Jump jockey Richard Dunwoody is to take part in the World Cup Rally, from London to the Sahara Desert, in Rover's new Streetwise 'urban on-roader'.

The World Cup Rally is limited to cars with standard production engines (up to 1,400cc), gearboxes and brakes. In previous years, the similar powered MG ZR and Rover 25s have performed well on the event with several top-ten finishes, and last year's MG ZR finished second overall.

MG Rover hopes the Streetwise Rover 25 derivative's 'urban-tough' image will be enhanced by success in the tough, partly off-road, and largely non-urban event .