MG ZR
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| MG ZR | |
|---|---|
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| Manufacturer | MG Rover Group |
| Production | 2001-2005 |
| Predecessor | MG Maestro |
| Successor | MG 3 |
| Class | Hot hatch |
| Layout | FF layout |
| Engine | 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. It is a badge-engineered version of the Rover 25 supermini with a number of suspension modifications and design features to appeal to younger drivers.
All ZRs came in a choice of vibrant metallic colours - such as trophy blue, trophy yellow and le mans green - it could even be factory specified with "flip" paint, which changes colour depending on the direction from which it is viewed (possibly the most common flip paint colour on the ZR is typhoon). The original mk1 ZR came as standard with 16" hairpin alloys, however the 17" MG multispoke straights were also an optional extra. The cars feature front and rear bumper extensions, a rear spoiler, side skirts (although these were not always stock on all ZRs) and a chrome exhaust heat shield (again not necessarily as standard). MG ZRs can be specified in a variety of formats, from a 1.4 L economical engine - seeing a 0-60 of 10.0 seconds, to a 1.8 L producing a 0-60 of 7.4 seconds. This provides a range of performance options between 105 bhp (1.4), 120bhp (1.8 non-vvc) and 160 bhp (1.8 vvc) as well as the diesel variations which were the 100bhp (2.0TD) and the 115bhp (2.0TD).
The ZR came in a number of trim options - for the mark 1 was the standard ZR as well as the plus models (featuring electric windows and front fogs as standard). The mark 2 ZR saw the introduction of the Trophy and Trophy SE models.
The car proved very popular with younger buyers in the UK and Europe and played a pivotal role in improving the perception of MG cars. Further incentives to buy have included deals such as free insurance or discounts equivalent to VAT. Such impressive value for money made the ZR as affordable as the average supermini, and in 2004 it was MG Rover's best-selling car.
In 2003, an MG Express, version of the ZR 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.
Other tweaks to the range include 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.
In 2004, MG Rover did announce 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. But in April 2005, MG Rover's proposed takeover by SAIC collapsed and the company went into receivership. Nanjing Automobile 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. Their effective successors will join the MG ZT and MG TF in the MG range at the end of 2008.
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