MG Rover on the comeback trail

For the first the time in what seems like an eternity, MG Rover appears to gathering momentum. Will MG Rover, the last of the few remaining British carmakers, forge ahead and challenge the big players? Stranger things have happened...

In June of 2001, the MG Rover Group acquired Italian car-maker Qvale and, with the help of McLaren F1 designer Peter Stevens, adapted the X80 from the Mangusta.

This puppy is due to be arriving in the latter part of 2003, but more recently, the MG Rover Group has signed a landmark deal with Chinese automaker Brilliance.

The ramifications of this deal are potentially massive and the first non-Asian motor company to sell cars in China (though jointly through Brilliance) is something MG Rover will be remembered for.

But launching in Australia in the very near future are the MG-badged ZT series, which promise to add some verve to the MG Rover line-up.

What you've got here is a Rover 75 modified to the point that it becomes, well, better. As MG Rover's product development chief, Rob Oldaker, said: "These are uncompromising driver's cars. They have taut handling and steering. They sit low and ride firmly. Up-rated brakes can shrug off the hardest driving. Short-throw gear levers give snappy changes. Throttle response is sharp. There are tuned induction and exhaust systems to optimise power and give all the right sound effects. The seats locate you securely against higher cornering forces."

Well, Mr Oldaker certainly cut to the chase. Rather than go on about gadgets or milestones or even the fact that an ex-McLaren lad helped redesign the old 75, he tells it how it is, appealing to those he knows will want to drive such a car.

So now, for the first time in years, a new range of sporting sedans and wagons goes on sale in Australia under the MG name.

There are two models - the sedan and the wagon, or the ZT sedan and ZT-T sports wagon. Firmly entrenched within the executive car segment of the market, the new MGs will compete with the likes of Audi and BMW.

John Skinner, Director of Operations at MG Rover Australia, summed it up: "The MG ZT and ZT-T are new products from a brand famously dedicated to sports car motoring. They will compete in a market where they will be recognised for performance, driving enjoyment, equipment levels and value pricing.

"Direct competitors include Alfa 156, Lexus IS200 and 300, Jaguar X-type and BMW 3 Series as well as sporting versions of the Saab 9-3 and 9-5, Audi A4, Mercedes C-Class and Volvo S60."

The lines have been drawn. MG wants a piece of the pie. Does it have the necessary firepower to compete? They have high equipment levels with prices starting below $60,000 - a nice start.

Both cars, the sedan and wagon, will be available with two-variants of MG Rover's light alloy, quad cam 2.5-litre V6 unit and are both front-wheel drive. The more powerful version will only be available when fitted to the Getrag five-speed manaul, worth a hearty 140kW @ 6500rpm and 245Nm @ 4000rpm. The five-speed adaptive auto gearbox gets you a 133kW rig.

The increase in power over the standard issue Rover 75's 130kW powerplant has been found in a couple of areas. Induction and exhaust systems have been modified with larger intakes and tubing with improved flow and less back pressure.

Furthermore, the inlet valves have a more aggressive cam profile and a new throttle cam is more sensitive to pedal movement, giving greater responsiveness. Of course, cooling systems have been uprated for the higher performance and gearboxes, too, are modified for faster response. But when all is said and done, the ZT range of models will run on regular grade unleaded fuel - no octane booster needed.

But more than just re-jigging the engines, whacking on 18-inch alloys and bolting on an aero bodykit, the new MG ZT range has seen a number of improvements in the ride and handling departments. Using the latest and most advanced Delphi 2005+ damping technology, with two-stage 'digressive' valving, the damper characteristics have been optimised for control precision while retaining a good secondary ride quality.

Sure-footed chassis dynamics ensures the new ZT range offers tighter, yet more progressive handling characteristics. All the chassis elements which influence handling quality have been radically changed; firmer spring rates, revised engine and subframe mounts and a quicker 16.4:1 steering rack produce exceptional suspension control and superior handling dynamics.

Add to this the expansive amounts of rubber offered by unique MG-style 18-inch alloy wheels, combined with an all-round lowering of the suspension, and the end result is more than just a road-hugging stance. Massive 325mm front discs are backed by an uprated four-channel anti-lock braking system.

But actions have always spoken louder than words, and the new MG ZS that races in the UKs equivalent of our famous V8 Supercar circuit, British Touring Car Championship (BTCC), is giving the pot a big old stir. The reigning champions in the Vauxhall (GM) Astra Coupes sit at one, two and three on the standings, but the MG comes in at fourth, which is remarkable when you compare their resources.

The new MG ZTs will be fairly easy to spot - just look for the a bold body-coloured MG grille with bright mesh and those groovy self-levelling xenon headlights (with autowashers) and you should be fine. A deep airdam contributes to both cooling performance and stability at speed, while the rear spoiler also reduces aerodynamic lift and benefits high-speed braking efficiency. The rear bumper incorporates twin large-bore exhaust pipes within a stainless steel heatshield.

Inside potential buyers will be greeted with a clean, sporting look. The fascia and console are finished in rhodium silver complete with matching silver instruments. You get a fully adjustable steering wheel (with the traditional MG octagon badge) plus the gearshifter and handbrake are covered in perforated black leather.

Sports seats are deeply bolstered for location and support and are trimmed in cloth with colour-keyed leather inserts. A full complement of luxury features includes cruise control, air conditioning with pollen filter, six airbags and a six speaker CD audio system. Even a folding rear seat with load through facility is standard.

The new ZT range from the MG Rover stable involves more than just a power upgrade, instead inviting drivers to sample the measured handling characteristics, too. Of course, this is just the start for MG Rover Australia, with the ZT range to include a rear drive 4.6-litre V8 version, worth some 500+Nm of torque in supercharged form.

For the moment however, there are eight MG ZT models, available from May 2002 through the national network of MG Rover dealerships. All are covered by a three year/100,000km warranty with 24hour MG Rover Roadside Assist. The new MG ZT range offers the lot really, and should appeal to a wide range of buyers. Like it has in the BTCC, the new ZT is going to stir things up - that much we're sure of.

Pricing:

Note: All models will also be available with the option of a luxurious '+ pack'. To an already extensive list of standard features, this adds leather/Alcantara sports seats, electric glass sunroof, trip computer, rear parking sensors and an auto-dipping mirror.

MG ZT 190 manual sedan $59,990
MG ZT 180 auto sedan $59,990

MG ZT-T 190 manual wagon $62,990
MG ZT-T 180 auto wagon $62,990

MG ZT+ 190 manual sedan $63,990
MG ZT+ 180 auto sedan $63,990

MG ZT-T+ 190 manual wagon $66,990
MG ZT-T+ 180 auto wagon $66,990