MG ZS – The Time is Now

Of course, we’re not talking about the current MG ZS that you can walk into a showroom and buy today. The flabby, deeply unattractive and let’s be honest, soulless SUV. No, we’re going back to the early 2000s and celebrating the MG ZS in its original form. The fun, exciting, oft big-winged saloon or more subtle hatch that offered many smiles per mile. It might have been based on the Rover 45, a car with as much spice and pizazz as rice pudding, but it didn’t drive like one. In fact, the MG ZS has been something of a cheeky secret in the motoring world. Those who don’t know may mock, but that’s often the response of the uneducated. Those who have experienced them first hand however, know just how good the MG ZS is. Especially in 180 V6 form.

The MG Z cars of the early 2000s were not just a cynical grab at the youth market. They were genuinely exciting, well engineered, well thought-out cars. You had the ZR, which was based on the 25 and as with all Z cars, there was a range of engine options from a 1.4 to a 1.8 and even diesel. The same could be said for the ZT, which was 75 based. 1.8 petrol, turbocharged versions, diesel and of course, a mighty V6. Oh, and you could have it as an estate, too. And in the middle sat the ZS, based on the 45. It was a clever ‘work your way up the list’ range of cars, or would have been in the event MG Rover lasted longer. They were an unapologetic, bright, shining explosion of fun before the company went under.

An Introduction to the MG ZS

Rover was stagnating in the late ’90s/early ’00s. It was an ‘old’ brand, and as such, its customer base was, well, let’s not beat around the bush here, dying. That doesn’t make for a strong business model. Rover needed to attract the youth market, and utilisation of the MG brand was the way to do it. Hence the ZR, ZS and ZT. The ZS, however, was arguably the best of the three. While the Rover 45 on which it was based was hardly a car for the spirited driver, it had potential. The Honda-derived suspension meant Rover engineers could really push it. And push it they did. The ZS got lower, stiffer suspension, bigger wheels, better brakes, and more power from any engine used.

As for engines, there were many. There was a 1.4, but not for the UK market. We started with the 110bhp 1.6, then the 115bhp 1.8 while a 2.5 KV6 with with 180bhp or so topped the petrol engines. This is the one to have. There were diesel versions, too. Bothe were L Series engines, but one had 99bhp, the other 115bhp and more torque. Add in the range of bright colours, body kits, massive wings for the saloon and alloys up to 17-inch and you had a car a million miles away from the 45.

Even though Rover was soon in huge trouble, the Z cars did receive a significant facelift in line with the Rover range as a whole. For us, these are the ones to have. A ZS saloon with the V6 and full, wild, BTCC-pleasing X Power body kit is the ultimate expression of ZS greatness. Ideally with the massive rear wing, too. When in Rome and all that. And then you can pretend you’re Colin Turkington.

What Should I look for? 

The ZS is, depressingly, getting pretty thin on the ground these days. However, that does mean that most of those that survive are enthusiast owned and as such, have been well maintained. However, for the avoidance of doubt, there are some general things you need to look for. Firstly, past abuse. Has the car been modified, and if so, has it been to the car’s detriment? Parts are getting hard to find, so be wary of anything that’s been cut about or altered. Rust can be an issue, particularly on the underside, so have a good poke about and see what’s what. The interior is incredibly dull, and things like the door cards are not very well made – fabric coming away is a common issue, same with the headlining. Finally, mechanically speaking, any MG ZS that’s still going in 2023 has almost certainly been looked after, but still check that belts have been done (especially on the KV6 models) and check oil and water for any emulsification. The K Series is always going to K Series.

What are Prices Like? 

You can pick up a K Series powered hatch for as little as a grand, and that’s for a pre-facelift car. Saloons are generally more popular and fetch a bit more, but can still be had for a couple of thousand. The best of the facelift, V6 cars with all the X Power visual goodies will set you back £3-3,500 for a good one, but a great one could be double. If you’re lucky enough to find one with the delightfully period flip paint, the same goes.

Why Should I Buy One? 

Because the MG ZS is brilliant, that’s why. When it was launched, the motoring press lauded the car, almost in disbelief given it started life as a Rover 45. “At first glance it might appear to be a simple case of badge engineering, but the transformation from ageing Rover 45 to exciting MG ZS is a lot more than simply swapping metal monikers. Beneath the wire-meshed MG nose and bespoilered tail lies a lot of skilful engineering by Longbridge’s finest.” was one line, while others said “Drive a ZS180 back to back with a Golf V5, probably the sportiest of the line, and the Rover (based car) stomps all over the Volkswagen, its steering, chassis and engine beating the German into submission over the sort of lumpen road surfaces that make up the British B road”. It was a triumph, a real high point for thee MG Rover Group, and the cars that still exist deserve to be celebrated, cherished and enjoyed.