At its launch in 1985, Rover announced that it would complete the necessary number of cars required for homologation by November of that year.

The car was to participate in the Lombard RAC rally in November 1985, and an example, driven by works driver Tony Pond, finished a highly respectable third, behind two Lancia Delta S4s.

This good start was unfortunately not repeated, and although a 6R4 was entered in rallies at Monte Carlo, Sweden, Portugal and Corsica during the 1986 season, none of the Metros managed to complete a course.

Halfway during the 1986 season, Group B was banned (following a series of fatal crashes in which both competitors and spectators lost their lives).

A number passed into private hands and have proved formidable rally and rallycross cars.