| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1984 |
| Production Years: | 1984 - 1993 discontinued in 1993 |
The Rover Montego Estate (XE), produced from 1984 to 1993, is a quintessential British station wagon designed to combine practicality with the solid build quality typical of Rover. As part of the Montego model range, the Estate (XE) variant provided additional cargo space and versatility, catering to families and customers needing greater load capacity without sacrificing comfort. This generation was produced over nearly a decade, making it a recognizable model in the estate car segment of the 1980s and early 1990s.
The Montego Estate (XE) showcases typical dimensions of a mid-size estate vehicle from its era. While exact measurements can vary by trim and model year, the car’s overall length generally measures around 4.5 meters (approximately 177 inches), providing ample room for passengers and luggage. Its width tends to be near 1.7 meters (about 67 inches), offering a stable and accommodating cabin space. Height typically remains under 1.4 meters (roughly 55 inches), contributing to a streamlined silhouette desirable for both aesthetics and aerodynamics.
Weight for the Montego Estate (XE) varies based on engine and equipment levels but generally falls in the range of 1,200 to 1,300 kilograms (about 2,645 to 2,870 pounds), which supports a balance between fuel efficiency and robust performance. The station wagon design is optimized for practical urban and long-distance driving, with a spacious rear cargo area suitable for luggage, sports equipment, or other bulky items.
In comparison to other estate cars from the 1980s, such as the Ford Sierra Estate or Vauxhall Cavalier Estate, the Rover Montego Estate (XE) holds its own with a distinctive British engineering approach, focusing on durability and understated luxury. Its size makes it suitable for narrow European roads while still providing generous internal space for occupants and cargo.
Overall, the Rover Montego Estate (XE) from 1984 to 1993 represents a reliable and practical mid-size station wagon that appeals to drivers looking for a classic vehicle with ample space, solid build quality, and everyday usability. Its combination of size, capacity, and British design heritage ensures it remains a notable vehicle in the estate car segment from its production era.
Discover the standout features that make the 1984 Rover Montego Estate a leader in its class
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The Rover Montego Estate (XE), produced between 1984 and 1993, has an overall length of approximately 4700 mm (185 inches), a width of around 1700 mm (67 inches), and a height of about 1430 mm (56 inches). These dimensions are typical for station wagons of its era, offering a practical balance between interior space and external size. The estate design extends the rear cargo area compared to the sedan version, enhancing luggage capacity without significantly increasing the car's footprint, making it a functional choice for families and those needing extra storage.
The wheelbase of the Rover Montego Estate (XE) is approximately 2580 mm (101.6 inches). This wheelbase size contributes to the car's stable ride characteristics and offers a decent amount of interior room, especially for rear passengers. A longer wheelbase generally improves ride comfort by better absorbing road irregularities and providing more legroom, which is beneficial for family or long-distance travel. For the Montego Estate, this means a comfortable passenger experience alongside substantial cargo space, maintaining the balance between drivability and practicality.
The Rover Montego Estate (XE) offers a competitive cargo capacity for its class and time. With the rear seats up, it provides a luggage volume of around 440 liters (15.5 cubic feet), which can be expanded significantly by folding down the rear seats, reaching approximately 1400 liters (49.4 cubic feet). Compared to other 1980s station wagons, such as the Ford Sierra Estate or the Vauxhall Cavalier Estate, the Montego Estate delivers comparable cargo space, making it a practical choice for those needing versatile load carrying capabilities without sacrificing passenger comfort.
The curb weight of the Rover Montego Estate (XE) typically ranges between 1250 kg to 1350 kg (2756 to 2976 lbs), depending on the engine and trim level. This weight is moderate for a station wagon of its time and helps strike a balance between structural solidity and efficiency. The weight influences both acceleration and fuel consumption; lighter vehicles generally provide better fuel efficiency and more responsive handling. The Montego Estate's weight is standard for its category, delivering acceptable fuel economy while maintaining adequate performance and road manners expected in family-oriented vehicles.
Yes, the Rover Montego Estate (XE) fits comfortably within a standard residential garage. With a length of approximately 4700 mm (185 in), width of 1700 mm (67 in), and height of about 1430 mm (56 in), it generally conforms to typical garage dimensions found in many homes. Most standard single-car garages have internal dimensions of around 6000 mm (236 in) length and 3000 mm (118 in) width, which provides ample space for the Montego Estate along with room for opening doors and additional storage. However, local garage sizes can vary, so confirming dimensions beforehand is always advisable.
Comparing the Rover Montego Estate (XE) to its predecessor, the SD1 Estate, the Montego is slightly smaller in overall length and width, offering a more compact profile. The SD1 Estate typically measured closer to 4750 mm (187 in) in length and was wider, around 1780 mm (70 in). The Montego Estate's reduced size was intended to enhance maneuverability and urban driving convenience while retaining a versatile cargo area. This downsizing trend was common in the 1980s to appeal to a broader audience seeking a more practical and economical family vehicle without compromising utility.
The Rover Montego Estate (XE) offers competitive interior passenger space relative to its peers such as the Ford Sierra Estate and Vauxhall Cavalier Estate. Typically, the Montego provides comfortable seating for five passengers, with adequate headroom and legroom thanks to its 2580 mm (101.6 in) wheelbase. While its cabin space is not the most spacious of the category, it achieves a good balance between passenger comfort and cargo capacity. Its design prioritizes versatility, with rear seat folding mechanisms that enhance space for larger or irregularly shaped cargo, which is a key factor in this segment.
The Rover Montego Estate (XE) measures about 1700 mm (67 in) in width and 1430 mm (56 in) in height. These dimensions make the car relatively easy to park and maneuver in urban environments, especially compared to larger estates or saloons of the era with greater widths or heights. Its lower height contributes to better aerodynamics and easier access to garages or parking structures with height restrictions. The car's moderate width allows comfortable navigation through narrow city streets and tight parking spots, enhancing its practicality for everyday use in suburban and city settings.
The Rover Montego Estate (XE) features boxy, angular styling typical of mid-1980s British automotive design. Its clean lines and relatively conservative exterior styling emphasize functionality and practicality, with large glass areas contributing to good visibility. Compared to some contemporaries sporting more aerodynamic curves, the Montego Estate prioritizes space utilization and robustness. Its estate version includes a rear tailgate with practical load access and roof rails on some models for added utility. The interior blends simple ergonomics with traditional British craftsmanship, offering a comfortable environment consistent with Rover’s brand identity.
In terms of size, the Rover Montego Estate (XE) stands as a mid-size station wagon in 1980s Europe, comparable to models like the Ford Sierra Estate and Vauxhall Cavalier Estate. Its length of around 4700 mm (185 in) and width near 1700 mm (67 in) place it well within the mainstream segment, focusing on family utility and practicality. Functionally, the Montego Estate offers competitive cargo capacity, practical interior space, and reliable mechanical layouts, making it a solid choice for those requiring a versatile vehicle. While not the largest or most luxurious in this class, it delivers solid everyday usability with typical British automotive styling.
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