The MG ZT is an executive car manufactured and marketed by MG Rover from 2001 to 2005. It was offered in saloon and estate versions, the latter designated as the MG ZT-T. Styling is similar to the Rover 75, upon which it was based, although various modifications, most noticeably the wheels and tires, make for a far sportier ride.
History of the MG ZT
After BMW sold MG Rover group for 10 GBP in May 2000, the new owner decided to use the Rover 75 as a platform for an upscale, sportier model, and thus the MG ZT was born. It wasn't just a trim level for the 75 but differed in many ways from its sibling. Phoenix Consortium, the company that acquired MG Rover, thought that the sporty brand deserved more than just a different label on the trunk and new bumpers. Thus, the MG ZT featured a slightly modified front fascia. It still featured the same quad-headlights system, but it sported a redesigned bumper with a lower apron that hosted a mesh grille flanked by round fog lamps. Inside, the customers could find a better interior than on most of the Rover models. The high-bolstered bucket seats at the front, the three-spoke steering wheel, and the carbon fiber trim offered an upscale look for the car. MG Rover decided to start the ZT range with only one engine, a 2.5L, Rover-sourced V6-mill. It provided 160 hp (162 PS) with an option for a pumped-up version that sent 190 ponies to the front wheels. Later on, the carmaker added other engines to the offer. Even though it was not the success that Phoenix Consortium hoped for, it still helped the group to sell 170,000 units in 2001, the brand's best-selling year.
Facelift
MG refreshed the ZT range in 2004 in a final attempt to make it a more desirable car on the market and upgraded the engines. After three years on the market, MG tried to make ZT more appealing to its customers. The sales were slow, and the customers were not that happy with that model. Rover initially developed the car under BMW ownership. After it separated from the German carmaker, the small British company struggled to survive, and it just didn't have enough money to make a significant change.
Price
The price range for a used MG ZT varies based on the trim level you choose. Starting at $4,000 and going to $9,500 for the latest year the model was manufactured.
Features of the MG ZT
Exterior Features
On the facelifted version, the carmaker introduced a new front fascia. Its formerly used double headlamps system was dropped and replaced by single units, clear-lens, and headlights. The bumper had to be changed to match their new design, but there were just slight differences. At the back, the carmaker moved the badge from the right to the center-bottom area.
Interior Features
The interior lost the ambiance of a British saloon when the carmaker removed the wood veneers from the dashboard, door panels, and center stack. It replaced them with black plastic panels, which looked cheap. In the instrument panel, the dials were back-lightened in an electro-luminescent blue glow. Its front bucket seats offered good bolstering on the sides since MG tuned the car for sportier drivers.
Specs and Performance of the MG ZT
Engines:
- 1.8 L 18K4F I4
- 1.8 L 18K4T I4 turbo
- 2.5 L KV6 V6
- 4.6 L 2L2E V8 (RWD Model)
- 2.0 L M47R I4 Diesel
The MG ZT's 1.8L engine delivers 158 hp (118 kW) at 5,500 rpm and 159 lb-ft (215 Nm) of torque at 2,100 rpm. MG marketed the ZT as a front-wheel-drive (FWD) vehicle, and it was available with a 5-speed manual transmission. The MG ZT accelerates from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 kph) in 9.6 seconds, with a top speed of 130 mph (209 kph). Dimension-wise, the MG ZT saloon measures 4,747 mm (186.9 in) long, 1,778 mm (70.0 in) wide, and 1,424 mm (56.1 in) high. Its wheelbase measures 2,746 mm (108.1 in) and has a curb weight of 3,086 lbs (1,400 kg).
Release Date
MG Rover first released the MG ZT in 2001 and released the model until 2005. Production ceased in April 2005, amidst financial turmoil at MG Rover.