F, Z & Modern Register

by Jeff Turnbull, May, 2010

 
‘You should try one. It's bloody good’ - Jeremy Clarkson (UK Motoring Journalist and Top Gear host).

 
  There is no doubt that the world thinks of the MG motor car in terms of small, nippy, red or green roadsters, (may we use the term, ‘topless sports cars’?) which have been alternatively purring or hammering around roads and racetracks since 1924 in a succession of models and variants. Identifiable through their ‘sporty’ tag, their distinctive shape, wire wheels and exhaust note, they have morphed through the pre-war ‘J’s, “K’s, ‘PA’s and ‘PB’s, the pre- and post- World War II ‘T’s, the ‘good times’ 50s and 60s MGAs and MGBs, all the way to the re-born and revitalised MG F and T F.

    Yet hand-in-glove with the midget, (the GT and V8 versions included), was a steady assortment of MG four door sedans, ‘salonettes’ or tourers, such as the pre-war MG Six, and the SA, WA and VA saloons. In time, there came the sports-based 1¼ litre ‘family’ Saloon of 1947 (to be named the MG Y), the Magnette, launched in 1953 and the front-wheel-drive MG Sports 1100 introduced to the motoring public in 1962.

    It is true that the latter models were badge-engineered for convenience in an era where this was considered expedient and cost-saving and this would basically continue up to, and include the 2001-introduced ‘Z’ range of hatchbacks, saloons and wagons. The 60s MG 1100 and 1300 were up-graded versions of the British Motor Company’s (BMC) Morris and Austin sedans. Yet for all of these MG re-badged sedans, the ‘ordinary’ was dispensed with as much as possible and regardless of the parent company/owner, MG was keen to promote the ‘sporting’ pedigree of the name as a step up from the run-of-the-mill models. These sedans which carried the MG name and distinctive grille were a little more engineered and improved when compared to their Austin and Morris (or in later years, Rover) brethren.

    When MG ceased production altogether in 1980, continuation into the future of any new MG vehicles looked bleak indeed. Yet, it seemed that the name and reputation established by these two small letters – MG – was far too significant to be assigned to the scrapheap of the past. Could there be a possible stay of execution for MG roadsters and saloons? The answer clearly was – YES! Rover was to come to the aid of the motoring public and pick up the remains of British Leyland; the future seemed a little brighter. Thus MG was rescued and resurrected and not for the last time. Then, following the successful release in 1995 of the all-new MG F came the return of the MG sporting saloon in the form of the MG Z series. Here is their story embracing the years, 2001 to 2005 - and beyond!

 MG ‘Zed’ background:

    The range of MG ‘Zeds’ - ZS, ZR and ZT, began life within the Rover organization and along with the generic Rovers, grew out of the company’s post-BMW ownership era. BMW had taken over Rover in a 1994 deal to keep the British car maker afloat and as a result, created BMW’s U.K. Division. The parent company had made it very clear to the press from the beginning of its takeover of Rover, that they had complete trust in the UK company’s ability to produce exciting and desirable cars without any interference from them. That policy soon had a hollow ring to it as the relationship between British and German interests began to break down, but not before Rover produced the Rover 75 and launched it at the Birmingham Motor Show in 1998.

    However, by 2000, it was curtains for BMW’s interests in Rover; they were to pull out of the deal and hand all production, planning and assembly of future Rover cars to John Tower’s Phoenix Venture Holdings. As part of this new deal, all Rover 75s were to be assembled at Longbridge. In time, and in light of the enormous success of this sedan, a decision was made to develop a sportier model which would differ in that it would proudly wear the MG badge. It was intended to make the new MG somewhat akin to the Rover 75 Sport which had recently debuted at Geneva. The new top-of-the-range MG was code-named the X10 for the saloon and X11 for the intended Tourer version and would in time, become the ZT.

   When launched, the trio was heralded by a sales pitch informing us that:

          ‘MG roars right up to date with a set of saloons that really kick. No smoke, no mirrors. … On the outside it’s about attitude and plenty of front, with that legendary badge fenced by taut, bright mesh and piercing lamps. Now climb inside… Behind the racing-style wheel, leather and cloth seats brace your body for the ride ahead. … Just when you thought you might have to be sensible, MG brings out a whole new set of temptations. …’

 MG ZR Hatchback:

    At precisely the same time as the ZT project come to fruition, MG Rover launched the MG ZR (designated X30) 5-door ‘hot hatch’, as it was called in the press on its release in 2001. This car was based on the Rover 40 and in fact, had originally been the chosen design for the Rover 25 Series GTi, before the BMW takeover.

