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MG ZR ZS ZT Technical - ZS - the ideal family dragster

As a VVC MGF owner, I was interested to find out how our new ZS120 would be once it had limbered up a little.

Well, all I can say is that it's a damn fine car. The power delivery seems very good to me, which makes me think that the 180 must be a complete monster. I now see exactly what the VVC mechanism does for my F, but the ZS engine doesn't 'fade' nearly as quickly as I'd anticipated.

What really impresses is the cornering. O.k., so it's never going to be as 'point-and-shoot' as the F as it can never have the same weight distribution or tyre grip:weight, but I find that it's certainty at the limit is, if anything, even better than the F. I hate to say that, as I love the F, but there you go.

All that in a *huge* car. The boot in the four door is easily large enough for us and the kids, and that's saying something - larger even than the 75 ans ZT. And you can get three child seats in the back, as long as you choose them wisely.

I took the kids into town in it on Friday and when I got back, someone had parked their same-colour (Trophy blue) ZR next to it, and a group of three 20-something girls were gawping at them and debating which was the nicest. As I got in the car, one of them said "Well, they're both bloody gorgous". Unfortunately, they were referring to the ZR and the ZS, rather than me, I suspect.

Oh, and for any prospective buyers who have seen a few ZS's out on the road, it *is* available in other colours. ;-)
David Bainbridge

David,
I have been surveying information on the ZS 120 for the last 6 months( until it is finally imported here in LHD),and comments have been extremely positive.
However,I would not call it a "dragster" and it really needs
something like the recently announced 150 HP turbo version to keep it ahead of "ordinary " cars many of which are now at 110 HP
ANDREW K

I test drove the ZS 180 on a dealer play with the MG range day. I loved it - a real hooligans car! In fact it has two personalities quick and wha-hay. I might have been seriously tempted if I hadn't had a TF on order and I'd not had 3 R400's as company cars - the inside is so fuddy duddy and the MG variant isn't an improvement.
Ian Walker

Andrew/Ian,

Yes, I admit that 'dragster' wasn't entirely serious, but it does solve the 'want a fun car but have a family and not much petrol money' problem.

I agree that there is a bit of a gap in the range between 120 and 180 (?and beyond?!).

I don't mind the interior too much. I prefer the neat, uncomplicated look, which is why I like the F. Anyway, blue edged floor mats and a blue alloy gearknob make a world of difference..
David Bainbridge

The 180 is a beast for fuel if you want to enjoy it properly as someone said earlier wheh-hay mode seems to become the norm once you get used to it.
I average about 26 - 27 MPG, but love every minute. Only thing I would ask for is more power !!!
Yep got used to it now, and it can still come unstuck against certain Jap models although they do cost another 10K so who cares.

I think the 120 is a good compromise and certainly make sense for family use.
mikeh

David, have to agree it is a good family sports car, we test dtrove the V6 but settled for the more economical 120 engine, however there are some mods which I am hoping to fit to it in the near future to give it a boost to around 145-150, this will still retain the economy when Trish is driving it and give me some more power when I get chance to have a go!
Mike.
mike

Yes Mike-or push them to install the new 150HP version with a switch to cut out the turbo
when you are not driving !
andrew K

This thread was discussed between 22/07/2002 and 26/07/2002

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