Redesign MG ZR 2004

Après la ZT et la ZS, c’est au tour de la ZR de recevoir un « facelift » en ce printemps 2004.


PUBLICATION OFFICIELLE MG ROVER :

4 photographs available

RELEASE IMMEDIATE

May 18, 2004

MG EXTENDS SPORTS APPEAL WITH NEW-LOOK ZR

A new exterior and interior style is announced today (May 18) for the latest MG ZR, the UK’s most popular Super-mini, hot-hatch, in preparation for its show debut at next week’s Sunday Times Motor Show Live in Birmingham. Order placements are now possible through MG Rover dealers with first deliveries from July.

Key features include:

� Distinctive new exterior style, featuring clear lens covered twin headlamps

� New high quality fascia design, incorporating four styled circular air vents

� Improved dynamic driving experience and value for money specification

A new front bumper design is accompanied by new clear lens covered twin halogen headlamps that give a cleaner and more sculpted exterior form. Substantial changes are made to the rear with a new boot and bumper style, complemented by new alloy wheels and centre-line badging. On the inside, a new fascia design houses four circular air vents and a new centre console.

The new ZR completes a brand evolution of the MG product portfolio in the marque’s 80th anniversary year. The clean and bold lines of the latest ZR produce a contemporary sports style that evolves consistently through the range with the latest ZS and ZT, and traces through to the SV supercar.

For further information please contact:

Kevin Jones, UK PR Communications Manager

MG ZR Product Detail Index

� Product summary

� New features and summary

� Specification summary, by model

� Performance, fuel economy and CO2

� Pricing, including options

Product Summary

The exterior style changes to the new MG ZR include a new front bumper design, a deeper integral SV look front grille and a tough clear lens protecting twin halogen headlamps in a black surround, that combine to give the ZR a fresh and sports focussed, modern appearance.

At the rear, the treatment is just as effective, with a new, more angular rear bumper, housing the re-positioned number plate and a clean-panel rear tailgate, with centrally mounted MG brand and ZR model identity badging. This gives a more defined rear appearance, with its standard-fit spoiler for a refreshed design style. Other exterior changes include the tailgate lift handle now incorporated into the rear wiper assembly design and body coloured side rubbing strips with ZR model identity badging. A blacked out lower feature and stainless steel exhaust heat shield creates an authentic effect, with 160 models also featuring rear bumper extensions on the corners by the rear wheel arch.

Inside, the high quality and stylish cabin features a new fascia design, centre console, soft touch switchgear and an array of technology features. The new fascia houses four circular styled air vents that give definition and feature to the centre and ends of the fascia, each with a satin chrome finish.

New Features
Improved Driving Experience

The latest ZR models all feature a more responsive and improved brake feel. A lower positioned clutch pedal improves driver ergonomics and throttle pedal set-up has been changed on petrol and diesel models to match the engine responsiveness of this pocket-rocket sports hatch. Steering is also much sharper with improved
H-frame toe and camber geometry and the fitment of a new specification rear suspension bush material.

A new 16  Gridspoke wheel is available on entry-level ZR models, while the 160 is available with the 17  Straights alloy wheel.

Convenience – Remote Activated Boot Release

A new feature for the ZR is the plip activated electronic tailgate release feature, a convenience that allows the owner easier access to the rear of the car.

Secure Technology for Greater Security and Locking

Auto relocking – if the car is locked/armed and the unlock button is subsequently pressed, the car will automatically lock and re-arm if no doors are opened within
30 seconds. This protects against accidental unlocking of the vehicle.

Speed locking (also known as drive away locking) can be configured so that the doors automatically lock when the vehicle speed is greater than 3mph/5km/h. The doors remain locked when the vehicle is stationary and can be unlocked by the master lock button or by turning the engine off. The alarm system uses a battery backed up sounder, located within a shielded enclosure and protected with tamper proof fixings, which will activate if the power supply is tampered with.

Audible mislock – features a short horn sound if door / tailgate / bonnet are open when the vehicle is locked with the key or remote. Automatic Engine immobilisation is activated after the ignition is switched off.

Master Locking Switch

This new feature to MG ZR is located above the switches in the new centre console. It offers a greater degree of security as the car can instantly lock all of the doors, regardless of ignition or engine state, with a single press of the button.