  The ZR, designed by a team headed by Rod Oldaker, offered a choice of models:

 ZR 105. The 1.4 K series engine produced 105 bhp (78 kW; 106 PS) and 123 N·m (91 lb·ft) torque giving 0–60 mph (0-100 km/h) in 9.8 seconds and a top speed of 111 mph (179 km/h).

 ZR 120. It came with a 1.8 K series engine that produced 115 bhp (86 kW; 117 PS) and 160 N·m (120 lb·ft) torque giving 0–60 mph (0-100 km/h) in 8.6 seconds and a top speed of 119 mph (192 km/h).

 ZR 160. Featured a 1.8 K Series VVC engine producing 157 bhp (117 kW; 159 PS) and 174 N·m (128 lb·ft) torque giving a 0–60 mph (0-100 km/h) in 7.4 seconds and a top speed of 131 mph (211 km/h).

 ZR TD 100 (diesel). Had a 2.0 L Series engine that gave 99 bhp (74 kW; 100 PS) and 240 N·m (180 lb·ft) torque giving  0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) in 9.7 seconds and a top speed of 114 mph (183 km/h).

ZR TD 115 (diesel). It came with the same 2.0 L series engine but with some minor enhancements which kicked up the performance to produce 111 bhp (83 kW; 113 PS) and 260 N·m (190 lb·ft) torque This saw the car go from 0-60 mph(0-100 km/h) in 9.1 seconds and produce a top speed of 116 mph (187 km/h).

   The mechanical modifications as compared to the Rover 40 featured an upgraded sports suspension and a throatier exhaust. The ‘K’- series engine used in the ZR, (the same power plant as in the MG F,) also suffered from the same diabolical head gasket problems as the roadster and ended up being featured in a BBC media investigation into the problem. Comments were made about the alleged sub-standard finish of the car as this seemed frankly unacceptable to some discerning buyers and nit-picking motoring journalists whose job it was to be hypercritical. Body roll and tough, tight, uncompromising suspension made the car less than comfortable to some drivers and the interior, again to some, seemed to be upgraded only minimally from the Rover 40. Yet despite this, the ZR Hatchback was popular in Britain with younger buyers who were lured into buying with offers of free insurance and enticing discounts. The ZR essentially replaced the MG Metro. In 2003, the ZR Express, which was in essence, a fast 2-seater delivery van, designed for nipping around London, was released.

    During 2004, a facelifted ZR was released at the same time that all other MG Rover models were similarly upgraded. The re-vamped ZR, (now styled Mk 2) saw the introduction of the Trophy and Trophy SE models. The MG ZR Trophy featuring a sunroof, 16-inch ‘Grid-spoke’ alloy wheels, new rear light clusters, a leather steering wheel and side sill and rear bumper extensions. The Trophy SE featured 17-inch alloy wheels and had air conditioning installed, but no sunroof. These models would continue until the collapse of MG Rover in 2005 and the discontinuation of all MG models which eminated from the company. Estimates are that 82,088 ZRs were built.

  
MG ZS

    The badge-engineering trend for MG was to continue with the MG ZS (designated X20) released to the public as one of the new MG trio of vehicles in 2001. The company had in mind the European and Japanese markets when looking at a car to match the Honda Civic. Indeed, at the time of the early development of the car, Rover and Honda were actively working together to exploit these markets.

    The ZS was hastily, yet efficiently created from the Rover 45, which had been launched on the market in 1999. MG’s 2001 release followed the withdrawal of BMW interests with MG and Rover. The Rover 45, which wasn’t necessarily a driver’s car, was given the MG treatment. In its Rover form, comfort was paramount with power and handling, a secondary consideration. However as an MG, this prioritization was somewhat reversed. Honda was to provide the double wishbone suspension to the front end and multi-link rear suspension while the ‘K’ -series engine was used along with the 2.5-litre KV6 engine.

    A team under Phoenix’s Managing Director Peter Stevens, worked to beef-up the aggressiveness as much as possible for this car. At design stage, the idea was conceived to add a huge rear spoiler as carried by the Suburu Impreza P1 and the Mitsubitshi Lancer Evo VI to make it look tough, gutsy and racetrack-ready.

