ROVER has launched a tax-beating turbo-charged Rover 75 to compete with the growing demand for compact executive cars that combine tax-efficient CO2 ratings and the associated good fuel economy, with excellent performance and driveability.

A new design of turbo-charger has been matched to the K Series engine to produce the combination of 150Ps power, 215Nm of torque from 2100rpm and competitively low 193g/km CO2 emissions, thus reducing the 2002/03 UK company-car tax liability to 20 per cent of list price ideal for the tax-conscious motorist.

The 1.8T models are available on Rover 75 saloon and tourer body styles with a range of trim specifications available from Classic to Connoisseur SE.

This addition to the engine range complements the 1.8, 2.0 V6, 2.5 V6 and the 2.0-litre common-rail turbo-diesel each offering refinement.

For many years, turbo-charged petrol engines have tended to be compromised by the fact that turbo-charger design has inevitably been skewed in favour of the far more common diesel applications.

Turbo-chargers designed mainly for the narrower and lower speed bands of diesels were difficult to optimise for petrol engine use, giving less satisfactory results either at low speed or at high speed, according to the size of turbo-charger chosen.

The Rover 75 1.8T, however, takes advantage of Garrett's latest technology, using their new T100 turbine wheel design in a GT20 turbo-charger. Specifically designed to suit modern petrol engine characteristics, the T100 design contributes to the excellent driveability of the 1.8T under all speed and load conditions.

The manufacturer claims that the Rover 75 1.8-litre, turbo-charged, four-cylinder engine holds many advantages over its competition. Weighing in at just 100kg, the K Series' lightweight construction provides exceptional levels of responsiveness and drive, says Rover.

Available in showrooms from early August, the 1.8T saloon models will be priced from £18,295 for the Classic specification to the Connoisseur SE at £22,120.