A panic alarm can be triggered by pressing the Master Locking Switch for two seconds – locking all doors, activating the alarm sounder and flashing the hazard lamps. It is de-activated by another two-second press or by pressing the plip.

Remote locking feature

The new remote plip has a changing lock/unlock code every time it is used. No thief could record (or capture) the code then use it later on. A new design of plip now features lock, unlock and remote tailgate release opening. It can be operated with the alarm armed or disarmed. The alarm rearms when the tailgate is closed, with hazard warning lamps flashing to indicate this security. The latest plip design has a greater operating range.

Safety – ABS/EBD
All MG ZRs have ABS (anti-lock braking system) and EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) as standard. EBD helps to ensure that the rear brakes contribute as much braking force as possible, equalising the braking forces.

Key Competitors

Renault Clio, Ford Fiesta, VW Polo, Peugeot 206 and Vauxhall Corsa.

Exterior Colours

Solid: Trophy Yellow, new Rio Red

Metallic: Starlight Silver and XPower Grey

Pearlescent: Royal Blue, Goodwood Green, British Racing Green, Black Pearl, new Firefrost red and Ignition Blue

New Features Summary
Exterior

� New front bumper design

� New larger integral front grille

� New clear lens cover twin halogen headlamps

� Body coloured side rubbing strips with brushed steel ZR identity

� New rear bumper design housing number plate

� New tailgate design incorporating distinctive MG and ZR badging

� Remote plip activated hatchback-opening release

� New 16  Gridspoke alloy wheels

� Thatcham approved security wheel locking nuts

Interior

� New fascia design with four stylish rotary air vents with satin chrome finish

� New fascia console with soft-touch switches

� Revised seat fabrics

� Master locking switch and drive-away locking for occupant security

New MG ZR Specification Summary, model by model

105/120/TD

105 – 1.4-litre (103Ps) engine

120 – 1.8-litre (117Ps) engine

TD – 2.0-litre turbo-diesel (101Ps) engine

Suspension and Steering

Front: independent MacPherson strut suspension with telescopic dampers

Front anti roll bar

Rear: independent torsion beam H frame

Power assisted steering

Safety and Brakes

Driver’s airbag and five lap and diagonal seat belts

ABS with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)

Interior

Electric front windows

All Ash coloured fascia condition

Matrix fabric seat facings on entry model and ˜+’ models

New Axis material for ZR 160

Stylish new seat pattern, using horizontal sew lines on squab and cushion

Door casings incorporate coloured inserts to match seats (neutral, blue or green)

New glovebox design with satin chrome handle

New centre console with unique Technical Grey finish

Satin aluminium painted HEVAC knobs, floor bezels

Centre console now includes additional storage space under ICE unit

New floor console with satin aluminium electric window switch surround

Rotary styled air vents with satin chrome finish

60/40 split folding rear seat back

Locks and Security

Remote central door locking with Plip controlled remote tailgate release function

Passive engine immobilisation

Auto relocking and speed locking functions

Master locking/unlocking switch including personal panic attack alarm mode

Thatcham approved security wheel locking nuts

Body and Exterior Features

Body coloured side rubbing strips incorporating ZR badging identity

Body coloured front and re-styled rear bumpers

Union/chequered flag badge on D posts

Clear lens twin halogen headlamps

ZR+ models

Additional specification features over entry models:

Kenwood single slot CD Tuner

Air conditioning

Leather steering wheel

Front fog lights

Driver’s seat height and lumbar support

Electric adjustable/heated door mirrors

ZR 160

1.8-litre (160Ps) engine with Variable Valve Control

Additional specification features over ZR+:

