MG ZT

Overall Average Rating - 88.25%
Position in the Top 100 cars - 4th

The British incarnation of MG may be dead, but the firm’s following is very much alive. And here’s the evidence that proves it – the ZT has posted its best-ever finish. It’s proving a deeply impressive long-term ownership proposition, you say, and given that there’s no official service network, that’s incredible.

You adore the driving experience. Apart from the S2000, the ZT is the best-handling car in the top 20 – and that’s some achievement for a family saloon and estate. Owners love the strong brakes, gutsy V6 petrol engines and solid build quality. Thanks to the spacious Tourer, practicality also gets the thumbs-up, and running costs are praised, too. If it was a bit more reliable, the ZT might even have finished in the top three. Encouraging signs indeed for MG’s Chinese owners to bring a new version back to the UK.

WINNER OF CLASS - Sports Car

Here’s a shock for Honda – the S2000 no longer tops our sports car chart. The gong is taken by an unlikely winner, the MG ZT. It’s a sports saloon rather than an out-and-out thriller, but you are smitten with the British-built model, giving it an untouchable overall score. The S2000’s enduring appeal should not be underestimated, however, with unburstable reliability combined with entertaining handling securing the roadster a comfortable second. Next is the Mazda RX-8, which could have topped the group were it not for the high running costs caused by its thirsty rotary engine. Fifth is taken by Audi’s original TT – expect the new car to challenge for class honours next year.

Ratings

Position in the Top 100 cars
Reliability: 63rd
Build Quality: 22nd
Running Costs: 31st
Performance: 15th
Braking: 15th
Ride Quality: 8th
Handling: 6th
Practicality: 27th
Comfort: 9th
Ease of Driving: 28th

Your Quotes

“A great looking car, but shocking reliability. It has ruined my experience, because when it works properly it’s a fantastic car to drive.”

Gary Palmer, Horley, Surrey

“After 98,000 miles it’s still great fun to drive, has been super-reliable and, as I do my own servicing and repairs, is cheap to run. I would love to buy another.”

Geoff Calvert, Warwick

Manufacturer Verdict (Position - 18th)

Still no sign of Chinese-built MGs – but when they do return, they’ll find plenty of buyers judging by this. Reliability may be well below average, yet you tell us MG models are still great fun to drive.