Used MG Rover ZR Hatchback 2001 - 2005 review

What's the used MG ZR like?

The MG ZR is a Rover 25 retuned and restyled to turn Rover's old boy into a bad boy. But, even though the 25 was an ageing design long before the surgery, the chassis engineers did a great job of turning it into an something much more entertaining to drive.

They made the handling sharper without massacring the ride, and the ZR160 version is a swift, entertaining hot hatch. However, the ZR isn't as refined as the 25 - it has a firmer ride, the suspension is noisier and the engines get loud when stretched.

Overview

The MG ZR is a fun, low-cost hot hatch, but it's unrefined and looking very dated now

Pros

• The ZR is cheap and has keen yet frugal petrol engines, which make it entertaining

Cons

• The looks are too brash for some, the diesels are rowdy and build quality is poor

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You'll either love or hate the car's looks. Either way, you probably won't like the awkward driving position and old-style cabin.

Still, there's decent space in the front and rear, as well as a useful boot. Getting to and from the rear seats in the three-door isn't easy, though.

Our recommendations

Which used MG ZR should I buy?

Don't bother with the 2.0 turbodiesel engines. They're reasonably strong, but unrefined, unenjoyable and unsuited to the car.

Of the petrols, the ZR105 is a good, low-cost warm hatch and its 1.4 petrol engine is willing enough. For drivers who want a little more go, there's the ZR160. Its 158bhp 1.8 petrol is hot-hatch swift - 0-60mph in 7.4sec - but the insurance costs are prohibitive.

This leaves our favourite, the 118bhp 1.8 ZR120. It's nippy enough (0-60mph in 8.6sec), but it is stacks cheaper to insure and gentle on fuel.

We'd take the five-door over the three-door, and, for a more modern (or less dated) look, a car made after the face-lift in late 2003. Basic spec is modest. Plusher '+' trim is worth the extra, but even then, safety kit is minimal.

You'll find ZRs at all outlets, but beware trashed ones in the classifieds.

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