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MG Rover ZT-T+ 160 Tourer

Green Machine

If you heard that MG had swapped the ZT 160's V6 for a four-cylinder 1.8-litre engine, you might feel short changed. But the powerplant switch has been designed to give you more cash in your pocket, without having to sacrifice any performance.

By Craig Cheetham

January 2003

If you heard that MG had swapped the ZT 160's V6 for a four-cylinder 1.8-litre engine, you might feel short changed. But the powerplant switch has been designed to give you more cash in your pocket, without having to sacrifice any performance.

The new turbocharged model aims to expand the ZT's appeal in the highly competitive fleet market. Whereas the 2.5-litre V6 ZT-T 160 kicked out 225g/km of carbon dioxide, placing it in the 27 per cent company car tax bracket, the new model displaces only 194g/km, equating to a seven per cent lower tax liability. For a higher-rate taxpayer, that could mean savings of thousands of pounds a year.

And the bonuses don't stop there. Fuel economy also improves significantly, as official figures claim an extra five miles a gallon, with the combined result now up to a reasonable 34.9mpg. Power comes from the familiar 1.8-litre K-Series engine, but it's been equipped with a Garrett GT20 turbocharger, lifting output to 159bhp - or 41bhp more than a standard Rover 75 1.8. On paper the performance is much the same as the outgoing V6, with 0-60mph possible in 8.9 seconds and a top speed of 130mph.

But on the road the new ZT-T 160 feels significantly different, and it is certainly more brutal. The turbo comes in sharply, causing torque steer that could surprise the unwitting, especially on damp or loose surfaces. It's not as smooth as the V6, either, with a rougher engine note, especially at high revs.

However, the BMW-derived chassis feels quick and agile, and our test car had a surprisingly supple ride considering it was shod with optional 18-inch wheels and ultra low-profile tyres. As with the rest of the ZT range, the newcomer demonstrates superb handling, a slick-changing manual gearbox and nicely weighted steering.

There is, of course, a saloon version available, too, but for our money the Tourer's extra ΂£965 is well worth it. Besides the surprising practicality, the ZT-T features a very elegant pro-file, especially with those purposeful X-Power styling tweaks.

The MG has plenty to recommend it. It ranks among the best-looking cars in its class, promises to be relatively inexpensive to run, and appears excellent value for money, especially compared to high-prestige German rivals. It might not be as smooth to drive as the old ZT-T 160, but consider the new 160 as a tax-beating package and MG has made a change for the better.

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FIRST OPINION

    By bolting a high-pressure turbo to the venerable K-Series motor, MG has created a car that offers the same sporting performance and decent dynamics as its V6 predecessor, but at a more accessible price for company car users. It makes sense for private buyers, too, with better economy and a lower insurance group.
 

AT A GLANCE

    MG ZT-T 160+, on sale now
    Also £19,935 base ZT-T
    Insurance group 14
     
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