Identity crisis?

MG is treading the fine line between froth and substance with its new entry-level ZS, but will a 107bhp version still attract the enthusiast? While the flagship ZS is powered by a potent 175bhp 2.5-litre V6 engine, the base 110 comes with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder unit. There is also a 1.8-litre, which fits between the two, along with a diesel version.

The emphasis is on creating a sporty driver's car, so even the base model is equipped with firm suspension and sharper steering than the Rover 45 upon which the saloon is based. While the driver will appreciate the tidy handling and decent body control, the ageing chassis design and sporty springs and dampers make for a choppy ride. The smallest powerplant in the line-up does little to enhance refinement, with a thrashy engine note that discourages the driver from venturing into the higher reaches of the rev range.

That's a shame, because the solid gearchange is one of the best features of the ZS, and straight-line performance is also reasonable. MG's official figures claim a 0-60mph sprint time of 9.8 seconds, which is only 0.8 seconds slower than that of the 1.8-litre version.

Buyers of the entry-level model will also benefit from 40.2mpg fuel economy and CO2 emissions of 168g/km - both offering financial incentives over the more powerful ZS 120. From the outside, there are no tell-tale signs that your MG is powered by the weediest engine in the line-up, but the design is really beginning to show its age, particularly in five-door form. The basic shape dates back to 1995, so that's hardly surprising! Higher-powered versions get a beefier appearance, but investing in some sportier wheels from the options list would certainly help to enhance the ZS's looks.

It's not much better inside, where the cabin ergonomics and switchgear design feel as though they are from another era. Decent build quality saves the day, although hard plastic details, such as the cheap hinged ignition key that can be traced back to the early Eighties, really let the side down.

However, the newcomer is all about value for money. The cheapest ZS 110 is priced at a tempting ΂£10,995, while the ZS+ 110 costs ΂£11,995 and gains air-con and front electric windows. Look through Auto Express's new car price guide and you will see how good that is - trying to find a sporty hatch of this size for a similar amount is virtually impossible. As a package, the ZS 110 feels as if it's already well past its best, but keen pricing should sway enough buyers to make it a success.