MG ZS

MG ZS180 hatchback (2001-2004)

The MG ZS is a sporty sedan or station wagon, the MG produced ( a trademark of MG Rover ) between mid 2001 and early 2005. In mainland China, the vehicle between 2007 and 2008 was offered as MG 5.

History

The ZS is basically a sportier version of the Rover 45, which came on the market in the fall of 1999. The 45 in turn is an updated version of the Rover 400, the mid-1995 was presented as a hatchback and sedan. This 400 had had many similarities with the Honda Civic model years 1995-1999, because during its development Rover and Honda worked in a partnership to jointly develop cars for the Japanese and European markets.

The MG ZS was developed from the Rover 45, when BMW sold Rover 2000 in the spring. The development of the model was especially accelerated that Rover had already created a prototype with a V6 engine and sporty chassis from the previous type 400. Indeed MG Rover developed by all three models available on the market MG Versions: The Rover 25 was the MG ZR set aside, the Rover 75 MG ZT and Rover 45 just the MG ZS.

The Rover 45 actually had no reputation as a driver's car, but it really was the best for a transformation into a MG suitable model of the Rover range, as it was equipped as Honda heritage with a front wheel suspension with double wishbone suspension and a multi-link rear axle.

As a rover the car was always optimized more for comfort than handling, as MG it was the other way around.

Although his appearance was admittedly not as elegant as that of the MG ZR and MG ZT, ZS was the best driver's car of the trio, as the V6 put much power is available and provided by the soft suspension for excellent handling.

Facelift

Beginning of 2004 has been revised along with the rest of the MG Rover model range of the ZS. The retro design details that you anbrachte the vehicle when he was 45 for the 400, for the most part disappeared again. For the first time the Rover 45 and MG ZS vehicles with different looks, at least in the top- ZS180, released in the fall of 2003 was concerned. Widened wheel arches and grilles in the fenders, as well as other accents that distinguish the new ZS significantly from its sister model.

The ZS also got a new interior with new upholstery materials and a restyled instrument panel with some models also controls for the air conditioning had.

Production of the MG ZS was set in April 2005 after the bankruptcy of MG Rover and the production rights were returned to Honda, of which also presented the plans of the original vehicle from the year 1995.

Specifications

Performance data for the MG ZS model range:

Offer in Germany

It was first available in Germany only the ZS180. The standard features of the ZS180 electric windows, air conditioning, part leather seats, 4 airbags, 17 " alloy wheels, power steering, ABS and fog lights. Upon landing gear fell back on the racing version of the MG. Due to this configuration was dispensed to an electrical driving aid.

Racing applications

The ZS was reported in the British Touring Car Championship since 2001. The ' West Surrey Racing Team '' ( WSR ) had many long years the status of a factory racing team and initially used cars with a 2.0 liter version of the Rover KV6 engine. Later they turned to the four-cylinder engines in the Rover K- series. Former " WSR " cars came into other hands, and in 2002 there was a " Junior Team ".

The driver of the MG BTCC were:

Successor

A successor to the Rover 45 / MG ZS (initially called RDX60 ) was in development. It was based on the shortened floorpan of the Rover 75 and should be considered as station wagon, sedan and station wagon ( " touring " ) appear. The chassis development was carried out by Tom Walkingshaw Racing, but adjusted with the collapse of this company.

That the RDX60 not appeared, meant that the ZS has been revised and maintained until the end of MG Rover in the model range.