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RELEASE IMMEDIATE

May 18, 2004

                                                                                                                          

 

MG EXTENDS SPORTS APPEAL WITH NEW-LOOK ZR

 

A new exterior and interior style is announced today (May 18) for the latest MG ZR, the UK’s most popular Super-mini, hot-hatch, in preparation for its show debut at next week’s Sunday Times Motor Show Live in Birmingham.  Order placements are now possible through MG Rover dealers with first deliveries from July.

 

Full specification details and images of this latest MG ZR are available from the dedicated media website: www.media.mg-rover.com.

 

Key features include:

·         Distinctive new exterior style, featuring clear lens covered twin headlamps

·         New high quality fascia design, incorporating four styled circular air vents 

·         Improved dynamic driving experience and value for money specification

 

A new front bumper design is accompanied by new clear lens covered twin halogen headlamps that give a cleaner and more sculpted exterior form.  Substantial changes are made to the rear with a new boot and bumper style, complemented by new alloy wheels and centre-line badging.  On the inside, a new fascia design houses four circular air vents and a new centre console.

 

The new ZR completes a brand evolution of the MG product portfolio in the marque’s 80th anniversary year.  The clean and bold lines of the latest ZR produce a contemporary sports style that evolves consistently through the range with the latest ZS and ZT, and traces through to the SV supercar.  

 

MG ZR Product Detail Index

·         Product summary

·         New features and summary

·         Specification summary, by model

·         Performance, fuel economy and CO2

·         Pricing, including options

   

Product Summary

The exterior style changes to the new MG ZR include a new front bumper design, a deeper integral SV look front grille and a tough clear lens protecting twin halogen headlamps in a black surround, that combine to give the ZR a fresh and sports focussed, modern appearance.

 

At the rear, the treatment is just as effective, with a new, more angular rear bumper, housing the re-positioned number plate and a clean-panel rear tailgate, with centrally mounted MG brand and ZR model identity badging.  This gives a more defined rear appearance, with its standard-fit spoiler for a refreshed design style.  Other exterior changes include the tailgate lift handle now incorporated into the rear wiper assembly design and body coloured side rubbing strips with ZR model identity badging.  A blacked out lower feature and stainless steel exhaust heat shield creates an authentic effect, with 160 models also featuring rear bumper extensions on the corners by the rear wheel arch.

 

Inside, the high quality and stylish cabin features a new fascia design, centre console, soft touch switchgear and an array of technology features.  The new fascia houses four circular styled air vents that give definition and feature to the centre and ends of the fascia, each with a satin chrome finish. 

 

New Features

Improved Driving Experience

The latest ZR models all feature a more responsive and improved brake feel.  A lower positioned clutch pedal improves driver ergonomics and throttle pedal set-up has been changed on petrol and diesel models to match the engine responsiveness of this pocket-rocket sports hatch.  Steering is also much sharper with improved
H-frame toe and camber geometry and the fitment of a new specification rear suspension bush material.

 

A new 16” Gridspoke wheel is available on entry-level ZR models, while the 160 is available with the 17” Straights alloy wheel.

 

Convenience – Remote Activated Boot Release

A new feature for the ZR is the plip activated electronic tailgate release feature, a convenience that allows the owner easier access to the rear of the car.

 

Secure Technology for Greater Security and Locking

Auto relocking – if the car is locked/armed and the unlock button is subsequently pressed, the car will automatically lock and re-arm if no doors are opened within
30 seconds.  This protects against accidental unlocking of the vehicle.

 

Speed locking (also known as drive away locking) can be configured so that the doors automatically lock when the vehicle speed is greater than 3mph/5km/h.  The doors remain locked when the vehicle is stationary and can be unlocked by the master lock button or by turning the engine off.  The alarm system uses a battery backed up sounder, located within a shielded enclosure and protected with tamper proof fixings, which will activate if the power supply is tampered with. 

 

Audible mislock – features a short horn sound if door / tailgate / bonnet are open when the vehicle is locked with the key or remote.  Automatic Engine immobilisation is activated after the ignition is switched off.

 

Master Locking Switch

This new feature to MG ZR is located above the switches in the new centre console.  It offers a greater degree of security as the car can instantly lock all of the doors, regardless of ignition or engine state, with a single press of the button.

