ROVER has slashed prices of selected 200 and 400 models by up to £1,300 to boost struggling sales. This week Rover unveiled two cut-price entry models and eight 'S'-badged models with alloy wheels undercutting current 200 and 400 prices. This follows criticism from fleets that the 400 Series was too expensive and that the 200 was expensive against the competition.

Last year Rover fleet sales fell 16.2% in a market which reached a record high and in the first two months of 1997 Rover fleet sales fell 13.6%. A Rover spokesman denied the move was the result of pressure from fleets.

The new 214, in three and five door versions, cost £9,995 and £10,495 on the road respectively, and is effectively the same as the current 214i, which cost £11,095 and £11,595 respectively. The 214S, the 220DS Turbo (both in three and five door styles), the 414S five-door, 416S five door and saloon and 420DS Turbo five door are added. New models will sell alongside existing models. This comes soon after Rover cut prices and increased spec on models in the 600 and 800 ranges and follows the loss of a contract worth up to £24 million with Severn Trent Water, which has a 1,700-vehicle fleet.