MG ZR

Infobox Automobile


name = MG ZR
manufacturer = MG Rover Group
production = 2001-2005
predecessor = MG Metro
successor = MG 3
related = Rover 25
layout = FF layout
class = Hot hatch
body_style =
engine = 1.4 L "K-Series" Straight-4
1.8 L "K-Series" Straight-4The 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.

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 (these were not standard base model ZR's) and a chrome exhaust heat shield (only available on the ZR160 models as standard). The MGZR was available in a 3 and 5 door chasis. Disc brakes all round were available on the ZR120 and ZR160 versions, with rear drum brakes preferred on the 1.4 and TD models. MG also had a "+" model for the ZR105 and ZR120, adding extras such as R.C. central locking, electric front windows and electric heated mirrors. Air conditioning remained an option extra on all but the ZR 160. MG also gave the ZR as with most other MG's a production number, this was located on the drivers door pillar. This allowed buyers to confirm the authenticity of the MG they were buying and help tell it apart form their rover sisters.

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).

MGZRS at first were available in 5 Colours, Tropy Yellow, Tropy Blue, (edit) Red, Platinum Silver and Anthracite. Monogram released more colours later, with some spectacular dual colour designs.

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.

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 the use of soft touch buttons. This gave the cars a far more modern feel and matched the clean modern lines of the exterior.

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. The Trophy SE featured 17 inch 'Straights' alloy wheels and had air conditioning in the place of a sunroof.

Under the Monogram programme buyers could also select a wide range of options to customise their ZR such as choosing optional extras from the the Rover 25 list. An example of this being rear parking sensors or heated seats.

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. [http://www.rallybrcstars.co.uk/main.php?attrib=&attrib2=&page=News]

MG ZR in Racing

MG Sport & Racing built two MG ZR 160's to Group N Specification for the 2003 National Saloon Car Championship. After only two events, and due to poor grids, the 'Team Airconstruct' cars were modified with dry-break refuelling systems and entered into the EERC Britcar Endurance Series run by James Tucker.Driven by car owner John Hammersley and teenager Anrew Dunlop, car # 34 was a late entry into the Series, with only eight races remaining. In a remarkable season the Hammersley/Dunlop pairing scored maximum points in Britcar Class 4 in seven out of eight events, missing out on the overall title, and a perfect score, by only two points to Andy Rouse in a DTM Mercedes, and Callum Lockie in a BMW M3.John Hammersley with son Mark took the Series win in the following year with the car, which had by then been upgraded to 'works' specification 190bhp, Group N+ Spec.

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 2006Fact|date=May 2007. 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 [cite web | title=Chinese plant rolls out first MG | publisher=BBC News | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6497959.stm | accessdate=2007-04-30] . It will be replaced by the MG 3 in 2008. [cite web | title=Chinese hopes for revived Rover cars | publisher=BBC News | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6583887.stm | accessdate=2007-05-07] .

ee also

*MG F/TF
*MG ZS
*MG ZT
*MG 7

References

External links

* [http://www.mg-rover.com Official MG-Rover website]
* [http://www.theMGZR.co.uk Unoffical MG ZR owners club]
* [http://www.mgzr.org Unofficial MG ZR modification site]
* [http://www.xpower-mg.com XPower-MG]