    In the end, Design Chief Oldaker was well satisfied with the result: a very capable chassis that handled and rode very well coupled with the tried and proven K-Series engine. If they were looking for the reward for all the effort and sweat expended by Oldaker and his team to make this model work, then work it did! The MG ZS was probably the most successful of the trio of new MGs released in 2001, in terms of overall sales.

    The ZS models were as follows:

 ZS105 with a 1.4 L K-Series engine delivering 103 bhp (77 kW) at 6000 rpm. Top speed was 115 mph (185 km/h), going from 0-60mph (0-100 km/h) in 10.8 seconds.

 ZS110 had a 1.6 L K-Series engine producing 107 bhp (80 kW) at 6000 rpm. Top speed was 119 mph (192 km/h). It was able to go from 0-60mph (0-100 km/h) in 9.8 seconds.

 ZS120 was powered by a 1.8 L K-Series engine producing 115 bhp (80 kW) at 5500 rpm. Top speed was 122 mph (196 km/h), going from 0-60mph (0-100 km/h) in 9.0 seconds.

 ZS120 Auto had a 1.8 L K-Series engine producing 115 bhp (80 kW) at 5500 rpm. Top speed was 115 mph (185 km/h), going from 0-60mph (0-100 km/h) in 9.9 seconds.

 ZS180 had a 2.5 L L-Series KV6 engine producing 175bhp (130 kW) at 6500 rpm. It was capable of a top speed was 139 mph (224 km/h). It was able to go from 0-60mph (0-100 km/h) in 7.3 seconds.

 ZS TD 115 had a 2.0 L L-Series engine producing 111 bhp (83 kW) at 4200 rpm. Top speed was 120 mph (193 km/h). It went from 0-60mph (0-100 km/h) in 9.5 seconds.

   The 2004 update process on all MG models saw the MG ZS and Rover 40 become quite noticeably different, whereas since the ZSs release in 2001, both cars shared a similar outward appearance, particularly in the ZS 180 version. There were new wheel arch extensions fitted; the side vents and other exterior styling features were refined. As with the ZR, the 2004 version of the ZS came with a revised interior styling and new seat materials. Finally, there was a newly-designed dash which incorporated the climate control on some models.

   But, all production of the ZS was to cease in April 2005 with the collapse of MG Rover and some 27,540 (estimate only) rolled off the assembly lines. Honda actually repossessed some of the rights they held for the original 1995 Rover/MG design. The number of ZSs which reached Australian shores could be as few as 24, (speculation only).

 
MG ZT and ZT-T Estate Wagon:

 
   The larger ZT was marked out as the ‘flagship’ model for the trio of ‘Zeds’ released in Britain in 2001. It comprised the ZT Sedan (codenamed X10) and the ZT-T Estate Wagon (X11). Of all models in the ZR/ZS/ZT range, this is the one which most took on in Australia, perhaps because of our predisposition towards larger family cars such as the Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon ‘big sixes’ of the time. But the ZT couldn’t be considered a serious threat to these two market leaders – it was more of an enthusiast’s sedan or wagon intended to gain a corner of the market.

    The ZT commenced life as a Rover 75 and Peter Stevens placed his mark on the styling of the car to create an MG. Again, Rod Oldaker supervised the chassis-design team and focused on this aspect of the car, such as attaching the suspensions to the subframes with aluminium mounts, rather than rubber. Up-rated dampers and anti-roll bars were planned and the spring suspension was increased by 70% on the Rover. There is no doubt that these points were enough to separate the MG ZT from the Rover 75.

     On the outside the stylish and distinct MG grille clearly announced that this was an obvious successor to the line of sporting saloons and this time, as a very first for MG – an Estate Wagon was released. (Station Wagon to us!) There were new halogen projector headlamps, lower driving lamps and indicators incorporated into the front bumper, which was completed by the spoiler at the base of the bumper. The body was remarkable free of chrome bits – unlike the Rover.