 

A panic alarm can be triggered by pressing the Master Locking Switch for two seconds – locking all doors, activating the alarm sounder and flashing the hazard lamps.  It is de-activated by another two-second press or by pressing the plip.

 

Remote locking feature

The new remote plip has a changing lock/unlock code every time it is used.  No thief could record (or capture) the code then use it later on.  A new design of plip now features lock, unlock and remote tailgate release opening.  It can be operated with the alarm armed or disarmed.  The alarm rearms when the tailgate is closed, with hazard warning lamps flashing to indicate this security.  The latest plip design has a greater operating range.

 

Safety – ABS/EBD

All MG ZRs have ABS (anti-lock braking system) and EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) as standard.  EBD helps to ensure that the rear brakes contribute as much braking force as possible, equalising the braking forces.

 

Key Competitors

Renault Clio, Ford Fiesta, VW Polo, Peugeot 206 and Vauxhall Corsa.

 

Exterior Colours

Solid: Trophy Yellow, new Rio Red

Metallic: Starlight Silver and XPower Grey

Pearlescent: Royal Blue, Goodwood Green, British Racing Green, Black Pearl, new Firefrost red and Ignition Blue

 

New Features Summary

Exterior

·         New front bumper design

·         New larger integral front grille

·         New clear lens cover twin halogen headlamps

·         Body coloured side rubbing strips with brushed steel ZR identity

·         New rear bumper design housing number plate

·         New tailgate design incorporating distinctive MG and ZR badging

·         Remote plip activated hatchback-opening release

·         New 16” Gridspoke alloy wheels

·         Thatcham approved security wheel locking nuts

 

Interior

·         New fascia design with four stylish rotary air vents with satin chrome finish

·         New fascia console with soft-touch switches

·         Revised seat fabrics

·         Master locking switch and drive-away locking for occupant security

 

New MG ZR Specification Summary, model by model

 

105/120/TD

105 - 1.4-litre (103Ps) engine

120 - 1.8-litre (117Ps) engine

TD - 2.0-litre turbo-diesel (101Ps) engine

 

Suspension and Steering

Front: independent MacPherson strut suspension with telescopic dampers

Front anti roll bar

Rear: independent torsion beam H frame

Power assisted steering

 

Safety and Brakes

Driver’s airbag and five lap and diagonal seat belts

ABS with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)

 

Interior

Electric front windows

All Ash coloured fascia condition

Matrix fabric seat facings on entry model and ‘+’ models

New Axis material for ZR 160

Stylish new seat pattern, using horizontal sew lines on squab and cushion

Door casings incorporate coloured inserts to match seats (neutral, blue or green)

New glovebox design with satin chrome handle

New centre console with unique Technical Grey finish

Satin aluminium painted HEVAC knobs, floor bezels

Centre console now includes additional storage space under ICE unit

New floor console with satin aluminium electric window switch surround

Rotary styled air vents with satin chrome finish

60/40 split folding rear seat back

 

Locks and Security

Remote central door locking with Plip controlled remote tailgate release function

Passive engine immobilisation

Auto relocking and speed locking functions

Master locking/unlocking switch including personal panic attack alarm mode

Thatcham approved security wheel locking nuts

 

Body and Exterior Features

Body coloured side rubbing strips incorporating ZR badging identity

Body coloured front and re-styled rear bumpers

Union/chequered flag badge on D posts

Clear lens twin halogen headlamps

 

ZR+ models

Additional specification features over entry models:

Kenwood single slot CD Tuner

Air conditioning

Leather steering wheel

Front fog lights

Driver’s seat height and lumbar support

Electric adjustable/heated door mirrors

 

ZR 160

1.8-litre (160Ps) engine with Variable Valve Control

Additional specification features over ZR+:

17" Straights alloy wheels

Axis part-leather seats

Rear head restraints

Rear electric windows

Sculpted side sill finishers and rear bumper extensions

Twin exhaust pipes

Close-ratio gearbox

Uprated brakes

 

 

MG ZR - Performance, Fuel Economy and CO2

Engines                                         105            120           120           160            TD         115 TD

