Rover 100 Overview: Generations, Specs and Which Version to Buy
Guide to the Rover 100 cabrio (1994–2000): its single generation, 60–103 hp engine range, and which of the 11 modifications to pick.
The Rover 100 is a compact cabrio produced from 1994 to 2000, offered in a single generation with outputs from 60 to 103 hp, front-wheel drive, and a choice of Manual or CVT gearboxes. It suits drivers who want a small, simple open-top car: the modest power figures and 1.1–1.4 litre engines point to easy city driving rather than performance use.
Rover 100 generations
1 generation (1994–2000)
The first and only generation of the Rover 100 was built from 1994 to 2000 exclusively as a cabrio, with 11 modifications spanning 60 to 103 hp. All versions are front-wheel drive, and the transmission line-up includes both a Manual and a CVT. The engine range runs from a 1119 cc unit in the Rover 100 1.1 MT (60 hp) to a 1396 cc unit shared by the Rover 100 1.4 CVT (75 hp) and the Rover 100 1.4 MT (103 hp). The 1.4 MT (103 hp) tops the range with a 0–100 km/h time of 10.5 seconds, while the 1.1 MT (60 hp) sits at the economical end with fuel consumption of 6.1 l/100 km.
Which Rover 100 to buy
- 1.4 CVT (75 hp) (1 generation): the mass-market choice — a 1396 cc engine with 75 hp, 0–100 km/h in 11.1 seconds and 6.8 l/100 km, paired with a CVT for two-pedal driving.
- 1.4 MT (103 hp) (1 generation): the most powerful version, with 103 hp from the same 1396 cc engine and the quickest acceleration in the range at 10.5 seconds to 100 km/h.
- 1.1 MT (60 hp) (1 generation): the economical pick — 6.1 l/100 km is the lowest consumption among the notable versions, from a 1119 cc engine with 60 hp and a manual gearbox.
When buying used, remember that every Rover 100 comes from the same 1994–2000 generation, so there is no newer platform to hunt for; the differences come down to engine, output and gearbox. The mechanically simple front-wheel-drive layout and small four-cylinder engines make versions with a manual gearbox the most straightforward to assess on inspection.
Summary
The Rover 100 range is easy to navigate: one generation, one body style, 11 modifications between 60 and 103 hp. The Rover 100 1.4 CVT (75 hp) covers everyday driving with automatic convenience, the Rover 100 1.4 MT (103 hp) delivers the strongest performance with its 10.5-second sprint, and the Rover 100 1.1 MT (60 hp) minimises fuel costs at 6.1 l/100 km. Since all versions share the 1994–2000 production window and FWD layout, the choice comes down to how much power you want and whether you prefer a Manual or the CVT.