size supports comfortable daily driving and stability. This size also keeps replacement tire costs manageable and ensures compatibility with many tire options from that era.

Yes, the Rover 200 (XH) is compact enough to fit comfortably into a standard home garage. Given its approximate length of around 4,200 millimeters (165.4 inches) and width of roughly 1,640 millimeters (64.6 inches), it can easily be accommodated in typical garages designed with dimensions of at least 6 meters (20 feet) in length and 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) in width. The car’s height of approximately 1,350 millimeters (53.1 inches) presents no issues with most garage door heights. Its compact size makes it a practical option for urban homeowners where garage space is often limited.

The Rover 200 (XH) generation, produced from 1985 to 1989, followed the earlier Rover 200 introduced in the 1970s and early 1980s, which was more directly based on British Leyland designs. Dimensionally, the XH generation adopted a slightly more modern and streamlined profile with more aerodynamic bodywork and compact dimensions fitting the mid-1980s aesthetic. While the predecessor was often characterized by boxier and less aerodynamic shapes, the XH’s curvier exterior improved both styling appeal and fuel efficiency marginally. The XH also tended to be slightly lighter and more refined, incorporating improvements in suspension and interior ergonomics. Overall, the Rover 200 (XH) marked a transition towards a more modern compact sedan with improved ride and handling.

When compared to other popular compact sedans of the mid-1980s, such as the Ford Escort, Volkswagen Golf (sedan variant), and Opel Kadett, the Rover 200 (XH) generally fits well within the standard size category for that era. Its length at about 4,200 millimeters (165.4 inches) and width near 1,640 millimeters (64.6 inches) made it competitive yet slightly more spacious inside than some rivals. Feature-wise, Rover emphasized a more upscale feel with better interior materials and a suspension tuned for comfort. While it might not have matched the German cars for outright refinement in engineering or the technological advancements of some competitors, it offered a solid balance between comfort, reliability, and classic British styling cues, attracting buyers desiring a premium compact sedan experience.

The Rover 200 (XH) generation was typically equipped with small displacement engines ranging from 1.1 to 1.6 liters in petrol variants, reflecting the compact and efficiency-focused nature of the car. Fuel economy figures varied with engine choice and market specifications but generally achieved around 7 to 9 liters per 100 kilometers (26 to 33 miles per gallon) under mixed driving conditions. The engine lineup offered a balance between modest performance and economy, suitable for urban commuting and light family use. Although not designed as a high-performance vehicle, the Rover 200 (XH) delivered reliable engine choices providing sufficient power to handle everyday driving demands while keeping operational costs reasonable.

The Rover 200 (XH) featured a conventional suspension setup common for compact sedans of its era, typically a front independent suspension with MacPherson struts and a rear semi-independent or torsion beam design, paired with 13-inch wheels and relatively high-profile tires. This setup provided a balanced ride, favoring comfort over sporty handling. The tires with their higher sidewalls absorbed many road irregularities, contributing to a smooth driving experience ideal for city roads and highways. While not designed for aggressive cornering, the suspension provided sufficient stability and responsive steering, catering well to drivers looking for easy, predictable, and comfortable handling in everyday situations.