                                                                               Stepspeed

Transmission                                Man           Man          CVT          Man          Man          Man

Capacity                               cc    1396          1796          1796          1796          1994          1994

Max Power                           Ps     103            117           117           160           101           113

                                       @rpm    6000          5500          5500          6900          4200          4200

Max Torque                         Nm     123            160           160           174           240           260

                                       @rpm    4500          2750          2500          4700          2000          2000

Max engine speed               rpm    6800          6800          6000          7100          4500          4500

 

Performance

0-60mph                            secs    10.0           8.6            9.5            7.4            9.7            9.1

30-50 4th                           secs     9.5            6.4              -              6.9            6.3            6.2

50-70 4th                           secs    10.7           7.1              -              7.3            7.0            6.5

Max Speed (mph)               mph     111            119           112           131           114           116

 

Fuel Economy

Urban                                 mpg    31.1           29.0          24.5          27.1          39.2          36.7

                                    l/100km     9.1            9.7           11.5          10.4           7.2            7.7

Extra Urban                        mpg    51.1           51.1          45.9          48.7          68.3          67.3

                                    l/100km     5.5            5.5            6.2            5.8            4.1            4.2

Combined                           mpg    41.3           39.8          34.7          37.6          53.8          51.5

                                    l/100km     6.8            7.1            8.1            7.5            5.2            5.5

CO2                                  g/km     164            169           194           179           150           150

 

Gear Ratios

5th                                              0.878         0.765         0.443         0.848         0.649         0.649

4th                                              1.108         1.033            -            1.033         0.848         0.848

3rd                                              1.414         1.308            -            1.308         1.222         1.222

2nd                                             2.038         1.842            -            1.895         1.895         1.895

1st                                              3.583         3.167         2.416         3.250         3.250         3.250

Reverse                                       3.615         3.000         2.658         3.000         3.000         3.000

Final drive                                    3.824         4.200    1.423x4.050    4.200         3.938         3.938

Mph per 1000rpm in 5th                 19.2           21.7          27.3          19.7          27.2          27.2

Km/h per 1000rpm in 5th                30.9           34.9          43.9          31.6          43.8          43.8

 

Dimensions                                                                                    3 dr                           5 dr

Overall vehicle length                                        mm                         3999                          3999

Overall vehicle width (inc mirrors)                       mm                         1946                          1946

Width excluding door mirrors                             mm                         1688                          1688

Overall height                                                   mm                         1395                          1395

Wheelbase                                                      mm                         2500                          2500

Front overhang                                                 mm                          816                            816

Rear overhang                                                  mm                          683                            683

Front track                                                      mm                         1473                          1473

Rear track                                                       mm                         1466                          1466

Boot capacity (rear seat up)                     litres VDA                          304                            304

Fuel tank capacity (all models)                                                               50 litres / 11 Gallons

 

 

MG ZR Pricing

 

The appeal of the MG ZR is its combination of sports car specification and pricing, which importantly starts with 3-door models from just £10,395, rising to the 160 top-of-the-range model at £14,995.

 

                                                    Price             CO2        Tax       VED          FRF              OTR

ZR 3dr Hatchback                                              g/km      Band                                   Price (£)

MG ZR 105                                    10,232           164           B           125          38            10,395

MG ZR 120                                    11,662           169           C           145          38            11,845

MG ZR 120 Stepspeed   12547   194   D   160   38   12745

MG ZR + 105                                 11,782           164           B           125          38            11,945

MG ZR + 120                                 13,212           169           C           145          38            13,395

MG ZR + 120 Stepspeed   14097   194   D   160   38   14295

MG ZR 160                                    14,812           179           C           145          38            14,995

MG ZR Turbo Diesel                       11,642           150           A           115          38            11,795

MG ZR 115 Turbo Diesel                 12,142           150           A           115          38            12,295

MG ZR + Turbo Diesel                    13,192           150           A           115          38            13,345

MG ZR + 115 Turbo Diesel              13,692           150           A           115          38            13,845

 

ZR 5dr Hatchback                                                                                                                   

MG ZR 105                                    10,782           164           B           125          38            10,945

MG ZR 120                                    12,212           169           C           145          38            12,395

