Insiders say that if Rover#;s TCV is well received at this week#;s Geneva motor show, the company could push the “go” button on a whole new model range based on the same platform.
Looking not unlike some pictures of supposedly secret prototypes of a proposed 45 replacement obtained by the press a few years ago, the TCV (Tourer Concept Vehicle) is current 75 Tourer-sized with a load area that can swallow a cube-shaped European washing machine whole, as demonstrated at Geneva.
Officially, Rover says the concept was developed to show its future styling and design vision – what concept isn#;t? – and adds that it reflects new trends such as minivans, van-based station wagons and cross-overs.
The five-seater has three individual rear seat backrests which fold flush with the real load floor plus a front passenger seat backrest that flattens to the same plane so items up to 3.1 metres long can be carried. Any of the folded seatbacks can do duty as a table while the centre rear unit can be replaced by slot-in modules including child seat, entertainment centre, fridge/food warmer or business desktop unit.
The rear tailgate is split with a conventional lift-up tailgate and a hinged lower bumper section which drops to reveal a large, secure box-shaped under-floor compartment.
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalDataTo top that, the main load floor can be dropped to the under-floor compartment level, allowing stowage of the aforementioned laundry appliance.
However, there was still no word at the show of the alliance with another decent-sized manufacturer MG Rover so badly needs to help share the cost of developing new platforms for models such as the TCV.