MG ZT-T Gossip

ZT-T Gossip

All Press Releases are provided by MG - Rovers Press office unless stated otherwise!

11 January 2003 - Auto Express reviews the 1.8T favourably
17 July 2002 - MG ZT-T Sports Suspension
21 November 2001 - ZT-T looks for police Endorsement
15 May 2002 - Rapid Response Vehicle
19 September 2001 - ZT-T reviewed by Auto Express
Barry Shevills uses a ZT-T for his European Tour in 2001

11 January 2003 - Auto Express reviews the 1.8T favourably

If you heard that MG had swapped the ZT 160's V6 for a four-cylinder 1.8-litre engine, you might feel short changed. But the powerplant switch has been designed to give you more cash in your pocket, without having to sacrifice any performance.

The new turbocharged model aims to expand the ZT's appeal in the highly competitive fleet market. Whereas the 2.5-litre V6 ZT-T 160 kicked out 225g/km of carbon dioxide, placing it in the 27 per cent company car tax bracket, the new model displaces only 194g/km, equating to a seven per cent lower tax liability. For a higher-rate taxpayer, that could mean savings of thousands of pounds a year.

And the bonuses don't stop there. Fuel economy also improves significantly, as official figures claim an extra five miles a gallon, with the combined result now up to a reasonable 34.9mpg. Power comes from the familiar 1.8-litre K-Series engine, but it's been equipped with a Garrett GT20 turbocharger, lifting output to 159bhp - or 41bhp more than a standard Rover 75 1.8. On paper the performance is much the same as the outgoing V6, with 0-60mph possible in 8.9 seconds and a top speed of 130mph.

But on the road the new ZT-T 160 feels significantly different, and it is certainly more brutal. The turbo comes in sharply, causing torque steer that could surprise the unwitting, especially on damp or loose surfaces. It's not as smooth as the V6, either, with a rougher engine note, especially at high revs.

However, the BMW-derived chassis feels quick and agile, and our test car had a surprisingly supple ride considering it was shod with optional 18-inch wheels and ultra low-profile tyres. As with the rest of the ZT range, the newcomer demonstrates superb handling, a slick-changing manual gearbox and nicely weighted steering.

There is, of course, a saloon version available, too, but for our money the Tourer's extra £965 is well worth it. Besides the surprising practicality, the ZT-T features a very elegant pro-file, especially with those purposeful X-Power styling tweaks.

The MG has plenty to recommend it. It ranks among the best-looking cars in its class, promises to be relatively inexpensive to run, and appears excellent value for money, especially compared to high-prestige German rivals. It might not be as smooth to drive as the old ZT-T 160, but consider the new 160 as a tax-beating package and MG has made a change for the better. Credit Craig Cheetham

17 July 2002 - ZT Sports Suspension (now optional)

The current MG ZT and ZT-T suspension dynamics have been widely praised by sports car enthusiasts and journalists for their set up and responsive handling. In
order to further broaden the appeal of these vehicles to an even wider audience, a suspension set up with a slightly more pliant feel and an emphasis towards ride comfort will be introduced.

This is of particular importance amongst our key target markets of high mileage business users. The new MG suspension differs through a modification to the front and rear spring and damper assemblies. This suspension will still provide an exceptionally agile feel but with greater occupant comfort.

As there is anticipation that the newly developed suspension set up will prove very popular, it will be the standard condition on all MG ZT and ZT-Ts. The MG Sports Suspension set up will undoubtedly be favoured by performance driving enthusiasts and available as an option, priced at £175.

21 November 2001 - ZT-T looks for police Endorsement

MG's first estate car - the ZT-T - is soon to be evaluated by Police Forces across the UK in a motorway patrol demonstration programme to promote the new car for active Police duty, following the introduction of Police MG ZT Saloons.

The Zircon Silver Police specification Sportwagon is a largely standard ZT-T 190 'showroom model' which includes air conditioning, electric front windows (Police spec inhibits use of the rear windows) and comfortable seats.

The ZT's sports suspension and V6 engine produce an accomplished on-road performance characteristic that is entirely suitable for Police requirements. These features have received considerable media praise. This combines well with its versatile estate bodystyle, particularly for the traffic Police's special equipment carrying needs, which include: traffic cones, lights, road signs, first aid kits, brooms and shovels, etc.

ZT-T features a stylish tailgate with separately hinged opening rear window and rear wash wipe. Inside there is a potential 1222 litres of practical loadspace.

Gavin Thompson, MG Rover Group's Police sales manager, said: "On the basis that you need one to catch one, the MG ZT-T is precisely the dual-purpose vehicle that the traffic police require. With its powerful quad-cam V6 engine and versatile luggage capacity, the ZT-T provides the necessary combination of a sports performance car and functionality of an estate - ideal for Police forces throughout the UK."

Livery was fitted by decal specialists Halo Blue Light, West Sussex and Police light roof bar and ancillaries by Woodway of Coventry.

Note: MGs have been popular Police cars for many decades, with the force using MG TCs, Z-type Magnettes, MGAs, Bs and Cs. The ZT-T is MG's first estate car.

15 May 2002 - Rapid Response Vehicle

MG's ZT-T has been chosen by West Midlands and Shropshire Ambulance Services as their 'Rapid-Response Vehicle', specified to attend emergency incidents, ideally within 8 minutes of notification. The Trophy Yellow estate cars, with green reflective Battenburg livery, will soon be patrolling the counties.