    All ZT models carried a distinctive interior package, with firstly, sports seats which could be described as ‘body-hugging’. They were magnificently supportive and their heavy bolstering, offered excellent cornering when pushing the car into and out of twisty bends. There was a new dashboard layout, now using a special Technical Grey finish. The console could be Black Oak as an option as well as the fascia treatment, all set off by a Black Oak wood steering wheel with the large MG logo in the centre. Burr Walnut was another option for the interior. New instrument gauges were backlit illuminated in blue lighting and there were metal-look plastics on the dashboard and a leather-covered gearshift, handbrake and steering wheel. New ‘Summit’ fabric sports seat could also be specified on some models and black leather trimmed sports seats were standard on the SE options. All of these improvements met with considerable acknowledgement from the motoring scribes and the public alike. The ‘+’ pack added leather/Alcantara trim for the sports seats, an electric glass sunroof, a trip computer, rear parking sensors and automatic dipping mirror. For an additional $2000, a buyer could have automatic climate control.

 Initial ZT models were in V6 form but other variants were added to the range:

 ZT 115/115+ CDT  - Turbo Diesel – BMW unit -114bhp (85kW)

 ZT 135/135+ CDTi  - Turbo Diesel – BMW unit -131bhp (98 kW)

 ZT 120/120+  - 1.8 K-Series engine

 ZT 160/160+  - At first, a 2.5 litre KV6, later a supercharged 1.8 K-Series engine

 ZT 190/190+  - 2.5 litre KV6, 190PS

 ZT 180+  - KV6 with JatCo automatic gearbox 177PS

 ZT 260+ - 4.6 litre V8, with a version of the Ford Mustang V8 engine

    MG Rover stated that the manual ZT sedan could reach 0-100km/h in 8.2 seconds and the automatic in 9.5 seconds. For the ZT-T wagon, the claim was 8.7 (manual) and 10 seconds (auto).

    The standard driver-friendly manual gearbox which allowed the driver to engage directly with the car was complimented by the auto which, on today’s roads, seems to be the transmission-of-choice for the average driver. The suspension was deemed to be capable of soaking up the bumps well, while some felt it was a little on the soft side for the ‘big’ potholes. As with other models, the build quality was under scrutiny when compared with Japanese and European marques. The wide-ish gap where the front bumper meets the bonnet can appear to reflect negatively on the build quality, but this is not the case. It is in the design.

    For the Australian release in 2004, (facelift models) two new performance models were added: the ZT 260 and a locally-developed ZT 220S – with a supercharged version of the V6 engine. Prices in Australia were at the time: $59000 for the ZT 190 manual and $60990 for the auto, and the ZT260 V8 was $89,990, placing them up there in the luxury range. 

   MG Xpower – well… that’s another story! This project highlights just how far Peter Stevens and his crew were willing to go to provide a true fire-breathing luxury sportscar with raw V8 power. It was designed to make an ‘in-your-face’ challenge to the ‘exclusive’ saloon-based roadsters such as Porche and Lamborghini – something that would take MG away from their roots in providing affordable roadsters. In the end the SV-R which cost as much as a Porche 911, possibly sold 9 cars – well and truly collectors items in years to come, if not already in that league.

   As a postscript really, many will be aware that the ZT-T is now firmly cemented in the Guiness Book of Records as the fastest Estate Wagon/Station Wagon yet produced. But, to do this Peter Stevens had to go well beyond the common garden variety, road-based wagon. His team took a V8 wagon in 2002 and handed it over to the legendary California-based, custom car specialists, So-Cal Speed Shop to build and then run the car. This MG ZT-T, which carried the code name,  X-15, reached a top speed of 225.609 mph (360.9 km/h) in August 2003, at the 55th annual Bonneville Speed Week Nationals, on the Salt Flats in Utah, USA. Peter Stevens told the press.

        ‘This is not just about setting world records, this is about testing MG's vehicles to their limits, in

        some of the most extreme conditions you can find in the world. The added challenges of meeting

        strict technical and safety regulations which are set by the Southern California Timing Association

        make our achievement of 225.609 mph with a virtually stock MG ZT-T all the more satisfying,’

  Stock-standard ZT-T? Is he kidding us?

    The number of saloons and wagons imported into Australia is certainly open to conjecture because Rover 75 and MG ZT numbers were lumped together. Since ZTs were first introduced in May, 2002, some figures indicate that for that initial year, perhaps 300 plus ZTs were sold here. For 2003, guess-timate figures indicate that just over 200 may have been sold and for 2004, this probably fell to less than 200, Australia-wide. What we do know is that estimates indicate a total of 27,149 units were built at Longbridge in the period 2001-5, meaning that Australia was really only a tiny export drop in a much bigger market.

