Car Test
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R0311 | |
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January 2003 |
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| MG ZS+ | ||
| Printer Friendly Page | Featured model: 120 4-door | |
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At first glance it might appear to be a simple case of badge engineering, but the transformation from ageing Rover 45 to exciting MG ZS is a lot more than simply swapping metal monikers.
Beneath the wire-meshed MG nose and bespoilered tail lies a lot of skilful engineering by Longbridge’s finest. You get your first hint of this on start-up. They say what looks right, is right. The same applies to sound. The engine fires up crisp and urgent, and that’s how it feels as you slot the lever into first and engage the firmly biting clutch. Of course, after the 2.5-litre V6 version, this 1.8 feels a bit tame. Nevertheless, it’s not only quick off the mark, but also entertainingly swift, thanks to snappy throttle response, the sportily ratioed gearbox and an untiring revvability – it will run to 7280 if you let it. Hard acceleration is accompanied by a lovely cammy, ‘double knocker’ soundtrack; the downside is that there’s a low-geared, busy drone at motorway speeds. The engine’s eagerness is complemented by lowered suspension, firmed up to the point where the words ‘bucking’ and ‘bronco’ spring to mind on bumpy back roads. It’s better on smoother surfaces, and anyway, press-on types will appreciate the car’s taut, all-of-a-piece feel and the quick steering that makes the ZS so alert and chuckable. Wet weather prevented our giving the brakes a full test track workout, but they feel great on the road. Much of the interior has a familiar Rover 45 appearance, feeling somewhat dated as a result. Indeed, some of the old Rover shortcomings live on: the sun visors aren’t shaped to fit round the mirror, the screenwashers cause side window streaking, and the passenger’s airbag looks like a stuck-on afterthought. In this case, though, silver-dialled instruments and shapely, body-hugging seats replace the originals – as does a gaudy looking Kenwood radio/CD player, worked by fiddly, minuscule buttons. The chunky, compact wheel adjusts only for tilt, but the seat’s generous height adjustment is a big help in giving a very comfortable driving position. With the smaller rear spoiler specified and the absence of (optional) rear head restraints, all-round vision is unhampered. That said, we still appreciated the £350-extra rear parking sensors. Fortunately the front seatbacks are hollowed out, otherwise the modest rear kneeroom would be even worse. Although head and foot room are adequate, there’s not a lot of space in the back, where the tall sit a bit too low for comfort. Although the wheelarches and lid hinges intrude on load space, the fully lined boot is still a useful size. Extra space opens up when the split/fold rear backrests are tipped forward to create a long but not quite flat load deck. |
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