FLEET managers have seen pictures of Rover's replacement for the 600 and 800 to go on sale in the UK late next year.

Codenamed RD1, the new model focuses on Rover's 'Britishness' and traditional qualities such as wood and leather. Rover's fleet panel saw the pictures at a meeting two weeks ago, but Rover chiefs were keeping tight-lipped at the show about the new car, which will replace the ageing 800 and the newer 600.