CityRover is an attractive modern 'city sector' small car that provides the most competitive value-for-money blend of space, performance and specification available in the £6,500-£8,500 price band.

Although compact and easy to drive and park, it has a roomy and user-friendly 'tall' package in a semi-MPV style, with easy access for all ages, from babies in carrycots to mature citizens.

At launch, all CityRover models have a 1.4 litre OHC 85Ps petrol engine and five doors, which compares favourably with the many price rivals that offer smaller engines and only three doors. The new model will be sold through all MG Rover dealers and benefits from the regular three year/60,000 mile warranty and six-year anti-perforation cover.

Rover's designers and engineers have given CityRover a distinctive modern Rover appearance, including the new-style Rover Viking Ship badge.

The key to CityRover's class leading interior space is its long 2,400mm wheelbase and tall build. Getting in and out is easy, with doors opening to 90 and high mounted seating, which also gives a commanding driving position. The rear seats are slightly higher than the front ones to optimise the rear passenger viewpoints; they also feature the classic 60/40 split with jack-knife folding giving a flat load floor and flexible load carrying configurations between 220 litres and 610 litres. Rover-specified interior trim uses a variety of high grade woven or knitted fabrics according to model, and there is a full-leather option for the top Style model.

The lowest-priced Solo model is well equipped, with standard features such as driver's airbag, radio/cassette with four speakers, lockable glovebox, alloy gearknob, remote releases for tailgate and fuel filler, and many others.

Sporting features of the Sprite model include alloy wheels, leather sports style steering wheel and gearknob, front fog lamps and a rear spoiler. Luxury features on the Select model include front and rear electric windows plus air conditioning as standard. Both Sprite and Select have power steering, remote central locking, a tachometer and a CD/tuner. All these features are standard on the top model, the Style, which also benefits from anti-lock braking and a passenger airbag. Paint choices include two solid colours and eight optional metallic shades.

At launch, all CityRover models will be powered by a 1405cc petrol engine, with an alloy cylinder head, single overhead camshaft and multi-point fuel injection.

Steering is by rack and pinion, with power assistance standard on Sprite, Select and Style models, optional on Solo versions.