MG ZR  Overview

MG is launching a new range of performance ‘supermini’ cars, with a dedicated sports personality in the form of the MG ZR. Prices range from £9,995 to £14,845 and assure buyers that the new MG product range provides best ‘performance-for-money’.

MG is also simultaneously launching 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 is 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 is 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 is 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 is 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 feature 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 complete the distinctive appearance. ZR is tuned with a sporting chassis set-up for agile and responsive cornering dynamics. Rapid steering response, throttle adjustability and direct steering feedback are all key to the driver enjoyment of this ‘pocket-rocket’. The ZRs also feature a low ride-height, sports rated front and rear springs and next-generation’ Delphi high technology dampers give a composed ride and handling balance.

ABS is 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 gives an impressive stopping performance. ZR models have a sleeved single bright exhaust pipe, with the ZR 160 housing twin sleeved exhaust pipes within a stainless steel heatshield. MG ZR has form-hugging sports front seats and definitive MG interior style cues in trim, instrumentation and controls.

ZR+ models feature 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 make 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, to provide a sports experience interior.

MG ZR will compete with sporting and performance derivatives of the Peugeot 206, Renault Clio, Seat Ibiza, Fiat Punto and Citroen Saxo. The MG ZR range starts with the ZR 105 three-door at £9.995 OTR and progresses 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

MG ZR 105

• 1.4-litre manual

MG ZR 120

• 1.8-litre manual or Stepspeed transmission

MG ZR Turbo Diesel

• 2.0 litre manual

Standard equipment on all ZR models, includes:

Body coloured exterior items:

• Front bib spoiler, side sill finishers, side rubbing strips
• Door handles and mirrors, tailgate lift and bumper inserts
• Aerodynamic spoiler, tailgate spoiler and rear bib spoiler
• Black headlamp bezels
• Bright mesh main and lower grilles
• 16" ‘Hairpins’ alloy wheels with 205/50 tyres
• Low sports suspension, sports springs and dampers
• Sharp steering response
• ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (1.8 models)
• Wide-bore single bright exhaust pipe

MG ZR+

Additional specification features over the standard ZR model include:

• Remote central door locking
• Electric front windows and door mirrors
• Electric sunroof
• Drivers seat height & lumbar adjustment
• Leather steering wheel
• Leather and alloy gearknob
• Front fog lights

MG ZR 160

160Ps 1.8-litre with Variable Valve Control

Additional spec for ZR 160 models, over the ZR+ model include:

• Air conditioning (ilo sunroof)
• Volumetric alarm

• 1.8 160Ps VVC engine with close ratio gearbox
• Twin wide-bore exhaust tailpipes with heatshield

• Large front (282mm) and rear (260mm) disc brakes
• 17" ‘Straights’ sports alloy wheels with 205/45 R17 tyres

• Part leather sports seat

• Sculpted side sill finishers

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