This model, codenamed R8, was the first car to be introduced by the newly privatised Rover Group, and was a quantum leap in terms of technology and image placing it as class leader.
Once again, the model was designed in collaboration with Honda (who produced the new designed-for-Europe Concerto model) and both models would share production lines at Rover's Longbridge facility.
Initially only available as a five-door hatchback, this was the first application of Rover's ground breaking K-Series family of engines (appearing in 1.4 L (1396 cc) twin-cam 16-valve form).

The 1.6 L (1590 cc) version used either a Honda D16A6 SOHC or D16A8 DOHC powerplant, while the 2.0 L M-Series unit from the 800-series followed soon afterwards (1991) in the sportier versions.
Later versions used the sturdier Rover T-Series engine, with limited-run turbocharged Rover 220s in GTi and GSi-Turbo trims, boast a very rapid power output of 200 PS (147 kW; 197 bhp) as standard.
 The Rover-engined models drove the front wheels via jointly developed Peugeot/Rover R65 gearboxes (1.4 litre) and licence built Honda-designed PG1s for the 1.6 and 2.0 litre versions.

Also available were two PSA diesel engines, with the choice of naturally-aspirated 1.9 litre XUD9 or turbo-charged 1.8 XUD7T engines.
These were installed instead of the Perkins Prima used in the Austin Maestro and Montego because that engine with its noisy combustion was deemed too unrefined for the new 200.

On its launch, the R8 was in a sector in which many of the competing designs which were at least five years old.
For instance, Ford's Escort had been around since 1980 (with a facelift in early 1986) and the Vauxhall Astra was unchanged from its 1984 launch, as was the MK2 Volkswagen Golf from 1983.
Its newest major competitors were the Fiat Tipo and Renault 19, both of which had been launched the previous year.

The Rover 200 was produced alongside the Maestro, which continued with a slimmed-down range mostly consisted of budget models, although the faster MG versions continued until 1991.

The 400-series was launched as a saloon in early 1990, it was simply a 200 Series with a four-door body.
Like the 200, it was based on the Honda Concerto.
It used the same core structure and mechanicals as the Honda, but the rear-end redesign of the glasshouse and body were unique to Rover.
Interior trim and electrical architecture were all shared with the contemporary 200.
By 1992 a cabriolet (convertible) and three-door hatchback body styles were available.
 The range was rounded off in 1993 by a coupé and estate ("400 Tourer").
The coupé, cabriolet and estate continued after the rest of the range had been superseded, but without the 200 and 400 tags — known instead as the Rover Coupé, Cabriolet and Tourer respectively, and without Honda power, either; the 1600 cc K-series engine replacing the Honda unit until production ceased in 1999.
These models are the most successful Rovers ever made, generating a considerably greater number of sales than the original 200, and the Maestro that it was partially replacing.
The 200 Series was the best selling car in Britain for the month of December 1991.

The 200 won What Car?
1990 "Car of the Year"
The diesel power plant was supplied by PSA Peugeot Citroën in turbodiesel 1.8 litre and normally aspirated 1.9 litre configurations.
Petrol Models made first use of the Rover K Series engine (along with the MkII 200) in 1.4 litre form.
1.6 litre models were powered by the Honda D series engine in both single-cam and twin-cam versions.
2.0 litre models were powered by the Rover T series engine in both normally aspirated and, in a limited run, turbocharged form giving rapid performance.

A mid-life facelift saw the reintroduction of the Rover grille which had also reappeared on the R17 a major facelift of the Rover 800.
This change was achieved without significant change to the remaining structure, but helped reinforce the family look and establish a certain distance from the Honda Concerto , and support the development of a less 'bread and butter' image for the small Rovers
This model, codenamed R8, was the first car to be introduced by the newly privatised Rover Group, and was a quantum leap in terms of technology and image placing it as class leader. Once again, the model was designed in collaboration with Honda (who produced the new designed-for-Europe Concerto model) and both models would share production lines at Rover's Longbridge facility. Initially only available as a five-door hatchback, this was the first application of Rover's ground breaking K-Series family of engines (appearing in 1.4 L (1396 cc) twin-cam 16-valve form).
The 1.6 L (1590 cc) version used either a Honda D16A6 SOHC or D16A8 DOHC powerplant, while the 2.0 L M-Series unit from the 800-series followed soon afterwards (1991) in the sportier versions. Later versions used the sturdier Rover T-Series engine, with limited-run turbocharged Rover 220s in GTi and GSi-Turbo trims, boast a very rapid power output of 200 PS (147 kW; 197 bhp) as standard.  The Rover-engined models drove the front wheels via jointly developed Peugeot/Rover R65 gearboxes (1.4 litre) and licence built Honda-designed PG1s for the 1.6 and 2.0 litre versions.
Also available were two PSA diesel engines, with the choice of naturally-aspirated 1.9 litre XUD9 or turbo-charged 1.8 XUD7T engines. These were installed instead of the Perkins Prima used in the Austin Maestro and Montego because that engine with its noisy combustion was deemed too unrefined for the new 200.
On its launch, the R8 was in a sector in which many of the competing designs which were at least five years old. For instance, Ford's Escort had been around since 1980 (with a facelift in early 1986) and the Vauxhall Astra was unchanged from its 1984 launch, as was the MK2 Volkswagen Golf from 1983. Its newest major competitors were the Fiat Tipo and Renault 19, both of which had been launched the previous year.
The Rover 200 was produced alongside the Maestro, which continued with a slimmed-down range mostly consisted of budget models, although the faster MG versions continued until 1991.
The 400-series was launched as a saloon in early 1990, it was simply a 200 Series with a four-door body. Like the 200, it was based on the Honda Concerto. It used the same core structure and mechanicals as the Honda, but the rear-end redesign of the glasshouse and body were unique to Rover. Interior trim and electrical architecture were all shared with the contemporary 200. By 1992 a cabriolet (convertible) and three-door hatchback body styles were available.  The range was rounded off in 1993 by a coupé and estate ("400 Tourer"). The coupé, cabriolet and estate continued after the rest of the range had been superseded, but without the 200 and 400 tags — known instead as the Rover Coupé, Cabriolet and Tourer respectively, and without Honda power, either; the 1600 cc K-series engine replacing the Honda unit until production ceased in 1999. These models are the most successful Rovers ever made, generating a considerably greater number of sales than the original 200, and the Maestro that it was partially replacing.The 200 Series was the best selling car in Britain for the month of December 1991. 
The 200 won What Car? 1990 "Car of the Year"
The diesel power plant was supplied by PSA Peugeot Citroën in turbodiesel 1.8 litre and normally aspirated 1.9 litre configurations. Petrol Models made first use of the Rover K Series engine (along with the MkII 200) in 1.4 litre form. 1.6 litre models were powered by the Honda D series engine in both single-cam and twin-cam versions. 2.0 litre models were powered by the Rover T series engine in both normally aspirated and, in a limited run, turbocharged form giving rapid performance.
A mid-life facelift saw the reintroduction of the Rover grille which had also reappeared on the R17 a major facelift of the Rover 800. This change was achieved without significant change to the remaining structure, but helped reinforce the family look and establish a certain distance from the Honda Concerto , and support the development of a less 'bread and butter' image for the small Rovers 
Rover R8 platform