MUSIC blared out and models led by Kate Moss strutted their stuff as Rover launched its key 25 and 45 models at the London Motor Show.

Triple Jump Champion Jonathan Edwards also went through a new set of steps as he and other athletes joined in the spectacular unveiling.

The 25 and 45 replace the 200 and 400 models in Rover's line-up which is led by the recently-launched Oxford-built Rover 75.

The two new cars are vital for the future of the BMW-owned company which has seen sales slump this year as its German parent slims down and repositions the company for the 21st century.

On sale from November 25, the 25 will be priced as a premium supermini and will compete with the likes of the Volkswagen Polo, Ford Fiesta and Peugeot 206 and be aimed at younger buyers who want a distinctive and sporting hatchback.

The Rover 45, on sale from the end of January, will be targeted at the lower medium sector against the VW Golf, Vauxhall Astra and Ford Focus.

Rover's sales did pick up a little last month when the company had its biggest monthly share of the new car market in 1999.

But overall sales for the first nine months of this year are well down and much is riding on the success of the two new models. Rover at least can take heart from the fact that its hugely attended and excitingly-mounted launch is unlikely to be overshadowed by events in the way that the unveiling of the Rover 75 was last year.

On that occasion, BMW spoilt the day, saying severe cutbacks were needed at Rover's UK plants.

Story date: Thursday 21 October

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