| Manufacturer | MG Rover |
|---|---|
| Production | 2001-2005 |
| Predecessor | MG Metro |
| Successor | MG3 SW MG3 |
| Class | Hot hatch |
| Layout | FF layout |
| Engine | 1.4 L K-Series Straight-4 1.8 L K-Series Straight-4 1.8 L K-Series VVC Straight-4 2.0 L L-Series Straight-4 |
| Related | Rover 25 Rover Streetwise MG3 SW |
The MG ZR is a high-performance MG-branded "hot hatch" version of the Rover 25 supermini-class car, produced by MG Rover at their Longbridge plant in Birmingham from 2001 to 2005. Compared to the Rover 25, the ZR featured a number of styling modifications and performance enhancements such as uprated sports suspension and a less baffled exhaust.
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The MG ZR was one of Britain's most popular sporting hatchbacks throughout its production life, and in 2004 was MG Rover's best selling car—the first time that any MG product had been the most popular product of any of the many combines that had owned the MG marque. Tens of thousands of MG ZRs were sold in Britain, and proved particularly popular with young buyers who were attracted by deals such as free insurance and discounts that were the equivalent of VAT. While its handling was praised by reviewers, other apects of the ZR were found to be inadequate. Parkers said it "lacks go" and is "Sporty to drive and lively performance but many of the 25’s shortcomings remain, which no amount of snazzy paint and in-yer-face bodykit can hide. It’s cramped, has a haphazard dash layout and is neither supermini nor small family sized." and 'WhatCar?' magazine gave the MG 2 out of 5 stars, and said the "build quality is poor and the diesels are rowdy". The car was generally said to be fun to drive but impractical and built poorly.
ZR 105 came with a 1.4 K series engine which produced 102 bhp (76 kW; 103 PS) and 123 N·m (91 lb·ft) torque giving a 0–60 mph of 9.8 seconds and a top speed of 111 mph (179 km/h).
The ZR 120 came with a 1.8 K series engine which produced 115 bhp (86 kW; 117 PS) and 160 N·m (120 lb·ft) torque giving a 0–60 mph of 8.6 seconds and a top speed of 119 mph (192 km/h).
The range-topping ZR 160 came with a 1.8 K Series VVC engine producing 157 bhp (117 kW; 159 PS) and 174 N·m (128 lb·ft) torque giving a 0–60 mph of 7.4 seconds and a top speed of 131 mph (211 km/h).
There were also two diesel variants of the ZR, the first being the ZR TD 100 which had a 2.0 L Series engine that made 99 bhp (74 kW; 100 PS) and 240 N·m (180 lb·ft) torque giving a 0-60 mph of 9.7 seconds and a top speed of 114 mph (183 km/h).
The other diesel-engined ZR was the TD 115 which came with the same 2.0 L series engine but with some minor performance enhancements (improved ECU map), to produce 111 bhp (83 kW; 113 PS) and 260 N·m (190 lb·ft) torque, which saw the car have a 0-60 mph of 9.1 seconds and a top speed of 116 mph (187 km/h).
The TD 115 also came equipped with disc brakes at both the front and the rear, whereas the TD 100 had drums at the back similar to the ZR 105.
In 2003 the MG Express was introduced, effectively a fast two-seater van. In 2004, the ZR was facelifted with the rest of the MG Rover range. A new, more modern look was given to the car through new front and rear bumpers, headlights, tailgate and various other exterior features. The 2004 model also received a revised interior with new seat materials and a new dash design incorporating the use of soft-touch buttons. This gave the cars a far more modern feel and matched the clean, more angular lines of the exterior.
The facelifted Mk2 ZR also saw the introduction of the Trophy and Trophy SE models. The MG ZR Trophy featuring a sunroof, 16-inch 'Grid-spoke' alloys, new rear light clusters, leather steering wheel and side sill and rear bumper extensions. The Trophy SE featured 17-inch 'Straights' alloy wheels and had air conditioning in the place of a sunroof.
Under the Monogram programme buyers could also select a wide range of options to customise their ZR such as choosing optional extras from the Rover 25 list. An example of this being rear parking sensors or heated seats.
MG Sport & Racing developed a number of MG ZRs to be used in club and national rallying. MG Sport & Racing signed Gwyndaf Evans, Tony Jardine and Natalie Barratt to compete in a number of events. A number of MG ZR's still compete in national rallying events, and the 2007 Rally of GB event saw Luke Pinder compete a ZR in the N1 class and despite not driving the car before the event he led the class after day one and went on to win his class. [1]
MG Sport & Racing built two MG ZR 160's to Group N Specification for the 2003 National Saloon Car Championship. After only two events, and due to poor grids, the 'Team Airconstruct' cars were modified with dry-break refuelling systems and entered into the EERC Britcar Endurance Series run by James Tucker. Driven by car owner John Hammersley and teenager Andrew Dunlop, car # 34 was a late entry into the Series, with only eight races remaining. In a remarkable season the Hammersley/Dunlop pairing scored maximum points in Britcar Class 4 in seven out of eight events, missing out on the overall title, and a perfect score, by only two points to Andy Rouse in a DTM Mercedes, and Callum Lockie in a BMW M3. John Hammersley with son Mark took the Series win in the following year with the car, which had by then been upgraded to 'works' specification 190 bhp (142 kW; 193 PS), Group N+ Spec. The MG ZR is now raced in the MGCC in two classes, 160s and 190. The races are close and fun filled.
In April 2005, MG Rover's proposed takeover by SAIC collapsed and the company went into receivership. Nanjing Automobile eventually bought the company's assets three months later, but when the MG range was relaunched in 2007 the ZR and ZS were not included in the model range.[1] It was replaced by the MG3 SW in 2008, sold to the Chinese market only.[2] In 2010, SAIC announced a new MG3 concept car to replace the ZR which is due to entre the UK market in late 2011 or early 2012. It is expected to come with a 1.3 or 1.5 engine.
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