MG ZR 120 Stepspeed   13097   194   D   160   38   13295

MG ZR + 105                                 12,332           164           B           125          38            12,495

MG ZR + 120                                 13,762           169           C           145          38            13,945

MG ZR + 120 Stepspeed   14647   194   D   160   38   14845

MG ZR 160                                    15,462           179           C           145          38            15,645

MG ZR Turbo Diesel                       12,192           150           A           115          38            12,345

MG ZR 115 Turbo Diesel                 12,692           150           A           115          38            12,845

MG ZR + Turbo Diesel                    13,742           150           A           115          38            13,895

MG ZR + 115 Turbo Diesel              14,242           150           A           115          38            14,395

 

Optional 120 Stepspeed models have a CO2 of 194g/km

                                               

MG ZR features a three year/60,000 mile warranty, six-year anti-corrosion and three-year cosmetic paint warranty with 12 months' AA Roadside Assistance cover.

 

 

MG ZR Option Pricing

 

Main Price List Options                                        Entry              +                160         Price(£)

Metallic / Pearlescent paint                                        O                 O                 O                 325

Space saver spare wheel                                           O                 O                 O                   50

Stepspeed automatic gearbox (120 only)                     O                 O                 -                  900

Cigar lighter                                                              O                 O                 O                   10

Passenger airbag                                                      O                 O                 O                 175

Kenwood stereo radio cassette                                   S                 O                 O                     0

Kenwood upgraded stereo radio cassette  o  o  o  105

Kenwood single slot CD tuner                                    O                 S                 S                 175

Kenwood high power cD Tuner with MP3 ilo radio cassette  o  -  -  280

Kenwood high power CD tuner

          with MP3 ilo CD tuner                                       -                 O                 O                 100

Kenwood 6 disc CD Autochanger                               O                 O                 O                 265

Satellite navigation                                                     -                 O                 O                 995

Gunsmoke Alcantara                                                 -                 O                 -                  660

Gunsmoke Alcantara over Axis                                   -                  -                 O                 265

Axis half leather seat upgrade                                     -                 O                 S                 395

Pack 1: Side sills & 16" Gridspoke                             O                 O                 -                  300

Pack 2: Side sills & 17" Straights                               O                 O                 -                  450

                                                                                                                                             

Proposed Monogram options                               Entry              +                160         Price(£)

Air conditioning                                                        MO               S                 S                 730

Alcantara (coloured or Alcantara)                              MO              MO                -                  660

Alcantara over Axis trim (coloured or Alcantara)            -                  -                MO                265

Axis seat upgrade                                                    MO               O                 -                  395

Leather Sports seat                                                 MO              MO                -                1185

Leather Sports seat                                                   -                  -                MO                790

Rear head restraints                                                 MO              MO               S                   80

Pack 3: Gunsmoke Alcantara, Tuscany door

           casings and rear park distance control              -                  -                MO                450

Electric sunroof                                                       MO              MO              MO                555

Rear electric windows                                              MO              MO               S                 290

Folding boot box & convenience hook                        MO              MO              MO                 55

Leather steering wheel                                             MO               S                 S                 160

Sculpted side sill finishers                                        MO              MO               S                 250

TrafficMaster Traffic Alert System                              MO              MO              MO                160

Rear park distance sensors                                      MO              MO              MO                265

Front fog lights                                                        MO               S                 S                 185

Kenwood upgraded stereo radio cassette                    O                 O                 O                 105

Kenwood high power CD tuner

          with MP3 ilo radio cassette                              O                 -                  -                  280

Kenwood 6 disc CD Autochanger                               O                 O                 O                 265

Satellite navigation                                                   MO               O                 O                 995

16" Gridspoke ilo 16" Hairpin                                    MO              MO                -                  150

17" Straights ilo 16" Hairpins                                    MO              MO               S                 290

                                                                                                                                             

Current Monogram options                                  Entry              +                160         Price(£)

Chromescent paint finish                                           O                 O                 O               2000

Chromactive paint finish                                             O                 O                 O               1800

Kinetic paint finish                                                     O                 O                 O               1200

Supertallic paint finish                                               O                 O                 O                 800

Trackstar                                                                  O                 O                 O               1200