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MG ZR ZS ZT Technical - ZS180 test drive: personal opinion

Hi MG pals,

As an MGR V8 owner I decided to test drive the new MG ZS 180 saloon. I figured that out of the range this was most likely to inspire. I also now need a very sensible car for my family which my RV8 no longer suffices.

On first glance this is a very tastefully styled car. Looks a bit like what a newly designed BMW might look like. Unfortunately I found the spoiler on the rear of the ZS to damage the whole persona of this vehicle. It's a bit like a trainspotter wearing a t-shirt saying "I've got friends."

It's screaming "I'm sporty so much that it looses its voice."

On the inside I've mixed opinions. At first I found this tastefully basic. However it does have a flimsy and plasticky look and feel. I can imagine breaking something on a day when I'm not mad.

But putting aside the aesthetics, how does it go?

Well the 2.5 litre V6 engine sounds the part. The acceleration is pleasing and the response fine. I was kind of expecting it to more closely match my MGRV8 given that it's only a bit over a second slower on the 0-60 test. The difference was a big issue.

One of the things which is important to me is handling. The RV8 handles quite badly compared with modern cars and you really need to learn to drive again when you buy one. It does, however, teach you good driving practice (I had no problem thrashing a Grand Turismo Veteran on his Playstation 2!).

Handling of the ZS is certainly excellent. I test drove the vehicle in wet (flooded) conditions with lots of opportunites for heavy braking and quick acceleration off the lights. It does the trick. It does feel good.

Overall I think the ZS would be the one to go for out of the bunch. It gives the best balance of cost and performance. In fact it's the best performing model (in terms of acceleration). I find the styling a bit distasteful on the rear and the inside is a bit plasticky.

When I took the test drive I was seriously considering trading in my RV8 against a more sensible car. But when I drove home to discuss it with my wife I realised that there is no thrill in such a car. I think I was expecting a sensible car with performance not a million miles of the RV8. But this wasn't the case.

I think I would regret losing my sports car for even the best of the bunch of the new saloons. I have driven other saloons before and been much more impressed. I think there's some mighty fine competition particularly if you consider the full retail price of these cars. The one I drove was preregistered and offered at a £2,000 discount (about £15,000 with the extras).
Paul

Some interesting thoughts there Paul.

But one question: could a saloon EVER replace a two seater rag top?

IMO there is only one option: keep the RV8 and buy a second car if you can afford it.
Rob Bell

I understand that you now can get the ZS without the silly bookshelf on the boot. Local garage reckons they have sold one with the bookcase and 7 without ....

Cheers

Patrick
Patrick

When I test drove the ZS180 the other weekend the dealer advised me that you could have the large spoiler or one the same as the ZT. Would really like to see some stats on how the spoilers effect the car. Anyone out there at MGR that can let us know?

The test drive I had was superb in a car that had done just over 1,000 miles. Handling was the best I have ever driven in a FWD car. It almost sticks to the road too much, mind you thats probably because I am used to driving my GT.

Am going to get one as soon as a dealer can come up with a 'reasonable' px deal.

On the interior point: Its a shame they don't offer a full leather option and it still looks liek a Honda Civic inside , which is a bit dated.
Climber

When we tested the ZS 180 in August, we discussed the spoiler with the salesman. My wife is against it on aesthetic grouns, and we both found that it interfered with the rear visibility. We were told that it could be ordered with a ZT type spoiler and the boot lid would have the holes drilled appropriately. As far as handling goes, we were told that on the public roads the ironing board probably wouldn't improve the handling very much, but was significant at 100+ on the track.
dan

I was told the rear spoiler is an essential part of the aerodynamics. I want a touring car style spoiler on my ZS when I get one. I think this would help retain stability and possibly cause less restriction of rearward vision!!

Kelv.
Kelvin

But Kelvin, unles you're being chased by Phil Bennett, you shouldn't need to worry about rear vision anyway...

Cheers

Kieren
Kieren Gibson

Come on folks,

If MG Rover had actually done any wind-tunnel of even mathematically modelling on the bookshelf I am sure they would be shouting about it.

The appendage is to appeal to same market that bought the XR3 or that strange Japanese car that is build by Pro Drive.

Gut feel is that at low speed it does nothing and at high speed the turbulence off the roof will render it ineffective.

Cheers

Patrick
Patrick

Patrick,

You must have not been in the right places when just that information was being shouted out by MGR. I have spoken with Peter Stevens at length and this is one of the areas he was very specific on, along with the time taken to get the effect and minimise the restriction on rear vision. The compromise is that it does have an impact on rear vision, not all bad mind you.

I have seen a couple of saloons and hatches with the low line rear spoiler and the whole rear end is softer and better looking to the eye, however not as effective dynamically.

Rog
Roger Parker

We had the ZS180 out again this weekend, this time taking my wife to guage opinions against the ZR and -of all things- a Rover 75.

Bad news for me sadly- whilst the ZR was ruled out of the final reckoning, and the ZS180 was brilliant IMO, the Rover 75 won for Yimmy.

Why? Because she strongly disliked the interior- all hard coarsely grained square-shaped cheapo plastics on the dashboard. And she hated the rear spoiler. She agreed it was the betters drivers car. Now, whilst the spoiler issue is readily rectified, the interior could only be sorted by a very expensive complete retrim by Mike Satur. Oh dear :o(

Whilst the ZS180 was a dark hole in which to sit, the 75 won us over with a much much lighter, more comfortable interior with clever climate control in the car we borrowed. In that the colour scheme was lighter actually meant that the car scored over the darker 'sportier' ZT!

So it seems that Yimmy is a Rover woman through and through. Just as well I intend keeping the MGF!

But it IS sad that the ZS does have such a disappointing interior. It probably won't bother the driver too much, but for everyone else in the car its the drab ambience that trips the car up as a showroom proposition. As has been mentioned else where, its a shame that more Rover 75 components couldn't be shared with the 45/ ZS. I know that the cost would be prohibitive, but it really would make the car more saleable...

The ZS BTW continues to impress mightly as a drivers tool... superb :o)
Rob Bell

Patrick

The EVO VI has a wicker type rear spoiler and I know it works! The top wing is also full adjustable. With a shape similar to the ZS180 why do you say it won't work, I believe it will. Blocks out the LAW following though!

However, I imagine the real reason for its installation is cosmetic and so what if you don't like it - delete it. The car is still dynamically very good.

By the way all those getting on the interior bandwagon - check out a Sabaru Impreza or EVO VI interior and you will find those just as bad. My VI RECARO reclines all by itself. But as a fellow contributor said "you don't look at the mantlepiece when *****g the fire."

So come on think +ve but certainly highlight the engineering defeciences if there are any - coz that's is what will loose customers - breakdowns!
Jerry Flint

This thread was discussed between 12/10/2001 and 15/10/2001

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