MG ZS
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| MG ZS | |
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| Manufacturer: | MG Rover |
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| Production: | 2001-2005 |
| Predecessor: | MG Montego |
| Class: | FF midsize car |
| Engine: | 1.6 L K-Series Straight-4 1.8 L K-Series Straight-4 2.5 L KV6 V6 2.0 L L-Series I4 |
| Related: | Rover 45 |
The MG ZS (2001-2005) is a sporting family car derived from the Rover 45 (launched in 1999). The 45 is a facelifted version of the Rover 400 which was launched in hatchback form in 1995 and saloon form in 1996. The Rover 400 had much in common with the Honda Civic of 1995-1999. At the time of development, Honda and Rover worked in partnership to design and develop cars for the Japanese and European markets.
The model was rapidly created from the Rover 45 after BMW sold off Rover in 2000. Development of the model was greatly accelerated by the fact that Rover had already created 400-series prototypes of the car using V6 engines and sporting suspension setups. In fact, MG-Rover developed MG versions of all three Rover cars on sale at the time. The Rover 25 became the MG ZR, the 45 the ZS and the 75 the ZT.
The Rover 45 donor car did not have a reputation for being a driver's car but in fact it was the most suitable car in the Rover range for transformation into an MG, it's Honda heritage providing double-wishbone front suspension and fully independent multi-link rear suspension. As a Rover, the car was always optimised for comfort rather than handling — as an MG this choice was reversed to dramatic effect.
Despite being arguably less pretty than the MG ZR and MG ZT in terms of external appearance, the ZS is arguably the best driver’s car of the trio, offering a lot of power in V6 form and a supple chassis with excellent handling.
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[edit] Variants and Updates
A successor to the Rover 45/MG ZS (known internally as RDX60) was under development. This was to have been based on a shortened Rover 75 floorpan and was to appear in saloon, hatchback and 'tourer' (estate) bodystyles. Chassis development was being undertaken by Tom Walkinshaw Racing and ceased when TWR collapsed. The non-appearance of RDX60 meant that the ZS was facelifted and continued in production until the demise of MG-Rover.
In 2004 the ZS was facelifted with the rest of the MG-Rover range. The retro design cues adopted when the 400 became the 45 were mostly dropped. For the first time the Rover 45 and MG ZS became noticeably different looking cars – at least in the high specification ZS180 version. Wheelarch extensions, side vents in the wings and other touches delivered a distinctive look for the new ZS. The 2004 model also received a revised interior with new seat materials, a new dash design incorporating climate control on certain models.
MG ZS production ceased in April 2005 on the bankrupty of MG Rover, and the rights to make the car were soon repossessed by Honda - who owned the rights to the original 1995 design. As a result, production of the ZS will not resume when Nanjing Automobile re-opens the Longbridge works in early 2007. A new mid-sized car will take its place in the range at the end of 2008, when Nanjing launches its first three all-new models for the MG range.
[edit] Performance
Performance data for the MG ZS range:
| Model | Engine | Power | Torque | 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) | Top speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZS105 | 1.4 L K-Series | 103 hp (77 kW) at 6000 rpm | 123 N·m (90 ft·lbf) at 4500 rpm | 10.8 | 115 mph (185 km/h) |
| ZS110 | 1.6 L K-Series | 107 hp (80 kW) at 6000 rpm | 138 N·m (101 ft·lbf) at 4500 rpm | 9.8 | 119 mph (192 km/h) |
| ZS120 | 1.8 L K-Series | 115 hp (86 kW) at 5500 rpm | 160 N·m (118 ft·lbf) at 2750 rpm | 9.0 | 122 mph (196 km/h) |
| ZS180 | 2.5 L KV6 | 175 bhp ,180 ps (130 kW) at 6500 rpm | 240 N·m (177 ft·lbf) at 4000 rpm | 7.3 | 141 mph (224 km/h) |
| ZS TD (discontinued) | 2.0 L L-Series | 99 hp (74 kW) at 4200 rpm | --- | --- | --- |
| ZS TD 115 | 2.0 L L-Series | 111 hp (83 kW) at 4200rpm | 260 N·m (191 ft·lbf) at 2000 rpm | 9.5 | 120 mph (193 km/h) |
[edit] Racing
The ZS has been raced in the British Touring Car Championship since 2001 (and continues to be raced despite the demise of the manufacturer). The West Surrey Racing (WSR) team enjoyed 'works' status for several years (until MG Rover ran out of money!) and initially ran cars with a two-litre version of the Rover KV6 engine, later switching to four-cylinder K-series engines. Ex-WSR V6 cars have appeared in other hands, and a 'junior team' was run in 2002.
MG BTCC drivers to date have been:
| Year | Team | Drivers |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 (partial season) | MG Sport and Racing (WSR) | Anthony Reid (2), Warren Hughes (20) |
| 2002 | MG Sport and Racing (WSR) | Anthony Reid, Warren Hughes |
| 2002 | Team Atomic Kitten (semi-works junior team) | Colin Turkington, Gareth Howell |
| 2003 | MG Sport and Racing (WSR) | Anthony Reid, Warren Hughes, Colin Turkington |
| 2004 | West Surrey Racing | Anthony Reid, Colin Turkington |
| 2004 | Kartworld Racing | Jason Hughes |
| 2005 | West Surrey Racing | Rob Collard |
| 2006 | Team RAC (WSR) | Rob Collard, Colin Turkington |
| 2006 | Kartworld Racing | Jason Hughes |
[edit] Quotations
- "The best handling front wheel drive car I've ever driven" - Tiff Needell (UK racing driver & journalist).
- "You should try one. It's bloody good" - Jeremy Clarkson (UK Motoring Journalist).
