Just read autoexpress edition in the supermarket tonight. they had a test on the MG ZR diesel- very unfavourable by the way- but what amused me no end was the fact that that writer thought it was a BeeMW engine- yes wonderful stuff like ' BeeMW make some pretty refined diesels but this car is noisey etc
Autoexpress gets worse
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12,407 Posts
Just goes to show how much research these (so called) experts do when putting an article magazine together.
Don't know who would be most upset;
B** for someone suggesting that one of their engines was less than perfect.
or
MGR for the suggestion that they would put a *** engine in a Z
Don't know who would be most upset;
B** for someone suggesting that one of their engines was less than perfect.
or
MGR for the suggestion that they would put a *** engine in a Z
G
Guest
·James
Here it is from the subscibed website:
MG ZR Diesel
Mention the fact the hot hatch you are currently driving is powered by a turbodiesel and you'll barely raise an eyebrow. Add that it's an MG and you'll be surrounded by enthusiasts eager to find out exactly how good Rover's pocket rocket really is.
On first sight, though, it's hard not to be sceptical about this £13,235 GTi rival. Once you get beyond the flashy paintwork, MG badges and big wings, you are looking at a model that has changed little since the mid-Nineties.
As a result, the car's interior space is far from perfect when compared to today's most advanced offerings, and the A and B pillars look unusually thin. Fire the diesel engine and it's clear refinement has not moved with the times, either. When cold, the ZR D shakes the ground. But things look better as you floor the throttle and the 100bhp 2.0-litre powerplant responds, revving quickly and cleanly once beyond the 2,000rpm marker.
Slide behind the wheel and it's obvious that the ZR D will need a firm hand - the steering is heavy, as is the clutch, and even the gearchange has a numbing weight to it. The sheer level of energy you need to exert to steer the MG down the road feels odd at first - particularly if you are more used to driving modern vehicles with efficient power-steering systems. After a few miles, however, the ZR D seems to lighten up, and the weighty controls give the car a greater sense of solidity, conjuring up a reassuring yet sporty feel.
As with the Rover 75-based MG ZT, the ZR's tuned suspension feels well suited to Britain's backroads. Although firm, it offers a suppleness that allows the car to soak up imperfections in the tarmac, without upsetting the balance.
The ZR's precise steering means corners can be taken at impressive speed. It remains stable over even the most demanding of road surfaces - something of an achievement given the age of the basic package.
The brakes inspire similar confidence. They may feel a little wooden at low speeds, but as you slow from a greater pace they offer far more control. Stability is good, too, even in the wet.
Gearchanges aren't so easy to master, though. As you cruise through town, the heavy clutch and leaden gearlever make smooth progress difficult. In addition, the engine displays a rather aggressive response to the throttle.
Out on the open road again, it's a completely different story. You'll marvel at the diesel's 240Nm of torque, its ability to sprint from 0-60mph in only 9.7 seconds and its sharp response to the throttle. Changing gear is also easier thanks to the extra engine speed. And there's an additional bonus, as the frugal oil-burner returns around 53.8mpg. You could even be fooled into thinking you are driving a different car.
One thing that doesn't really change, however, is the mechanical din that reverberates around the engine. Around town the noise is more or less acceptable, but as speeds rise so does the volume. Add that to the wind and road noise generated by the ZR and it's enough to have you reaching for the ear plugs!
However, if driver involvement is at the top of your list you should visit your MG dealer for a test drive. Those who clock up high mileage and want refinement might want to look elsewhere.
Few cars offer the automotive slap in the face provided by the MG ZR. Genuinely impressive to drive, it makes demands of its driver like few other modern machines. As hot hatch that combines old school hot hatch feel and appeal with modern diesel technology, its certainly unique, but it's also a little too rough round the edges for most.
We applaud the sterling job of turning the ageing Rover 25 into a great drivers car, we are less certain the red blooded approach you'll need to drive it is best in this situation.
At a glance
* MG ZR Diesel on sale now, priced £13,235
* Powered by 2.0-litre Rover developed engine
* 0-60mph in only 9.7 seconds; top speed 114mph
* Impressive chassis, formidable driving experience
Here it is from the subscibed website:
MG ZR Diesel
Mention the fact the hot hatch you are currently driving is powered by a turbodiesel and you'll barely raise an eyebrow. Add that it's an MG and you'll be surrounded by enthusiasts eager to find out exactly how good Rover's pocket rocket really is.
On first sight, though, it's hard not to be sceptical about this £13,235 GTi rival. Once you get beyond the flashy paintwork, MG badges and big wings, you are looking at a model that has changed little since the mid-Nineties.
