The Rover 400/45/MG ZS share the platform of the Honda Domani which the Honda Civic is based on, the following Honda Civic model codes share some parts with the Rover models
Fifth generation (1992–1995) - EG, EH, EJ1, EJ2
Sixth generation (1996–2000) - EK9, EK4, EK5, EK3, EJ6, EJ7,EJ8, EJ9, EM1
United Kingdom MA MB MC five-door Civic / Civic Aerodeck
It is commonly known as
MA MB MC Civic / Aerodeck. The chassis codes designated to this model and generation of civics were Civic chassis codes MA8,MA9,MB1,MB2,MB3,MB4,MB6,MB7,MB8) Honda and Rover were working together during the production of this car so this era of UK-made Civics share the chassis with the Rover 400/45/MG ZS.
Interior differences between Honda and Rover
The interior on the Honda is different to the Rover from the dashboard. The instrument cluster also has completely different dials, the clock in the centre of the dash is also different, along with the door panels, although the Rover door panels will fit the Honda and vice versa. The seats are also completely different, as is the steering wheel. The Honda has a passenger airbag as standard on even its lowest model, whereas the Rover only has a passenger airbag on the higher spec models. The seat fabrics used are also completely different. On some models the rear seat hinges are different to Honda ones.
Exterior differences Honda and Rover
The only panels the two share are the roof panel and the four doors. Every other panel is totally different and unique to each manufacturer. On the Civic, the front bumper, grill, bonnet, front wings/fenders, headlights,slam panel, front valance, rear lights, rear bumper, tailgate, rear panel, mud flaps (where fitted), front fog lights (where fitted) are all made by Honda for the Civic MA/MB/MC.
MECHANICAL DIFFERENCES
Mechanically wise, the cars differ a lot. The engines are completely different, fuel systems completely different, the exhaust (downpipe/manifold/cat/centre section) different, although the rear silencer from the Civic Aerodeck fits the Rover 400/45/MG ZS saloon. Brake discs and calipers differ, although model dependant, there are some that are the same, with only very minor differences. Electrical systems are also different, so Honda ECU will not work in Rover, and vice versa. Electrical wiring also differs between the two, the Rover using BMW connectors, the Civic using Honda connectors.
The potential of this generation of Civic/Aerodeck has always been underestimated due to its resemblance to ROVERs by majority of Civic owners community but these differences show they are completely different cars in their own right. Honda produced/built the Civic, and Rover produced/built the Rover. Only Honda built the Civic/Aerodeck, so this was exclusive to Honda. There are two "Rover" estates (wagons) known to be in existence. These are called "Tourers", and were built by Rover employees using 2 Aerodeck shells/chassis bought in from Honda. No Hondas were built at the Rover plant, and no Rovers were built at the Honda plant.
Honda Civic Vti
Honda Domani
Rover 45
MG ZS
Linear Mode
