MG ZR Range Overview

2004 ZR

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

19 March 2005 - German driving experts prefer MG!
1 December 2004 - MG ZR is the Top Performer
MG ZR on a charge with turbo Power

19 March 2005 - German driving experts prefer MG!

Specialist driver training centres in Germany will teach advanced handling skills using British MG sporting cars.

German motoring organisation, ADAC, the largest in Europe, picked the British brand ahead of some mighty German competition. It will use a fleet of 100 MG ZR hot hatch cars at its 60 training centres around the country. Drivers will learn the safe way to handle a high performance car, on ADAC’s purpose-built handling areas, which simulate difficult driving conditions such as heavy rain, ice and snow.

Around 140,000 drivers a year choose to improve their knowledge and skill by visiting an ADAC centre.

"The MG ZR was selected for its superb handling feel and powerful performance. It also has loads of youth appeal, that will attract young drivers to the training centres," said Rod Ramsay, MG Rover managing director, sales and marketing.

ADAC instructors will use the MG ZR 160, which has excellent driving dynamics, powerful acceleration (0 to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds) and a top speed of 131 mph.

The first MG ZRs arrive in March, at the newly opened ADAC centre in Grevenbroich, near Düsseldorf. Based on an area of approximately 12 hectares, this is currently the most modern and sophisticated of the ADAC driving safety centres.

1 December 2004 - MG ZR is the Top Performer

MG’s pocket rocket ZR is now also the company’s best selling car. 2004 is the first time an MG model has consistently outsold a Rover car since the brand’s expansion in 2001, though the Rover marque still commands greater overall sales popularity accounting for 65 per cent of the company’s sales. The sports hatch leads in the UK and Italy, and performs well in Spain, Ireland and Portugal.

Commenting on its new number one status, sales and marketing director Rod Ramsay, said: "The popularity of the MG ZR continues to grow and represents the brand’s young-at-heart position. Though the top of the range ZR 160 leads the range in the performance stakes, racing to 60mph in 7.4 seconds, and onto a top speed of 131mph, it’s the entry model ZR 105 that is the one that is turning young heads. Its appealing price, great performance and high standard equipment specification, means it enjoys two thirds of the model’s sales performance."

The 2004 MG ZR has a new exterior appearance, with a new style of bumpers, clear lens halogen headlamps and integrated front grille design which are now more reminiscent of the MG SV supercar. The ZR has improved dynamics for a great driving experience. Inside, the high quality and stylish cabin has also been revised with a new fascia design, rotary air vents, a new centre console, soft touch switchgear and an array of technology features.

The MG ZR 105 is available from £10,395 with a 7E / T1 (Thatcham approved) ABI insurance rating with the top-of-the-range MG ZR 160 available from £14,995. Since launch, sales of the ZR have exceeded 70,000 cars.

New ZR On The Charge With Turbo Power

Now the trio is complete! First we had the facelifted Rover 75 and MG ZT, then came the revamped 45 and ZS - and now in the current issue of Auto Express magazine we can exclusively reveal the next model in line for a makeover: the ZR. And as well as fresh styling, the hot hatch will get turbo power.

Ahead of its debut at next month's British Motor Show, the mag's picture shows how the revised model will look when it goes on sale in the summer, along with an environmentally friendly TF and an MG version of the CityRover.

The facelifted ZR will be joined by a new-look 25, and both will inherit a similar appearance to the recently unveiled 45 and ZS. As you can see, the ZR will be treated to BMW 3-Series-style headlamps to go with the redesigned front grille and bumper.

In profile, the hatchback will have flared wheelarches and a sporty air vent on the front wing, both of which are inspired by MG's supercar flagship, the XPower SV. At the rear, the remodelled version is likely to get a smoother finish to the tailgate, as well as a new chrome exhaust surround. A range of stylish alloy wheels will provide the finishing touch.

However, while the ZS's transformation was largely cosmetic, company engineers have had more of a part to play in the ZR's facelift. The biggest change will come under the bonnet, where a new turbocharged powerplant - tipped to produce around 180bhp - will be added to the range. The flagship will be priced at around £16,000, and should extend the appeal of what is already Britain's top-selling hot hatch.

To go with its fresh face and improved performance, the ZR will also get a revised interior similar to the ZS's. Round vents and a more modern finish to the dash will give the dated interior a boost, while standard equipment lists are also likely to grow.
Following the introduction of the ZR and 25, MG Rover will bring in restyled versions of the Streetwise and the Express van, which are all based on the same platform.

Meanwhile, the Midlands firm has been busy putting the finishing touches to two other new models. The TF 200 HPD hybrid will be a unique roadster which will feed a total power output of 197bhp through all four wheels, courtesy of an electric motor combined with the standard 1.8-litre VVC petrol engine.

With 25 per cent more power than the conventional TF, the HPD - Hybrid Performance Development - accelerates from 0-60mph in less than six seconds. The hybrid TF will join the MG CityRover in the expanding line-up. Auto Express readers found out about the spiritual successor to the MG Metro in October last year (issue 779), and it has now got the go-ahead, with the price expected to be around £12,000. Chris Thorp