Heading up the new MG saloon range, the ZT models bring a new sporting aura to the upper-medium and compact executive car sectors. Four models lead the range, with new 160Ps and 190Ps versions of the 2.5-litre KV6 quad-cam alloy engines, high levels of equipment and a ZT+ specification with prices ranging between £18,595 and £21,095 OTR. MG is also simultaneously launching MG ZR and MG ZS models to compete with the same affordable-power concept in other sectors of the market.

Looks to drive for

True to MGs sports pedigree, the MG ZT makes a strong visual impact with a purposeful stance and style. Aerodynamic features and various chassis dynamic elements have been developed to influence handling qualities to produce a real sports-driving characteristic.

The purposeful muscular appearance of the MG ZT is achieved by a front-end design dominated by a bold MG grille, its surround painted to match the body colour, and incorporating bright mesh. The deep bumper moulding contains stylish circular indicator lamps, front fog lamps and bright mesh for optimised cooling performance and high-speed stability.

A body coloured aerodynamic rear spoiler is available on the MG ZT models, which has been harmonised with the front bumper design to substantially reduce aerodynamic lift, benefiting straight-line stability, controlling high-speed lane change characteristics and increasing high-speed braking efficiency. Rear bumpers incorporate a stainless steel heatshield, surrounding the twin stainless steel large-bore exhaust tailpipes tuned for low back pressure and to produce a characteristic sports sound.

The interior focuses on a 'technical’ look with fascia panels and console finished in Rhodium silver, with matching silver finished instrument dials. The traditional MG octagon badge features at the centre of the black leather trimmed steering wheel, perforated on the grip sections. A similar approach co-ordinates the spherical alloy/leather gearshift and handbrake.

Front seats complement the exciting new MG driving experience, with seats providing exceptional lateral support. The seat fabrics have been designed to coordinate with the dark grey overall theme, with the centre panels trimmed in flat-woven ‘Matrix’ fabric, inspired by the chequered racing flag and coloured to harmonise with the bold body colour range with red/green or blue/yellow fabric panels and decorative top stitching. A folding rear seat with load through facility is standard.

Additional standard features include twin front and side (thorax) airbags, ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), alarm and immobiliser, driver’s height and lumbar adjustment, remote central door locking, electric front windows and door mirrors, air conditioning, pollen filter and 18" alloy wheels.

Enhanced MG ZT+ 160 and ZT+ 190 models feature automatic temperature controlled (ATC) air-conditioning, electric rear windows, an aerodynamic enhancing rear boot spoiler and CD autochanger as standard equipment.

Sure-footed chassis dynamics

The MG ZT 160 and MG ZT 190 lead the range with an impressive technical specification. Firm spring rates, stiff engine and subframe mounts, and a quicker 16.4:1 steering rack for incisive turn in, produce an excellent suspension behaviour and the damping characteristics prevent steering overshoot often associated with such responsive vehicles. This control allows the MG ZT to run true over the most undulating of roads and it permits very high performance on all roads without demanding effort from the driver, yet it provides intimate involvement. The MG ZT range starts with the ZT 160 at £18,595 OTR, with the ZT+ 160 at £19,195. The more powerful ZT 190 is £20,495 with the extra features of the ZT+ 190 priced at £21,095 OTR.

Rob Oldaker, MG Rover’s Product Development Director, said: "MG has always been about unleashing the potential for excitement and I’m sure these new British products will express themselves with verve, in the hands of the owners that drive them. We have produced some exhilarating new MG cars and I’m sure they will thrill all who are lucky enough to drive one."

In September 2001 the ZT-T estate version will be available in similar trim levels and in Spring 2002 V8 powered rear-wheel-drive versions will be available – initially with 260Ps and later, in ‘ultimate’ specification with 375Ps.

The MG ZT saloon is a product from a brand famously dedicated to sports car motoring, competing in a sector where it will be recognised for its performance, appearance, equipment specification and pricing value. Competitors include Alfa 156, Lexus IS200, Jaguar X-type and BMW 3 Series and sports orientated versions of the Saab 9-3, Audi A4, Mercedes C-class and Volvo S60.

