MG ZS 180 2005 Review

MG Rover may be teetering on the brink of extinction but don't blame the MG ZS 180. Along with the Octagonal brand's other performance cars – the ZT V8 and turbo diesel - the ZS 180 is a worthy offering, providing a satisfying and exciting driver's car. So it should be too, with the responsive 2.5-litre V6 from the bigger and heavier ZT and Rover 75 ranges coupled to a sexy but understated body that weighs 245kg less.

The ZS 180 is based on the Rover 45 body and with its low stance, purposeful bodykit, big alloys and fender gills, it's a genuine headturner that prompted rubbernecking wherever we drove. It's also well-equipped and at $39,990, good value for money.

Not surprisingly, consumer interest has been encouraging. Whether that remains so after the latest news from the UK is the big question.

The interior works fairly well: Well-bolstered sports seats with optional leather trim ($2400) are supportive in all the right places and the leather steering wheel has a comfortable, sporty feel, as does the leather and alloy gearknob. Standard features include auto climate control air con, electric windows, tinted glass, remote central locking, electrically-adjusted and heated door mirrors and CD. Our car was also fitted with an optional glass sunroof.

Although the ZS 180 is a medium-size car there is plenty of leg and head room available for drivers measuring at least 186cm so space isn't a problem. However, a lack of steering wheel reach adjustment is. Unless you prefer the Sir Stirling Moss straight arm driving position, you may find it difficult to reach an ideal seat/pedal/wheel set up and I found myself sitting unusually-close to the dash, which eliminated much of the available knee and leg room. Even then it was a stretch to the steering wheel.

Rear seat passengers are not as well off as those in the front, with limited head, knee and legroom though it's not as bad as other cars in the category. There are three rear lap belts but I wouldn't be carting more than two adults in the back.

Power for the ZT comes from the same 2.5-litre 2.5V6 found in the companies ZR range. The aluminium alloy, transversely-mounted engine features a variable intake system and produces 133kW at 6500rpm and 240Nm at 4000. Though it's not class leading performance, the 1235kg ZS 180 gets along at good pace. You need to keep it working but that's no chore; the engine loves to rev and if you are an enthusiastic driver, you'll love the opportunity to bury the right foot and work the five-speed Getrag gearbox. If you want the car to change gears by itself you're out of luck - no auto is available.

MG Rover quoted performance figures list top speed at 225km/h; and 0-100km/h in 7.4sec. The company also claims a combined fuel consumption figure of 9.5L/100km.

The ZS comes with a host of safety items though most of them are common fare these days. To help keep you out of trouble there's ABS with electronic brake distribution and fog lights. If they can't keep you safely on the bitumen there's driver and passenger air bags, front seat mounted side airbags and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters, three rear lap belts.

If you are attracted to the ZS 180 by its sporty looks then you'll like it even more after driving it. Though more grunt would be nice (too much is never enough), the refined chassis allows the driver to make the most of what's available. The engine responds best when worked hard and combined with sharp turn-in, impressive road holding and minimal body roll, driving the car enthusiastically is rewarding experience.

With good front end grip even when pushed hard through corners, it's a car made for your favourite winding country road, though I did find the steering a little over-assisted. Completing the package is an exhaust that emits a pleasing road under hard acceleration but is quite when cruising.

All-in-all, the ZS is a stylish, satisfying and well-equipped sporting car that is also good value for money, and one that deserves a more certain future than MG Rover has given it.

FAST FACTS:

MG ZS 180

BODY: four-door sedan

WEIGHT: 1235kg

ENGINE: 2.5-litre V6

DRIVETRAIN: Front engine, FWD

TRANSMISSION: five-speed manual

POWER/TORQUE: 133kW@6500rpm; 240Nm@4000rpm

PERFORMANCE: 0-100km/h 7.4sec Top Speed: 225km/h

PRICE: $39,990