ROVER Group has thrown down the gauntlet to mainstream manufacturers with plans to bring three-year/60,000-mile warranties throughout its range in a battle to win back fleet business. The standard warranty package, already announced for Land Rovers and the Rover 75, will next be seen when the facelifted MGF goes on sale next month.

It will herald the start of a roll-out of the extended warranty to all Rover cars, the next in line being the facelifted 200/400, to be rebadged 25 and 45, late this year. Next year's new Mini launch is expected to include a similar package. A Rover spokesman said: 'The increase in warranty is not being led by customer demand. It is a reflection of our commitment to our product. Quality of the cars is now much better so it is not expected to cost us any more.'

The three-year/60,000-mile Rover warranty is similar to the one offered by BMW, with a one-year manufacturer warranty, then a two-year dealer warranty. Of the leading fleet manufacturers - Ford, Vauxhall, Renault, Peugeot and Volkswagen - only Volkswagen offers a warranty package of more than 12 months.