ABSOLUTE quality will be the watchword of the new Rover 600/800 replacement, codenamed the R40, when it goes on sale. The new car was shown to dealer principals and specially-invited guests during a series of 'for your eyes only' events at the firm's Cowley plant, in Oxford this month.

Sources say it remains instantly recognisable as a Rover and keeps the traditional grill. But the model is deeply influenced by the firm's new German owner, BMW, as Rover has gone all out for quality, with post-production checks lasting up to a day per unit.

One insider said: 'They are almost obsessed with the quality angle and there is a big commitment to getting it right.' The preview model was not available to be driven, but dealers were briefed on the models and given a factory tour. R40 will make its world debut at the Birmingham International Motor Show and is first to be fully engineered during Rover's ownership by BMW.