Categories: News

We went to Majorca and all we saw was this lousy old Rover Streetwise

We searched high and low for a battered old Seat Cordoba… honestly!

A perk of the job we do is visiting some cool places to drive new cars. This week, it’s the new Subaru Impreza in Majorca. With Subaru moving away from its rally car roots, it’s no surprise (although no less disappointing) to find a shortage of gold wheels and big wings on the Impreza’s launch.

Despite this, you’d think the largest Balearic Island would be prime chod spotting territory. Surely, a battered Seat Ibiza here, maybe an old Renault 4 there.

Yes, we’ve seen a few rusting old heaps, but it would seem the British influence on the island stretches to its cars (more than 12 million tourists fly here every year, with Brits the second most frequent visitor behind the Germans). The most interesting vehicle we’ve spotted within 24 hours of being on the island? This old Rover Streetwise.

Produced for just two years, you could argue the Rover 25-based ‘urban on-roader’ was ahead of its time. It came before the likes of the Qashqai, boasting large black bumpers and a slightly higher ride height. Unlike the Impreza we’re driving today, however, no four-wheel-drive system.

Still, with the potholed roads of Majorca, we can see the appeal of the Rover Streetwise. Besides, in a country that doesn’t have roads covered in salt every winter, this one looks to be in rather good condition. A few dents aside, of course – parking is a contact sport here.

>NEXT: Retro and classic favourites at the NEC Classic Motor Show

Andrew Brady

Share
Published by
Andrew Brady
Tags: Rover

Recent Posts

Race and rally Ford icons head to auction this month

The Iconic Auctioneers NEC Classic sale features an array of legendary Ford performance cars, including…

1 day ago

Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7 RS replica review: Retro Road Test

This 'backdated' Porsche 911 imitates the legendary Carrera 2.7 RS for a fraction of the…

4 days ago

1966 Fiat 500 review: Retro Road Test

The iconic Fiat 500 got Italy moving after the Second World War and inspired today's…

2 weeks ago

Daihatsu Cuore Avanzato TR-XX R4 review: Retro Road Test

The Daihatsu Cuore Avanzato TR-XX R4 is as bonkers as its name suggests. We recall…

3 weeks ago

1988 Land Rover 90 review: Retro Road Test

This Land Rover 90 is an exceptionally rare special edition. But the qualities that make…

3 weeks ago

Great Motoring Disasters: Sinclair C5

Sir Clive Sinclair's revolutionary electric trike for the masses wasn't quite the success he hoped…

3 weeks ago

This website uses cookies.