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MotorFiable

E-Tech Híbrido vs Rover K-Series: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the E-Tech Híbrido carries less risk than the Rover K-Series: 32/100 versus 46/100 (both moderate risk). The E-Tech Híbrido has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Multi-mode gearbox failure (risk of breakage)»; the Rover K-Series has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Head gasket failure».

Risk index

E-Tech Híbrido

32

Moderate risk · 2 serious faults

Lower risk

Risk index

Rover K-Series

46

Moderate risk · 2 serious faults

The index (0–100) weights the severity and frequency of the three most serious documented faults. How it is calculated

15 sourcesHow we work

Is the E-Tech Híbrido reliable?

The E-Tech combines a combustion engine (1.6 H4M naturally aspirated or 1.2 HR12 turbo) with electric motors and a multi-mode gearbox with no clutch or torque converter. Its best-documented weak point is the gearbox itself: reports from the Clio, Captur, Arkana, Austral, Duster and Jogger describe warnings of a risk of breakage, and Renault has launched two campaigns since 2020 (an electrical fault and a primary shaft seal). The 12 V battery also fails fairly often.[1][2][3]

See the 4 of the E-Tech Híbrido faults

Is the Rover K-Series reliable?

The Rover K-Series has one very well-known fault: the head gasket, which according to Diariomotor can fail at under 100,000 km and which technical sources link to a small cooling circuit and a badly placed thermostat. The usual repair uses the multi-layer (MLS) gasket developed for the Freelander; the other two documented faults (sunken liners and coolant leaks) are related to that same circuit.[4][5][6][7]

See the 3 of the Rover K-Series faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of E-Tech Híbrido and Rover K-Series
E-Tech HíbridoRover K-Series
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelPetrolPetrol
Displacement1,598 cm³—
TimingChainTiming belt (dry)
Power140–200 hp60–160 hp
Productionsince 2020[1][8][9]1990–2005[5][10]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)32Moderate risk46Moderate risk
Documented faults43
Of high or critical severity22
Worst severityHigh severityHigh severity
Main faults
  1. High severity: Multi-mode gearbox failure (risk of breakage)
  2. High severity: Stalling and injection warnings on the 1.2 E-Tech 200 (HR12)
  3. Medium severity: Hybrid system electrical fault with "DANGER" warning and car won't start
  1. High severity: Head gasket failure
  2. High severity: Sunken cylinder liners and warped head after overheating
  3. Medium severity: Coolant leaks: expansion tank cap, rear block rail and hoses
Most expensive documented repairNo reliable dataNo reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versionsNoneNone
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • 1.6 E-Tech Full Hybrid 140-145 (H4M, 2020+)[2][11]
  • 1.6 E-Tech Plug-in Hybrid 160 (H4M, 2020-2023)[12]
  • 1.2 E-Tech Full Hybrid 200 (HR12 turbo, 2022+)[3][13]
  • 1.1 K8 60 hp / K16 75 hp (Rover 25, 1998-2005)[4][7]
  • 1.4 8V/16V 74-103 hp (14K2F / 14K4F, 1995-2005)[4][6]
  • 1.6 16V 109-116 hp (16K4F, 1995-2005)[4][6]
  • 1.8 16V 117-136 hp (18K4F, 1995-2005)[4][6][14]
  • 1.8 VVC 145-160 hp (18K4K, 1995-2005)[14][15]
  • 1.8 T turbo 150-160 hp (18K4T, 2002-2005)[4][7]
AvoidVersions to avoidNoneNone

Severity of each fault: green, low; amber, medium; red, high; dark red, critical. How we rate them

Cars that each one is fitted to

E-Tech Híbrido

See the 12 models with the E-Tech Híbrido

Rover K-Series

See the 12 models with the Rover K-Series

Other comparisons

With the E-Tech Híbrido

With the Rover K-Series

Compare other engines

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Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. Renault Clio VWikipedia (francés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  2. Fiabilité et pannes de la Renault Clio 5Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  3. Fiabilité et pannes du Renault AustralFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  4. Guía de compra del MG TF de segunda manoDiariomotor · Motoring press · published 7 November 2023 · consulted 8 October 2026 · in Spanish
  5. MG TF (2002)Wikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 8 October 2026
  6. Choosing the correct K Series Head Gasket KitDMGRS · Technical documentation · consulted 8 October 2026
  7. Cooling and heating (K-Series: ZR, ZS, ZT, MGF, TF)MGOC Spares · Technical documentation · consulted 8 October 2026
  8. Renault Captur IIWikipedia (francés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  9. Renault AustralWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  10. Rover K-series engineWikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 8 October 2026
  11. Fiabilité et pannes du Renault ArkanaFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  12. Fiabilité et pannes du Renault Captur IIFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  13. Fiabilité et pannes du Renault Espace 6Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  14. MG ZR ZS ZT & Modern Engine & FuelMGOC Spares · Technical documentation · consulted 8 October 2026
  15. MGF & TF Headgasket Repair KitsMGOC Spares · Technical documentation · consulted 8 October 2026