ROVER has revealed a string of enhancements to its 400 series designed to improve wholelife costs and driver desirability. The manufacturer's initiatives include new derivatives, more aggressive pricing with 2.0-litre availability at 1.6-litre prices and four and five-door model price parity.

While some model prices are cut, others are increased to take account of specification improvements, which include standard air conditioning on most models with sunroofs now a cost option. The action comes a week after Vauxhall revealed changes to its Vectra and Omega models and a month after Ford restructured its Escort line-up.

This week's 400 series announcement, with changes coming into effect on June 9, follows similar extensive changes on 600 and 800 models which corporate sales director Steve Harris said had boosted sales to fleets and contract hire companies by 20.2% and 19.8% respectively in the first four months of this year.