Following the recent introduction of the Cdti turbo diesel sedan to its Rover 75 range, MG Rover Australia has now released a Tourer wagon derivative.

Michel De Vriendt, Managing Director of Motor Group Australia said, “Considering the infancy of the diesel sedan market in Australia, initial demand for the Rover 75 Cdti has been very encouraging. The Cdti diesel now accounts for over 20% percent of our total Rover 75 sedan volume. More importantly, enquiry for this model is also growing as knowledge of its availability steadily increases.

Initial feedback from prospective customers indicated a strong demand for a wagon derivative. A review of competitive diesel wagon sales also highlighted a potentially significant incremental sales opportunity. In addition the recent 1st January tariff reduction has effectively made passenger wagons more affordable when compared to the more mainstream 4wd alternatives. With consideration of all these factors, we are confident that the Cdti Tourer will augment our current sedan range very effectively indeed.

Australian families can now own a prestigious luxury European vehicle with sumptuous leather and abundant luxury features, matched with frugal fuel economy and additional load carrying capacity at a genuinely affordable price. The Tourer also provides significantly reduced service costs when compared to more popular 4wd alternatives when you consider the Rover 75 need only be serviced at 25,000km intervals.”

With its split fold seats down, the Tourer provides over 80% additional load carrying capability than the already cavernous sedan derivative. Its flat cargo floor can carry items up to 2060mm long. In addition, the Tourer also comes standard with roof rails for additional load carrying capability for items up to 80kg. Other standard load carrying features include:

• Rear floor storage compartment with gas assisted lifting strut for effortless access
• A wide, one-piece top-hinged tailgate incorporating a separate opening glass window providing easy access to the cargo area
• Rear security roller blind
• Versatile storage net that separates loadspace and cabin area
• Four robust lashing points in each corner of the loadspace to help secure packages
• A through load flap in the rear seat to allow the transport for lengthy object such as skis
• Rear windscreen wiper assembly

The fledging diesel passenger market is undergoing rapid growth in Australia. With the recent introduction of new models from Audi, Volkswagen, Peugeot and Citroen, diesel sales grew over 30% last year versus 2003.

Diesel sales now account for 50% of the European passenger car market – a reflection of the tremendous technological advances undertaken in recent years. The days of smelly, rattling, polluting vehicles are long gone, thanks to enormous investment by manufacturers. Cleaner emission standards as mandated by the EU authorities have acted as the catalyst to several engineering advances. As a result, the diesel has become the engine of choice for people wanting both excellent performance and exceptional fuel economy.

Michel De Vriendt added, “We’re very excited to be able to offer a diesel engine choice of this calibre to the Australian market. Representing the latest in engine technology, this DOHC 4-cylinder turbocharged common rail diesel develops 96kW at 3,500rpm, with an amazing 300Nm of torque at only 1900rpm.

Not only is this engine demonstrably powerful, it is also a miser at the fuel pump. Indeed, the Cdti Tourer fuel consumption figures are amazingly low at 6.9 litres per 100km in combined driving, it is also capable of delivering less than 5.2 litres per 100km in the country driving cycle.”

De Vriendt went on to say that “It’s only a matter of time before diesels’ value and characteristics are recognised by discerning Australian buyers. Their low-down torque, power delivery and exceptional fuel economy are ideally suited to Australian conditions. We believe that the marriage of this excellent engine with the sublime characteristics of the Rover 75 in both sedan and Tourer formats will prove a hit for Australian buyers, and further advance the cause of diesel-engined cars”.

Recommended Retail Price of the Rover 75 Cdti Tourer:
$55,990 (Excludes Metallic Paint, Dealer & Statutory Charges)

Like the rest of the MG & Rover sedan range, the Cdti diesel models have benefited from additional specifications since the 1st January tariff reductions. Summary of these changes are as follows:

Rover 75 Cdti Sedan $53,990* & Rover 75 Cdti Tourer $55,990*	Now available with standard wood trim steering wheel, front fog lamps & rear parking sensors
Rover 75 Classic V6 petrol sedan $49,990*	Now available with standard leather interior
Rover 75 Club V6 petrol sedan $59,990*	Now available with standard satellite navigation system
MG ZT V6 sedan range from $59,990*	Now available with standard electric sunroof
MG ZT V8 sedan (man & auto) from $89,990*	Now available with standard satellite navigation system

* Prices excludes Metallic Paint, Dealer & Statutory Charges