MG ZR
As far as hot hatchbacks go, the MG ZR is one of the best of all time. With its ‘in your face’ design, huge performance and boisterous attitude, getting behind the wheel of one is an experience in itself. Forget the refined, classic origins of the MG brand; this car is a modern hell raiser that’s more of a punk rocker than a jazz master. It’s just fantastic!
The ZR was introduced in 2001 and enjoyed a short but manic life until production ended in 2005. Based on a Rover 25, it was MG’s best selling car and was eagerly snapped up by thousands of motorists looking for pure, unadulterated excitement. As if the ZR didn’t need any more kudos, its motorsport record in both rally and racing was impressive too, with several series and race wins to its name. Clearly then, if you wanted to go fast in a small car, it was the perfect choice.
The MG looks awesome and sports some outlandish body work, and even a rear spoiler; the best way to describe it is ‘attention seeking’. You don’t need any reminding that it’s a sports machine, and it’ll gladly soak up passing glances and expressions of delight. But while the exterior is arrogant and cocky, the interior is decidedly less so. It’s rather cramped and uncomfortable, but does the job well enough. MG must have spent all their money on the outside though, because there’s not much in terms of the equipment and build quality is rather suspect. But who cares?
What the ZR lacks in interior class it more than makes up for in terms of its drive, which is epic. This is a get in and put pedal to the metal kind of car- you’ll relish every chance you get to take it out on the road, and each corner you encounter is an opportunity to see what it can do. With superb handling, astronomical levels of grip and masses of performance from a small but punchy engine, it’s enough to make you shout and laugh with delight.
While the MG was pretty good value for money in its time, nowadays you can get some even better deals. There are loads available in the world of pre owned autos, and Motors.co.uk has a huge selection of used cars for sale at seriously discounted prices. Paying less and getting more is the ideal situation, and that’s just what you’ll encounter with a second hand MG ZR.
At the end of the day, the MG brand might not be what it once was, but with reminders like the ZR it really doesn’t matter. What this car offers is back to basics performance and engineering that combine superbly to produce an insane amount of fun. While modern hot hatchbacks are arguably lumpy and larger around the waistline, the MG ZR is a lean, mean, mind blowing machine that never fails to make you feel alive!