    There is no need to repeat the scenario of the final days of the Zeds and the collapse of MG Rover. Remarkably, in Australia the plummeting depreciation on all Zed models today is significant on the used car market – all can be bought second-hand for a fraction of what their original purchase price was. Most are still brilliant motor cars, looked after because they were, after all … MGs! Perhaps, as they become collectors’ items and are lovingly kept and added to the stables of MG enthusiasts, their value in future may steadily increase – who knows!

 MG 7:

    Following the rescue package from Nanjing which was to breathe new life into MG all over again, they were to release in 2007 the MG 7 - a variant of the Rover 75/MG ZT. Two distinct models were released: the first, reminiscent of the Z with its twin headlights, and the second not unlike the Rover 75 V8. The distinction between the 7 and the ZT/75 packages was in newly-designed LED rear lights and new alloy wheels. Most importantly – the 7 added an extra 200mm to the length – mostly to compensate for the lack of leg-room for rear passengers in the ZT. Heralded also was the lavish interior and DVD screens.

    The 7 included a new audio and new heating systems and an all-new sunroof. Two engines were available: the N-Series 1.8T producing 160bhp and the 2.5 V6 with a 177bhp capacity. Changes to the electrical ignition system were made to cope with upgraded electricals. The MG 7 came with two extra trim options: ‘Classic’ which featured a slatted grille, and ‘Sport’ with a mesh grille, reminiscent of 2001 ZTs. In 2004, a coupe version was unveiled to the public, but this was at the critical time of the collapse of MG Rover and it disappeared from sight altogether. The MG 7 still continues in production at the point of writing.

 
MG 550 and MG 750:

   Following the Chinese resurrection of the MG brand, Roewe (pronounced ‘Rong-wei’) in 2008 launched its sedans in, of all places, Chile and re-badged them respectively as the MG 550 and the MG 750. They were based on the Rover 75/Roewe 750. The 750 had Xenon Headlights and a fully integrated SatNav system. The 550 had been designed by former British MG Rover engineers for Roewe’s parent company, Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation’s (SAIC) as the successor to the Rover 45.

    In mid-July, 2009 MG-badged versions of the Roewe 550 and 750 were on sale at a SsangYong dealer in the Belarus’ capital, Minsk. It would appear in the re-branding stakes, that SAIC is content to keep the Roewe badge for its domestic sales and have re-badged (MG) versions of its cars on sale internationally – one brand for home, one more recognizable brand for the world. By the way – Chileans who want to buy an MG 550 in Santiago will pay out currently, 10.5 million pesos, (about $AUD16,000!).

 
MG 6:

    The 2009-released MG 6 opens up a new era for MG worldwide. Whereas the ‘Zed’ story abruptly concluded with the final collapse of the Rover-MG company in 2005, the latest Chinese-backed MG 6 debuted at the Guangzhou Auto Show on 24 November, 2009, possibly heralding in an exciting future for Cecil Kimber’s creation as we progress into the second decade of the new millenium. It is a four-door, five-seater hatchback sedan, and like the MG 550 and 750, is based on the Roewe 550. This Chinese model in turn also counts the Rover 75 as a predecessor and sports a newer, updated MG octagon badge – representing a very strong commitment to the MG brand from the Chinese auto giant.

    It is a sharp, European-styled car, reminiscent of the Lexus GS with an all-new angular front which leads the eye directly to the large, centralised MG badge. It is powered by a slightly updated version of the familiar 1.8-litre K-series engine – now known as N-series and will have a turbocharged version on the market. This car is now being constructed at the former MG Rover plant at Longbridge, U.K. where the design team originally conceived the car – which seems fitting really, bringing the MG back to its British origins.

    So, with the MG 6, the story of the MG ‘moderns’ is brought up to date … to this point in time, at least. But, stand by for future updates! Whereas the ‘Zed’ range ceased production in 2005, the tradition of family and sporting saloons continues into the future. But as for Australia, we have dealerships which could again be willing to offer MG cars to the local market but finding an importer is the stopper at present. We will just have to sit back and envy overseas drivers (like those in Santiago and Minsk!) who can purchase and enjoy the new generation of MG saloons and roadsters.

  Sources:

Adams, Keith, ‘MGs for a new millennium: from X to Z’, www.aronline.co.uk

Various sales brochures

www.autoweb.com.au

www.british-cars.net

www.digiads.com.au

www.en.allexperts.com

www.mgcars.org.uk

www.mgownersclub.co.uk

www.en.wikipedia.org

Back to F, Z & Modern Register Home Page