1.8K Turbo Introduced

In late 2003 MG Rover launched the Turbo charged 1.8K version of the ZT, also outputing 160bhp. This was intended to replace the 160 version of the 2.5KV6 engine, but continuing demand saw the V6 version continue to be produced as a special order vehicle.

The turbocharged and intercooled 1.8-litre K Series engine was MG Rover's answer to the UK’s demand for a CO2 tax-beating car with a sports appearance and excellent chassis characteristics.

The new 1.8-litre turbocharged versions of the ZT range expanded the appeal in both company car and retail sectors, with a CO2 rating of 194 g/km and a Euro III standard combined fuel economy figure of 34.9mpg. These figures compare with 225 g/km and 30.0mpg for the previous 160Ps V6 model. The high efficiency turbo unit delivers worthwhile gains in performance, reducing the 0-60mph time from 8.8secs to 8.5secs, and the fifth gear 50-70mph time from 10.7secs to 9.8secs (similar improvements also apply to the comparable ZT-T estate car versions).

Because the turbo unit has been specifically developed for high torque in the key driving range, with 215Nm available all the way from a mere 2100rpm to over 4500rpm, it has a strong and tireless character, to be enjoyed either on the longest journey or the shortest sprint.

The gearing of the new ZT turbo models has been carefully optimised to combine performance and economy. A final drive ratio of 4.167:1 provides overall gearing of 22.2 mph/1000 rpm in fifth gear, which places it between the gearing of the former ZT160 (23.4mph/1000rpm) and that of the continuing ZT190 (21.0mph/1000rpm).

Many drivers will also enjoy the enhanced responsiveness and agility that the 50 kg lighter power unit adds to the already sporting ZT chassis.

New Generation Turbocharger

The new turbocharged MG ZT models use the latest Garrett GT20 turbocharger with T100 turbine wheel design. This new-generation unit moves away from traditional turbocharger configurations, which until now have been predominantly designed for diesel applications. The T100 is a dedicated petrol engine concept, shaped to work more effectively over the greater speed range of modern petrol engines such as the K Series. In order to retain good off-boost efficiency, a balanced combination of moderate boost pressures and a relatively high compression ratio is used.

The unit incorporates a special cast stainless steel exhaust manifold able to withstand temperatures of around 1000°C, with specially developed pistons and connecting rods, and an uprated oil pump.

The new 1.8T models had on-the-road pricing from £18,970 for the ZT 160 saloon and £19,580 for the ZT+ 160. The ZT-T 160 estate started at £19,935 and rises to £20,545 for the ZT-T+ 160.

MG ZT 160 160Ps 2.5-litre KV6 manual

MG ZT 190 190Ps 2.5-litre KV6 manual

Standard equipment on all ZT models, includes:

Twin front and side airbags
Side (thorax) airbags
ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
Alarm and immobiliser
Driver’s height and lumbar adjustment
Height and reach adjustable steering wheel
Remote central door locking with superlocking
Electric front windows
Electric door mirrors
Air conditioning
Pollen filter
Bright tailpipe and exhaust heatshield
18" 7.5J alloy wheels with 225/45 R18 tyres
‘Hairpins’ alloy wheels (ZT 160 / ZT+ 160)
‘Straights’ alloy wheels (ZT 190 / ZT+ 190)
MG leather steering wheel and gearknob
Rhodium silver 'technical' finish fascia inserts/ console
Sports cloth seat and door casings
Body coloured radiator grille with bright mesh
Body coloured rear number plate surround
Body coloured bumper inserts
Black matt finish for window surrounds
Deep front bumper incorporating fog lights

MG ZT+ 160

MG ZT+ 190

Additional specification features over the standard ZT models include:

ATC air conditioning
Rear electric windows
CD autochanger
Aerodynamic rear boot lid spoiler

These specifications are for the UK market. Deviations from the model variants described here are possible in various formats.

MG ZT 160 (1.8t) in Monogram Lagoon

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