Streetwise rolls out in Ireland

21 October 2003: MG Rover's new Streetwise car will have a launch price for the basic model of €16,700, but the version which the company expects will be the best seller here will start at €18,345.

There are three engines at launch - a pair of 1.4-litre outputting 84hp and 103hp respectively, and a 101hp 2-litre turbodiesel which tops out the price ladder at €24,225.

Basic specification includes sports seats and a 2-person rear seat layout with central oddments console.

The special rugged styling details that make it the Streetwise include black moulded plastic grille surround and bumpers, side running strips and sill protectors, and aluminium colour detailing at the front and rear and on the fascia.

The car is an 'urban activity vehicle' version of the venerable Rover 200/25 series but the essential strengths of the 7-year-old design still shine through. It is tough, pretty roomy for its class, and sleek still.

It is also only MG Rover that would have the gall to tart up a model of the platform's years and actually come up with something that could indeed attract the 25-35 youth market.

The new boss of MG Rover Ireland, Gus Corrigan, pledged yesterday that an 'in your face' customer service ethos will the the foundation stone of sales for the brand's products from now on.

"If any individual customer has a problem, I'm available," he said. "We're going back to the old way, which is the way that works best in Ireland."

Marketing manager of MG Rover Ireland John Donegan said he expects to sell 400 units of the Streetwise next year, alongside 350 units of the MG ZR and the Rover 25 siblings.

"And it might even surprise us and do a lot better," he added.

©2003 irishcar.com