6 June 2001: A new car from MG Rover makes history for the Rover brand by being the first full-production estate in the history of the company. The 75 Tourer is an elegant and substantial vehicle aimed squarely at the growing luxury lifestyle estates which are proving ever more popular in the ‘image’ marques such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

The new car, currently being given its international press launch in Britain, is expected to sell 25% of all Rover 75 sales when its production gets fully under way at the Longbridge plant near Birmingham. The plant has been extensively refurbished and has dedicated production lines for the 75s, the 25/45s, and the MGF sports car. Sales are planned from next month.

The engine and specification ranges for the new Tourer will mirror exactly those available in the saloon 75, with petrol options of 1.8-, 2- and 2.5-litres (both latter engines are V6s) and the 2-litre CDT turbodiesel which was developed by BMW and is also used by the Land Rover Freelander and the 3-series BMW.

Five-speed manual and 5-speed automatic gearboxes are available.

The new car is longer than the saloon version, and features include a separately opening rear window and substantially revised suspension to cater for the extra loading potential of an estate. A self-levelling suspension system is available as an option.

The torsional stiffness of the 75 Tourer body is far higher than most equivalent class saloons and sets new standards for estates.

The load capacity of the new car ranges from 400 litres to 1,222 litres, and a load length of more than two metres is available with the rear seats down.

All 75 Touring versions get a comprehensive range of safety features including dual front and side airbags, ABS with electronic brake force distribution, and seatbelt interlocking systems which encourage passengers to make sure that the rear seats are properly latched.

In the UK, Tourer prices are £960 sterling more than the saloon versions, which starts the range at £17,445 sterling. We’ll be providing Irish prices and availibility tomorrow. BB