Rover 200 SD3
The Anglo-Japanese alliance that brought Honda reliability to the British middle class.
- Power
- 71 bhp
- Top speed
- 98 mph
- Est. value
- $2k–$13k
About the Rover 200 SD3
The Rover 200 (SD3) was the second product of the British Leyland and Honda partnership, replacing the Triumph Acclaim. While the exterior was a subtly restyled Honda Ballade, the interior was heavily revised by Rover to offer a more upmarket, British feel with wood veneers and plush fabrics. The 213 trim featured a Honda-sourced 1.3-litre 12-valve engine, which was widely praised for its refinement and reliability compared to contemporary British Leyland units. It became a staple of British suburbia, famously serving as the transport for Hyacinth Bucket in the sitcom Keeping Up Appearances.
Rover 200 SD3 specs
The Rover 200 SD3 produces 71 bhp (53 kW) and 105 Nm (77 lb-ft) of torque. It has a top speed of 98 mph (157 km/h).
| Make | Rover |
|---|---|
| Model | 200 |
| Generation | SD3 |
| Trim | 213 |
| Years | 1984–1989 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | Saloon |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Engine | 1.3-litre 12-valve inline-4 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,342 cc (1.3 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 71 bhp (53 kW) at 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 105 Nm (77 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 6,500 rpm |
| Top speed | 98 mph (157 km/h) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive |
| Weight | 865 kg (1,907 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 82 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Rover 200 SD3 worth?
A typical Rover 200 SD3 is estimated to be worth $2,000 – $13,000 (about £1,500 – £9,300).
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Rover 200 SD3 rarity in CarSpot
The Rover 200 SD3 is a Common card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 14 out of 100. Everyday cars you can spot on almost any street. A Common card is worth 10 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Rover 200 SD3 fun facts
- The 213's Honda EV2 engine featured an unusual 12-valve head (three valves per cylinder) which was highly advanced for a small family car in 1984.
- Early production Ballades were built alongside the Rover 200 at Longbridge but were sent to Honda's Swindon plant for additional quality checks.
- The 'SD3' codename stands for Specialist Division 3, following the SD1 (Rover 3500) and the cancelled SD2 project.