MG is also simultaneously launched the MG ZS and MG ZT models to compete with the same affordable-power concept in other sectors of the market. The purposeful appearance of the new MG ZR was complemented by a new front design, dominated by a bold new grille, its surround painted to match the body colour and incorporating bright finish mesh, finished with the traditional MG octagon badge.
The ZR was a particularly attractive ‘hot hatch’, built in 3- and 5-door body styles and available in a variety of engines and trim levels, to cater for market needs. Involving performance was guaranteed - whether the ZR is powered by the 1.4-litre K Series, L Series turbo diesel, 1.8-litre K Series in manual or Stepspeed transmission. The top performing model was the ZR 160 with the verve of the 160Ps 1.8-litre K Series with Variable Valve Control that also powers the MGF Trophy 160 SE.
All ZR’s featured body coloured exterior items; side rubbing strips, door handles and mirrors, bumper inserts, tailgate lift, aerodynamic tailgate spoilers, front and rear bib spoilers. Black headlamp bezels and bright mesh main and lower grilles completed the distinctive appearance. ZR was tuned with a sporting chassis set-up for agile and responsive cornering dynamics. Rapid steering response, throttle adjustability and direct steering feedback were all key to the driver enjoyment of this ‘pocket-rocket’. The ZRs also featured a low ride-height, sports rated front and rear springs and next-generation’ Delphi high technology dampers gave a composed ride and handling balance.
ABS was standard on 1.8 models, with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and available as an option on other MG ZR models. Large front 282mm and 260mm rear discs on the range-topping ZR 160 gave an impressive stopping performance. ZR models had a sleeved single bright exhaust pipe, with the ZR 160 housing twin sleeved exhaust pipes within a stainless steel heatshield. MG ZR had form-hugging sports front seats and definitive MG interior style cues in trim, instrumentation and controls.
ZR+ models featured enhancements over and above the already high standard of ZR equipment specification. Remote central door locking, electric front windows and door mirrors, electric sunroof, drivers seat height & lumbar adjustment, leather steering wheel, front fog lights and a leather and alloy gearknob made for an impressive specification.
The range-topping ZR 160 has more. Powered by the 160Ps K Series VVC engine and includes a close ratio gearbox, it has more standard features over the ZR+. Twin wide-bore exhaust tailpipes with heatshield, large brakes, 17" ‘Straights’ sports alloy wheels with 205/45 R17 tyres and sculpted side sill finishers complete the exterior design. The ZR 160 also features air conditioning, a volumetric alarm and ‘Monaco’ part leather sports seats, influenced by exterior body colour, provided a sports experience interior.
MG ZR competed with sporting and performance derivatives of the Peugeot 206, Renault Clio, Seat Ibiza, Fiat Punto and Citroen Saxo. The MG ZR range started with the ZR 105 three-door at £9.995 OTR and progressed to £14,345 OTR for the ZR 160. Five-door models are available for an additional £500.
Rob Oldaker, MG Rover’s Product Development Director, said: "The new ZR gives customers exhilaration and performance whatever their budget, something MG has always stood for. "The fact that Gwyndaf Evans is competing in the British and World rally F3 1600 championships in the MG ZR is demonstration of our commitment to this great automotive sporting brand."
MG ZR 105
MG ZR 120
MG ZR Turbo Diesel
Standard equipment on all ZR models, includes:
Body coloured exterior items:
MG ZR+
Additional specification features over the standard ZR model include:
MG ZR 160
160Ps 1.8-litre with Variable Valve Control
Additional spec for ZR 160 models, over the ZR+ model include:
|
|
ZR 105 |
ZR 120 |
ZR 120 Stepspeed |
ZR TD |
ZR 160 |
|
0-60mph |
10.0 |
8.6 |
9.5 |
9.7 |
7.4 |
|
30-50mph (4th) |
9.6 |
6.4 |
n.a. |
6.3 |
6.9 |
|
50-70mph (4th) |
10.8 |
7.1 |
n.a. |
7.0 |
7.3 |
|
80-120km/h (4th) |
13.5 |
9.0 |
n.a |
9.1 |
9.1 |
|
Top Speed |
111/179 |
119/192 |
112/180 |
114/183 |
131/210 |
|
|
ZR 105 |
ZR 120 |
ZR 120 Stepspeed |
ZR TD |
ZR 160 |
|
EU urban |
31.1/9.1 |
28.5/9.9 |
24.7/11.5 |
39.2/7.2 |
27.1/10.4 |
|
EU extra-Urban |
51.1/5.5 |
49.4/5.7 |
45.0/6.3 |
68.3/4.1 |
48.7/5.8 |
|
EU Combined |
41.3/6.8 |
38.9/7.3 |
34.6/8.2 |
53.8/5.2 |
37.6/7.5 |
|
CO2 g/km |
164 |
173 |
196 |
150 |
179 |
All fuel economy figures were in accordance with Directive 93/116EC. They were calculated using the same test cycle as used for official exhaust emission classifications. They cannot be compared with previous steady speed/urban figures and are more representative of actual on-road fuel consumption.
Under normal use a car's actual fuel consumption may differ from those achieved through the test procedure, depending on driving technique, road and traffic conditions, environmental factors and vehicle condition.
All MG ZR petrol models wereequipped with a three-way controlled catalytic converter and must use unleaded fuel. The use of premium (95 RON) unleaded fuel is recommended. Fuel tank capacity: 11 gallons (50 litres)
