Exclusive first drive of the forthcoming MG ZS-180, July 2001
Story and pictures by Kelvin Fagan - July 2001.
The last time The Car Enthusiast reported on the annual MG 'M' was in 1999. It was an interesting day, but biased completely towards the avid MG fan. The 2001 MG 'M', following the same format, did, however, throw up the opportunity for Kelvin Fagan to test drive a pre-production version of the much awaited MG ZS-180 saloon. Here is his report.
Sunday July 1st - Stanford Hall - MG 'M' 2001
Star of the above show was a special appearance by a new MG Saloon, the MG ZS-180. Several hundred people during the day took the opportunity to get a close up look and even sit in the car. I was privileged to be able to test drive the car and take some exclusive photographs.
When a motoring journalist tests a new car they are expected to be critical, and quite rightly. But as a self confessed 'stalker' of the marque, how could I possibly find fault with a car we have all been waiting for!
In a showroom near you very soon, you will find a whole new range of MG saloon cars, in the form of the ZR, ZS and ZT. The MG 'Tin Top' is back with a bang!!
The specification of the ZS-180 I drove is pretty impressive I think you will agree, and apparently of all the new MG models (Extreme versions excluded), it is the fastest accelerating and just 1mph slower than than the ZT190.
Engine & Transmission
- 2.5-litre V6, Quad Cam 24v, 177Ps with revised throttle and cam profiles
- Stiffened engine mounting
- Close ratio gearbox with modified linkages and short throw gearshift
- Sports exhaust and sports acoustic pack
The throttle was certainly very responsive, and the close ratio box with that short throw gearshift was a joy to use. The sports exhaust has a beautiful note to it too. Though the car is fitted with air conditioning, on a warm day you might want to drive with the windows down, because it just sounds so good!
Performance & Economy
- 0-60 mph: 7.3 secs
- 30-50 mph in 4th: 6.0 secs
- Max speed: 139 mph
- Urban mpg: 20.0
- Extra urban mpg: 41.4
- Combined mpg: 29.7
- CO2 emissions: 227g/km
The quoted performance fiqures are impressive too, and the car felt quicker than its 0-60 time suggests, but there is nothing wrong with 7.3 seconds anyway!
Brakes, Suspension & Steering
- Uprated brake discs and callipers, front and rear (disc diameter: 282mm/260mm F/R)
- ABS with electronic brake force distribution
- Uprated springs and dampers, lowered ride height
- Uprated rear anti-roll bar
- Power steering (revised tune)
- Increased castor for improved steering feel and self-centering
- Quick ratio steering rack (16.4:1 instead of 18.2:1)
The ZS-180 is probably the best handling car I have ever driven - everything about it just seems right. My test drive though was very short (10 miles), but did include a mixture of A and B roads with lots of bends and a variety of gradients. The test route also included a short section of motorway.
Exterior
- Deep front bumper and bib spoiler, including fog lights
- Sculpted side sill finishers and 'Extreme' rear spoiler
- 7 x 17" 'Straights' alloy wheels with MG centre badge
As you can see from the photographs, the car looks stunning. Lots of heads were turned through the country villages and on the motorway. The 'Extreme' spoiler is just that, but may help with stabilty at high speed. It does obscure your vision through the rear view mirror unfortunately. [Was that a criticism?! Ed...]
Interior
- Driver and passenger airbags and front side airbags
- Radio frequency remote central door locking
- Alarm system with perimetric and volumetric protection
- Robust engine immobilisation with passive remobilisation
- CFC-free air conditioning
- Electric front windows/mirrors
- Electric sunroof option
- Sports styled and shaped seats with sculpted foams (height adjustment for driver)
- 'Monaco' fabric seat facings with leather bolsters, colour keyed inserts and PVC borders and backs
- Dark rhodium fascia and door inserts and console/switch surrounds
- Silver finish dials with revised graphics and orange needles
- MG steering wheel, handbrake and gear knob
- Kenwood stereo radio cassette (various upgrades including MP3 version)
Again the specification for the interior is impressive, and once you're settled in the driver's seat, behind that MG steering wheel, you just won't want to get out of it again - I know I didn't.
The ZS-180 is officially launched on July 23 this year. The model pictured here is yours on the road for £16,395 in the UK. A bargain for sure, but there will be some serious competition in the form of the new Honda Civic Type-R...
Relevant links:
www.mgcars.org.uk - thanks to the MG Enthusiasts Club
