But to me it was driving reinvented (even when just before this I was driving my dad's BMW). I liked this car, Rover 100 (114GSi), because I had a chance to drive a very similar one some time before I purchased this violet-purple one. I 'loved' it since then, when I first drove it for few weeks as exchange for my bigger but older Toyota Corolla (E9). Someone needed a bigger car and given me the red Rover 114SLi to drive for some time. It was fun to drive, quite fast for such a small car and fast feeling was even bigger because of lack of refinement and soundproofing. Controls inside were fun too. Heater switch for example - tiny round knob, never seen such a small one on any other car. And big, chunky steering wheel (standard on all Rovers at the time). The car had also some strange air-hydraulic suspension (called Hydragas), which made it quite soft over the bumps but not bad on cornering (still with body roll but somehow communicative when near the limits). Steering was great too. But, you probably still wondering why I have bought this purple thing. I could have saved more money and get something nicer, more car-like (not a hairdresser's car as it was called by my workmates). Yes, I could, but this was simply an equation - something to do with calculations (this was cheap to run), and some good feelings from inside of me (I couldn't resist this colour). The car was modified badly in few places when I got it, this was also the sign that it probably belonged to some 'boyracer' in past (I bought it of mechanic) - so not the one to go for, for many (including me now). But I have won the auction on ebay very cheaply:) and it was not that far to go to collect it. I was happy. Even the facts that clutch was quite high and the wheels of MG were a bit too big rubbing the edges - didn't wipe my smile. I had a running project. Very good one indeed - if the car does not bring the smile on your face, forget it, get another one that will do. The engine was tuned to around (or over) 100hp and it had a motorbike(!) exhaust back box fitted (apparently from Aprilia 1000) which made it sounding nice, altogether with sports cone air filter fitted later, it made a very fast, quick accelerating small car. It was turning many heads, in the good meaning (it was not very loud or aggressive, in this colour and unmodified look it was just funky, cool car).
The wheels were very quickly replaced to original 'GTa' alloys (smaller, so wheel arches were repaired too).
Most powerful standard 114i engines could produce around 90-100bhp and make 0-60 in 9,6sec (SPI) or 8,6sec (MPI). This one was faster of the line definitely (perhaps due to air filter and back box). I don't do these things any more, as I have grown up;) - but it made Ford Focus ST(0-60 in 6,4sec) disappearing in the rear view mirror! (from standstill up to 3rd gear, when I reached 4th the surprised Ford driver overtook me when I slowed down to turn into estate). It was really big fun to drive this car, even the longer motorway journeys were not that bad (and few people waved at me with smile). After some time with it and few improvements, I had to replace it with something more civilised, something bigger and faster. So I got myself a Saab NG900 SE 2.0 turbo. Sadly the new owners of Rover 100 (aka 'Metro' as I called it) didn't pay enough attention to the water levels (despite having a Rover before, they forgot that you need to check water almost every day to make sure you don't overheat it) and they blew the head gasket (common thing on Rovers). The best thing was that they wanted money back for it! The car was sound when sold, they had a test drive, they even been informed to check the water every few days! and they said they do know and that they'll remember this. After this they said that the car must have been faulty before and wanted money, which I strongly disagreed (as I drove it till last day), they never send any more messages or turned up! (they knew who's fault that was, surely).
And to be honest I was a bit sad that this cute little car ended like this, but I had more to worry about with my 'new' old Saab turbo;)...