Rover 25 is rated as a three-star car by Euro NCAP – the older 200 is expected to fare similarly. A driver’s airbag is standard, passenger’s an optional extra. ABS brakes are only standard on the high performance models, while the centre three-point rear seat belt is a nice idea although a tight squeeze. There is an engine immobiliser which automatically sets itself, plus an anti-theft alarm.

There is remote locking from Si models upwards.

Boot is one of the biggest in this class, though a little high off the ground for easy loading. Glovebox could be bigger and despite a couple of door bins, there’s no real cabin storage.