Skip advert
Advertisement

MG ZT 260 SE

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.

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.

Advertisement - Article continues below

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.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

4 Series

2020 BMW

4 Series

42,616 milesAutomaticDiesel3.0L

Cash £17,450
View 4 Series
4 Series Gran Coupe

2020 BMW

4 Series Gran Coupe

55,993 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £15,400
View 4 Series Gran Coupe
Giulietta

2019 Alfa Romeo

Giulietta

37,487 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £12,700
View Giulietta
Fiesta ST

2019 Ford

Fiesta ST

39,343 milesManualPetrol1.5L

Cash £13,800
View Fiesta ST

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.

Advertisement - Article continues below

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.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £2,549 off RRP*Used from £11,890
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £11,895
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £1,966 off RRP*Used from £7,250
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £6,040 off RRP*Used from £12,495
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Volvo EM90 2025 review: the ultimate SUV killer
Volvo EM90 - front

New Volvo EM90 2025 review: the ultimate SUV killer

Volvo has made an ultra-luxurious van. Intrigued? You should be, but sadly it’s for China only
Road tests
16 Jun 2025
Smart Roadster could return as an electric Mazda MX-5 rival
Smart Roadster exclusive image

Smart Roadster could return as an electric Mazda MX-5 rival

The Smart Roadster could be set for a comeback and our exclusive image previews how it could look
News
16 Jun 2025
New Audi Q3 reinvents the indicator stalk, but there’s a whole lot more too
Audi Q3 - front

New Audi Q3 reinvents the indicator stalk, but there’s a whole lot more too

Audi’s not taking any risks with its all-new Q3; watch it sell like crazy
News
16 Jun 2025