As a result, the car's interior space is far from perfect when compared to today's most advanced offerings, and the A and B pillars look unusually thin. Fire the diesel engine and it's clear refinement has not moved with the times, either. When cold, the ZR D shakes the ground. But things look better as you floor the throttle and the 100bhp 2.0-litre powerplant responds, revving quickly and cleanly once beyond the 2,000rpm marker.
Slide behind the wheel and it's obvious that the ZR D will need a firm hand - the steering is heavy, as is the clutch, and even the gearchange has a numbing weight to it. The sheer level of energy you need to exert to steer the MG down the road feels odd at first - particularly if you are more used to driving modern vehicles with efficient power-steering systems. After a few miles, however, the ZR D seems to lighten up, and the weighty controls give the car a greater sense of solidity, conjuring up a reassuring yet sporty feel.
As with the Rover 75-based MG ZT, the ZR's tuned suspension feels well suited to Britain's backroads. Although firm, it offers a suppleness that allows the car to soak up imperfections in the tarmac, without upsetting the balance.
The ZR's precise steering means corners can be taken at impressive speed. It remains stable over even the most demanding of road surfaces - something of an achievement given the age of the basic package.
The brakes inspire similar confidence. They may feel a little wooden at low speeds, but as you slow from a greater pace they offer far more control. Stability is good, too, even in the wet.
Gearchanges aren't so easy to master, though. As you cruise through town, the heavy clutch and leaden gearlever make smooth progress difficult. In addition, the engine displays a rather aggressive response to the throttle.
Out on the open road again, it's a completely different story. You'll marvel at the diesel's 240Nm of torque, its ability to sprint from 0-60mph in only 9.7 seconds and its sharp response to the throttle. Changing gear is also easier thanks to the extra engine speed. And there's an additional bonus, as the frugal oil-burner returns around 53.8mpg. You could even be fooled into thinking you are driving a different car.
One thing that doesn't really change, however, is the mechanical din that reverberates around the engine. Around town the noise is more or less acceptable, but as speeds rise so does the volume. Add that to the wind and road noise generated by the ZR and it's enough to have you reaching for the ear plugs!
However, if driver involvement is at the top of your list you should visit your MG dealer for a test drive. Those who clock up high mileage and want refinement might want to look elsewhere.
Few cars offer the automotive slap in the face provided by the MG ZR. Genuinely impressive to drive, it makes demands of its driver like few other modern machines. As hot hatch that combines old school hot hatch feel and appeal with modern diesel technology, its certainly unique, but it's also a little too rough round the edges for most.
We applaud the sterling job of turning the ageing Rover 25 into a great drivers car, we are less certain the red blooded approach you'll need to drive it is best in this situation.
At a glance
* MG ZR Diesel on sale now, priced £13,235
* Powered by 2.0-litre Rover developed engine
* 0-60mph in only 9.7 seconds; top speed 114mph
* Impressive chassis, formidable driving experience
G
Guest
·James who is Steve Childs? 
Be nice is we had some contributors over here - but its not bad in a fortnight! Seem to be a bit of through traffic and no sign ups as yet?
JLD - red wine tonight over in Oxfordshire!
Be nice is we had some contributors over here - but its not bad in a fortnight! Seem to be a bit of through traffic and no sign ups as yet?
JLD - red wine tonight over in Oxfordshire!
Jerry
dont know that other fellow , but I know that your site is much better, can compare with the other you see. A lot of the same people visit both - wouldnt want to miss anything on MGR I suspect
wish I was getting a 385! lucky man you are
James
dont know that other fellow
, but I know that your site is much better, can compare with the other you see. A lot of the same people visit both - wouldnt want to miss anything on MGR I suspect wish I was getting a 385! lucky man you are
James
G
Guest
·Thanks for your support very much appreciated! Spread the word!
I know we all enjoy talking MGR, so it's all worth it.
Thanks!
I know we all enjoy talking MGR, so it's all worth it.
Thanks!
G
Guest
·Appears to be a reasonable write up. However, it is a car that's difficult to place - sporty but with a torque diesel. MGR with iniatative. This would have never happened in ***'s days!
Joined
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12,407 Posts
how petty can they get
Looked at Autodistress in the supermarket earlier.
Once again they were writing about the ZR and saying that it gave the impression of being cheap because.........it has a bendy design key!!!!!!!!!!
Who employs people to write this........
Looked at Autodistress in the supermarket earlier.
Once again they were writing about the ZR and saying that it gave the impression of being cheap because.........it has a bendy design key!!!!!!!!!!
Who employs people to write this........
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