MG ZT 260 SE

There's no better way to emphasise the sporting intentions of the latest ZT than with the awesome 260. Bags of torque, a well engineered chassis and an intoxicating soundtrack make this one of MG Rover's strongest products. Yet the styling tweaks mean every model in the ZT range can now stake a claim for a place on anyone's sport saloon shortlist.

The thought of a Rover 75 appearing on the same buyer's shortlist as a Subaru Impreza STi would have been laughable a few years ago. The turbocharged Oriental model was butch, super-fast and raw, while the Rover was more genteel.

But the 75 has developed into a performance car with real credibility; first by being transformed into the MG-badged ZT, complete with tuned chassis, then with the addition of a massive V8 engine and rear-wheel drive. Now the ZT boasts a fresh, new look as well. So does it have what it takes? We got behind the wheel to find out.

With its makeover complete, the MG is one of the most imposing models in its class. The resculpted front has a far more aggressive appearance, while the new headlights are more modern than the outgoing car's twin lamps. The rear is sharper, thanks to the restyled bumper, while the 260 also gets quad exhaust pipes, which hint at the performance.

Under the bonnet of this flagship ZT is a mighty Ford Mustang-sourced 4.6-litre V8. It offers more than double the capacity of turbo rivals, yet produces a relatively modest 256bhp - which works out at only 56bhp per litre. However, the 260 covers 0-60mph in 6.2 seconds and goes all the way to 155mph.

Despite its impressive performance potential, this isn't the kind of car you want to drive hard, though. Twist the key and the rumble of all eight cylinders fills the interior, and as the crescendo of V8 burble builds, the 260 shows real character. Due to its relatively heavy steering and weighty clutch and gearlever, this ZT is at its most comfortable when cruising. But that's not to say the MG isn't capable of hustling along B-roads at pace.

MG Rover engineers have had very little input into the reshaping of the line-up, so the driving experience across the range is unchanged. However, as the ZT was completely re-engineered to produce the 260 - which was launched last November - that is no hardship.

The cars keep their precise feel and accurate steering. Feeding all the power to the rear with no traction control can lead to some hair-raising moments, but the 260 behaves as if it could handle more than 256bhp, given the chance.

With more standard kit now offered on all ZT variants, MG Rover claims that every model is better value for money. But prices have risen. The entry-level ZT is now £230 more expensive, while the 260 SE tested here is on sale for £33,490 - a £785 increase.

Go for the most costly model and the asking price is likely to be the first of a long line of big bills. With CO2 emissions of 314g/km, the V8 is in the 35 per cent company car tax bracket, while most drivers will be lucky to match MG's 21.5mpg claim. Although not everybody will be able to afford the 260, thanks to a raft of revisions, all the models are well worth a look.