Item: Used MG Rover ZR Hatchback 2001 - 2005
Author: Steve Huntingford

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One of the most famous names on British roads, MG is owned by Chinese firm SAIC these days and it's slowly beginning to rebuild its model line-up.

At present, just two cars are offered: the MG 6, which aims to match cars like the Skoda Octavia on space while beating them on price, and the Ford Fiesta-rivalling MG 3. Both cars look good value for money, but resale values have been an issue, as well as cabin quality and the tax bills created by relatively high CO2 emissions.

Things could improve with the arrival of the GS, a Nissan Qashqai-rivalling SUV that will bring a new transmission and new turbocharged petrol engines, as well as a revised diesel motor. It's scheduled to go on sale in 2016 - although it wouldn't be the first MG to have been delayed during the brand's rebirth.

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


Used MG Rover ZR Hatchback 2001 - 2005

<p>The ZR is an affordable set of wheels to buy and run. Provided, that is, you steer clear of the ZR160.</p>

<p>The ZR160 adds true hot hatch ability to go with those looks, but it's the priciest ZR and you'll have to stump up the cash for group 16 insurance. By comparison, our favourite model, the ZR120, falls into group 10, while the smaller-engined ZR105 and 2.0 turbodiesels are in group 8.</p>

<p>All models are easy-going at the pumps, though. The diesels are best, of course (reckon on just over 50mpg in normal driving), but the petrols are very fuel-efficient, too. Even the hot ZR160 should give you high-30s when you aren't caning it, while the ZR120 and ZR105 can get up to around the 40mpg mark.</p>

<p>Servicing costs are likely to be slightly higher than average, depending on where you get the work done, but nothing to scare your bank manager.</p>

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The MG ZR is a fun, low-cost hot hatch, but it's unrefined and looking very dated now

<p>Don't bother with the 2.0 turbodiesel engines. They're reasonably strong, but unrefined, unenjoyable and unsuited to the car.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>You'll find ZRs at all outlets, but beware trashed ones in the classifieds.</p>

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<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Spacious enough for four adults to sit comfortably</li> <li>Logically laid-out interior that doesn’t</li> <li>feel too cheap</li> <li>Mature driving manners </li> <li>Decent-sized boot</li> <li>Competitive buying and running costs</li></ul>

<p dir="ltr">Small cars, or superminis as they’re also known, used to be bought almost exclusively as first cars or by people with no children – but the likes of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/fiesta/hatchback/review/n106">Ford Fiesta</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/seat/ibiza/hatchback/review/n17359">Seat Ibiza</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/polo/hatchback/review/n83">Volkswagen Polo</a> have grown to the point where they can be considered all-round family transport, albeit with the odd compromise.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The Fiesta remains a star of the class, thanks to its strong Ecoboost petrol engines and suspension settings that are beautifully judged for British roads. However, the latest Volkswagen offers even more practicality, decent performance and a classy interior that has the edge on the Ford’s for quality.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Any of these models will be a competent commuter car – especially if fitted with one of the increasingly popular small turbocharged petrol engines – but just remember that while you’ll be able to carry two adults and two children, it might still be a struggle to get all of their luggage into the boot.</p>

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<p>The petrol engines can suffer head gasket problems if the coolant runs too low, so look for signs of oil leaks between the head and block of the engine, check the inside of the oil filler and take the car for an extended test run to make sure it isn't prone to overheating.</p>

<p>Watch out for crash damage. The ZR's flash-for-not-much-cash looks make it popular among less experienced, hot hatch wannabes, which can end in tears.</p>

<p>Likewise, the suspension needs close attention - the car should track straight, the steering should be accurate and it should turn in and feel well planted in corners. If it doesn't, walk away. If the cause isn't crash damage, it could be worn front suspension, which isn't uncommon.</p>

<p>Build quality can be patchy, but electrical problems are the biggest cause of complaint among owners, so give all the electrical kit a thorough once over.</p>

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<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

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Used MG Rover ZR Hatchback 2001 - 2005 review

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