The MG ZT-T features sports suspension and a 2.5-litre quad-cam V6 engine to produce an accomplished on-road performance characteristic that is entirely suitable for rapid response requirements. Combined with its versatile estate bodystyle, with stylish tailgate, separately hinged opening rear window and a potential 1222-litres of practical loadspace, the ZT-T will carry the Incident Commander and Paramedic Technicians quickly to their emergency destination.

The rapid-response MG specification is a standard ZT-T 190, with a multitude of standard features that include air conditioning and 18" alloy wheels. An optional integral loadspace cassette has been specified for the safe carriage and restraint of the considerable incident equipment, which includes; oxygen therapy, cardiac defibrillators, entonox, maternity and paediatric pack, burns bag, cervical collars, splints and first aid bag. Plans for major incidents, site maps, body bags, triage cards and contacts for agencies and hospitals are also carried.

Additional special items include the light roof bar, radio communications and a reverse-decal 'Ambulance' livery on the bonnet and on the West Midlands Ambulance Service car 'RESPONDER' on its tailgate.

Bob Seaward, Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Operations for both West Midlands and Shropshire Ambulance Services said: "I am always looking at new initiatives to assist in the delivery of patient care to the communities. When we evaluated the MG ZT-T we were most impressed with its performance and considered this would help our staff in providing the best possible response to emergencies within our operational area.

"The two MG ZT-T vehicles will be used by Incident Commanders who will operate these vehicles 24 hours per day, responding to life threatening incidents across the West Midlands and Shropshire."

Gavin Thompson, specialist sales manager, MG Rover Group, said: "The feedback prompted by the Police specification MG ZT-T, has generated a number of emergency service enquiries for this Rapid Response Vehicle. With its powerful quad-cam V6 engine and versatile luggage capacity, the ZT-T provides the necessary combination of performance motoring and estate car functionality - ideal for an emergency Rapid Response Vehicle.

"I'm confident the new MG will be a popular choice - both in active use and for those that see it performing an active role. You certainly won't miss seeing the bright yellow ZT-T!"

The MG ZT-T continues to be successfully evaluated by Police Forces across the UK for motorway patrol and a number have already been ordered for active Police duty, following the introduction of Police MG ZT Saloons.

Note:

The Incident Commander's role is multi-functional and varies from managing a large incident with other Emergency Services and agencies, to assisting with any difficulties they may encounter throughout their tour of duty. The West Midlands Ambulance Service Trust vehicle fleet covers an area of over 364 square miles and answers over 1,000 emergency calls every day, servicing the emergency needs of the community of the West Midlands.

The choice of yellow for Paramedic Ambulances is soon to become an EEC directive.

The MG ZT-T 190 has an on-the-road price of £21,765 and is MG's first estate.

19 September 2001 - ZT-T reviewed by Auto Express

Even back in the bad old days of MG-badged Montegos and Maestros, no one would have dared suggest putting the cherished octagon badge on an estate.

But times change, and performance versions of 'lifestyle' liftbacks are all the rage. So it makes sense for the revived company to combine the stately Rover 75 Tourer with MG's sporting image and produce the ZT-T.

We've already been impressed by the ZT saloon and the 75 Tourer, but will they make an ideal combination? Dynamically, the ZT-T gives nothing away to the saloon. Despite its bulk, the MG's tuned chassis still inspires confidence in bends and offers plenty of grip. Push hard on the tyres in a corner and it will run wide eventually, but lift off the power suddenly and the tail tucks in neatly, with no nasty surprises. It feels almost like a good hot hatch. Even with that family-friendly cargo space heavily loaded, the body stays composed and the weight transfer is reassuringly predictable.

The steering betrays the car's size, though, having an over-assisted feel through corners. Power comes from the 2.5-litre V6 unit, which is not the smoothest six-pot on the market, but its sporty note is rewarding without being intrusive at cruising speeds. If you try to press on, the throttle seems slow to respond initially, but the ZT-T covers the 0-60mph dash in 7.8 seconds and has a top speed of 141mph.

On the practical side, there's 1,222 litres of boot space with the rear seats folded flat. Priced from £19,545 to £22,045, it's an alternative to BMW's £21,880 entry-level 3-Series Touring, but a bigger threat is arguably the Ford Mondeo Estate V6 at £20,095.

Practical, good value and fun to drive, the ZT-T is a fine alternative to mainstream estates.

At a glance:

MG's first estate is powered by a 187bhp 2.5-litre V6

Range-topping +190 model sprints to 60mph in 7.8 second.

Barry Shevills uses a ZT-T for his European Tour in 2001

Three times British Drag Racing Champion Barry Sheavills is driving a MG ZT-T 190 station wagon as he motors through Europe in his quest to regain the European Top Fuel Dragster Championship title.

Barry currently leads the field and is now preparing for the final round at Santa Pod this coming weekend. He won the European title in 1998 and still holds the 0-1/4 mile record in 4.94 seconds and top speed of 298 mph.

The thirty feet long Dragster is enormously powerful, capable of achieving a 0-100 mph time in under 1 second – just a little faster than the ZT-T. Also, with a top speed approaching 300 mph the Dragster may just have the edge on the ZT-T. However, when it comes to cornering ZT-T reigns supreme.

Commenting on the MG ZT-T, Barry said: "My thanks to MG Rover Group for supplying me with a vehicle. This is a demanding time and I now have a reliable vehicle that can eat up the many miles I need to travel. Since I took delivery of the MG ZT-T just six weeks ago, I have driven through nine different countries clocking up seven thousand miles. The car is a real head-turner and I’m regularly stopped by other motorists who just love it."