MG ZR: the hot hatch that kept MG Rover alive

The MG ZR was an MG-branded hot hatch version of the Rover 25, produced by MG Rover at Longbridge from 2001 to 2005. Compared with the Rover 25 it had styling modifications and performance enhancements, including updated sports suspension and a less baffled exhaust.

MG ZR at a glance

History of the MG ZR

The hot hatch

The MG ZR was one of Britain’s most popular sporting hatchbacks throughout its production life, and in 2004 it was MG Rover’s best-selling car, the first time any MG product had been the most popular product of the combines that had owned the marque. Tens of thousands were sold in Britain and it proved popular with young buyers, attracted by deals such as free insurance and discounts equivalent to VAT. It was made until April 2005.

The range

The entry-level ZR 105 used the 16-valve 1.4 K-Series engine with 102 bhp and 123 Nm, giving a 0–60 mph time of 9.7 seconds and a top speed of 111 mph, with 262 mm solid discs at the front and drums at the rear. The ZR 120 had a 1.8 K-Series engine with 115 bhp and 160 Nm, 8.6 seconds to 60 mph and 119 mph, plus vented front discs and 239 mm rear discs. The range-topping ZR 160 used the 1.8 K-Series VVC engine with 159 bhp and 174 Nm, reaching 60 mph in 7.4 seconds and 131 mph, with 282 mm vented front discs and 260 mm rear discs.

Two diesel versions completed the line-up. The ZR TD 100 had a 2.0 L-Series engine with 99 bhp and 240 Nm, 9.7 seconds to 60 mph and 114 mph, while the TD 115, with a revised engine map, produced 111 bhp and 260 Nm for 9.1 seconds and 116 mph. The TD 115 shared the brakes of the ZR 120.

The Express van

The MG Express was produced alongside the ZR as a car-derived van. It had the same trim options and running gear, but a reinforced loadspace floor and a bulkhead fitted instead of the rear seats, and the rear side windows were replaced with bonded panels. Only 317 Express vans were built.

Facelift and competition

In January 2004 the ZR was facelifted with the rest of the MG Rover range, in a design created by Peter Stevens, who had also designed the McLaren F1. New front and rear bumpers, headlights, tailgate and other exterior features gave the car a more modern look, and the interior gained new seat materials and a dashboard with soft-touch buttons. The facelifted range added the Trophy and Trophy SE models, with sunroof or air conditioning and 16- or 17-inch alloy wheels, and the Monogram programme allowed buyers to order items from the Rover 25 options list.

MG Sport & Racing also built rally and racing ZRs. Two ZR 160s were prepared to Group N specification for the 2003 National Saloon Car Championship and later entered the Britcar endurance series, where they scored maximum points in their class in seven of eight races, and the MG Car Club runs a single-make MG Trophy championship for the model.

Design and features

• Sports chassis: uprated suspension and a less baffled exhaust than the Rover 25.
• VVC engine: 159 bhp in the ZR 160 with the most powerful brakes in the range.
• MG Express van: a car-derived commercial version with a reinforced load floor.
• 2004 facelift: restyled by Peter Stevens with Trophy and Trophy SE editions.

MG ZR versions

• ZR 105 (2001): 1.4-litre, 102 bhp.
• ZR 120: 1.8-litre, 115 bhp, with rear disc brakes.
• ZR 160: 1.8 VVC, 159 bhp, the fastest of the range.
• ZR TD 100 and TD 115: 2.0-litre diesel versions.
• MG Express: the van derivative, 317 built.
• Trophy and Trophy SE (2004): facelift special editions.

The ZR shared the MG Rover range with the MG ZS and MG ZT; more cars are in the MG collection.

Video: Top Gear GTi Tiff Needell Road Testing the MG ZR, ZS & ZT 2002

Video by HighHoe Kermit on YouTube.

Sources

• MG ZR, English Wikipedia: range, engines, MG Express, facelift and racing