Another new car, another mouthful of a name. Streetwise was brought out to us minutes after Rover had introduced the CityRover - guess it wasn't quite the surprise to all of us assembled hacks as Rover had intended, certainly from my seating position I could see another car hiding under a grey cover, lurking in the shadows at the back of the stage while the dry ice and lights were doing their thing.

So what is Streetwise? Rover described it as an urban on-roader, a new car in a niche market aimed at the youth market that want something more funky, more sexed-up than the standard MG Rover offerings. Rover see this niche market currently having just a single product - the Ford Fusion - with Streetwise being the second, but they fully expect that all other major manufacturers will bring out a rival in this segment over the next couple of years. So at least Rover will have the advantage of getting in early - if the product is good this will be invaluable.

Luckily for Rover, being second to the Fusion is unlikely to hold back sales - in this writer's opinion the Fusion is anything but funky, totally unsexy and pointless. Judging by the fact that I've still only seen 2 or 3 out on the road, the buying public seem to agree.

Not so for Streetwise! I might be a little past the target age group (25-35) for the car, and I might be a bit cynical, but the transition from humble Rover 25 to funky Streetwise is a successful one. The important changes have been made to the exterior - Streetwise is an example of 'style being all', in an attempt to broaden appeal to young urban drivers who lead a sporty, busy lifestyle but who still need the practicality and space associated with the Rover 25. Most obvious is the "street" cladding, huge swathes of plastic body protection across the nose, wheel arches and down the sides of the car in a style more reminiscent of pretend off-roaders like Toyota's RAV4. The ride height has been lifted inches to give a more "butch", tougher appearance with the benefit of a raised driving position and hence better visibility. Rover claim that handling has not suffered unduly as the springs have been stiffened over the standard 25, but I'll believe that when I've driven one. Large 5 spoke alloy wheels and sturdy roof bars (capable of carrying up to 65 kg) complete the tough external makeover - from the front its all very "Land Rover".

Inside the changes are fewer - the dashboard is much the same but has been spruced up with the addition of blue instrument faces, and there is the option of either stock 60/40 split rear seat, or one with two individual buckets and storage space between.

Streetwise will be available with either petrol or diesel engines with a launch date of 21 August. Models will be priced from £9,295 on the road. We should have one on test later this year.

Trevor Nicosia - 7 Aug 2003