Dont knock the Rovers! My GF has a BRM LE 200, from new in 1999, now 67k. It has had 3 std dealer services, and two done by me. it has had one warranty claim at 9 months for a faulty temp sensor. That is it!
I doubt there are many golfs out there at 5 yrs old that have only seen the dealer 3 times in their life!! Oh nad it goes like stink too, it will do 75 in second, and is serious fun to drive! It really does still drive like the day we bought it, and seems very well screwed together, still no rattles etc.
Bad side is depreciation, but its so good it will be driven into the ground now, so who cares! It was cheap to start with and has been a brilliant car overall, no question.
I definately spend more time and money on my Golfs than the Rover. Mind you, they are worth more!
As for the Coupes, yep, pretty quick, can get them to about 220bhp I think. Top speed is good as they are very aerodynamic.
Horrid dash and interior though, and a very Barry rep now, but mess with one at your peril, some of em will dust ya!