MG ZR

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 This article does not cite any references or sources. (May 2007)
Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable material may be challenged and removed.
MG ZR
Manufacturer MG Rover Group
Production 2001-2005
Predecessor MG Metro
Successor MG 3
Class Hot hatch
Layout FF layout
Engine(s) 1.4 L K-Series Straight-4
1.8 L K-Series Straight-4
Related Rover 25

The MG ZR is a hot hatch produced by the MG Rover Group from 2001 to 2005. Based on the Rover 25, the ZR featured a number of styling modifications and performance enhancements such as uprated sports suspension.

Contents

[edit] Performance

The original Mk1 ZR came as standard with 16" hairpin alloys, however the 17" MG multispoke straights were also an optional extra. The ZR featured front and rear bumper extensions, a rear spoiler, side skirts (although these were not always standard on all ZRs) and a chrome exhaust heat shield (again, not necessarily as standard). MG ZRs could be specified in a variety of formats, from a 1.4 L economical engine - seeing a 0-60 mph of 9.7 seconds, to a 1.8 L producing a 0-60 mph of 7.4 seconds. This provided a range of performance options between 105 bhp (1.4), 120 bhp (1.8 non-vvc) and 160 bhp (1.8 vvc) which would make 0-60 in 7.4 seconds. as well as the diesel variations which were the 100 bhp (2.0TD) and the 115 bhp (2.0TD).

[edit] Reception

The MG ZR is 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.

[edit] MG Express and facelift

In 2003 the MG Express was introduced, effectively a fast 2-seater van. In 2004, the ZR was facelifted with the rest of the MG Rover range. The front and rear design changes increased the differences between the ZR and Rover 25. The 2004 model also received a revised interior with new seat materials and a new dash design incorporating climate control on certain models.

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.

[edit] MG ZR in Rallying

MG Sport & Racing developed a number of MG ZR's 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]

[edit] MG Rover collapse

In 2004, MG Rover announced plans for a new car to replace the ZR and its Rover twin, the 25. It was hoped that the new cars could be on sale before the end of 2006[citation needed]. However, 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 will be replaced by the MG 3 in 2008.[2].

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ Chinese plant rolls out first MG. BBC News. Retrieved on 2007-04-30.
  2. ^ Chinese hopes for revived Rover cars. BBC News. Retrieved on 2007-05-07.

[edit] External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to:
Languages