17″ Straights alloy wheels

Axis part-leather seats

Rear head restraints

Rear electric windows

Sculpted side sill finishers and rear bumper extensions

Twin exhaust pipes

Close-ratio gearbox

Uprated brakes

MG ZR – Performance, Fuel Economy and CO2

Engines 105 120 120 160 TD 115 TD

Stepspeed

Transmission Man Man CVT Man Man Man

Capacity cc 1396 1796 1796 1796 1994 1994

Max Power Ps 103 117 117 160 101 113

@rpm 6000 5500 5500 6900 4200 4200

Max Torque Nm 123 160 160 174 240 260

@rpm 4500 2750 2500 4700 2000 2000

Max engine speed rpm 6800 6800 6000 7100 4500 4500

Performance

0-60mph secs 10.0 8.6 9.5 7.4 9.7 9.1

30-50 4th secs 9.5 6.4 – 6.9 6.3 6.2

50-70 4th secs 10.7 7.1 – 7.3 7.0 6.5

Max Speed (mph) mph 111 119 112 131 114 116

Fuel Economy

Urban mpg 31.1 29.0 24.5 27.1 39.2 36.7

l/100km 9.1 9.7 11.5 10.4 7.2 7.7

Extra Urban mpg 51.1 51.1 45.9 48.7 68.3 67.3

l/100km 5.5 5.5 6.2 5.8 4.1 4.2

Combined mpg 41.3 39.8 34.7 37.6 53.8 51.5

l/100km 6.8 7.1 8.1 7.5 5.2 5.5

CO2 g/km 164 169 194 179 150 150

Gear Ratios

5th 0.878 0.765 0.443 0.848 0.649 0.649

4th 1.108 1.033 – 1.033 0.848 0.848

3rd 1.414 1.308 – 1.308 1.222 1.222

2nd 2.038 1.842 – 1.895 1.895 1.895

1st 3.583 3.167 2.416 3.250 3.250 3.250

Reverse 3.615 3.000 2.658 3.000 3.000 3.000

Final drive 3.824 4.200 1.423×4.050 4.200 3.938 3.938

Mph per 1000rpm in 5th 30.9 34.9 43.9 31.6 43.8 43.8

Km/h per 1000rpm in 5th 19.2 21.7 27.3 19.7 27.2 27.2

Dimensions 3 dr 5 dr

Overall vehicle length mm 3999 3999

Overall vehicle width (inc mirrors) mm 1946 1946

Width excluding door mirrors mm 1688 1688

Overall height mm 1395 1395

Wheelbase mm 2500 2500

Front overhang mm 816 816

Rear overhang mm 683 683

Front track mm 1473 1473

Rear track mm 1466 1466

Boot capacity (rear seat up) litres VDA 304 304

Fuel tank capacity (all models) 50 litres / 11 Gallons

MG ZR Pricing

The appeal of the MG ZR is its combination of sports car specification and pricing, which importantly starts with 3-door models from just �10,395, rising to the 160 top-of-the-range model at �14,995.

Price CO2 Tax VED FRF OTR

ZR 3dr Hatchback g/km Band Price (�)

MG ZR 105 10,232 164 B 125 38 10,395

MG ZR 120 11,662 169 C 145 38 11,845

MG ZR 120 Stepspeed 12547 194 D 160 38 12745

MG ZR + 105 11,782 164 B 125 38 11,945

MG ZR + 120 13,212 169 C 145 38 13,395

MG ZR + 120 Stepspeed 14097 194 D 160 38 14295

MG ZR 160 14,812 179 C 145 38 14,995

MG ZR Turbo Diesel 11,642 150 A 115 38 11,795

MG ZR 115 Turbo Diesel 12,142 150 A 115 38 12,295

MG ZR + Turbo Diesel 13,192 150 A 115 38 13,345

MG ZR + 115 Turbo Diesel 13,692 150 A 115 38 13,845

ZR 5dr Hatchback

MG ZR 105 10,782 164 B 125 38 10,945

MG ZR 120 12,212 169 C 145 38 12,395

MG ZR 120 Stepspeed 13097 194 D 160 38 13295

MG ZR + 105 12,332 164 B 125 38 12,495

MG ZR + 120 13,762 169 C 145 38 13,945

MG ZR + 120 Stepspeed 14647 194 D 160 38 14845

MG ZR 160 15,462 179 C 145 38 15,645

MG ZR Turbo Diesel 12,192 150 A 115 38 12,345

MG ZR 115 Turbo Diesel 12,692 150 A 115 38 12,845

MG ZR + Turbo Diesel 13,742 150 A 115 38 13,895

MG ZR + 115 Turbo Diesel 14,242 150 A 115 38 14,395

Optional 120 Stepspeed models have a CO2 of 194g/km

MG ZR features a three year/60,000 mile warranty, six-year anti-corrosion and three-year cosmetic paint warranty with 12 months’ AA Roadside Assistance cover.

MG ZR Option Pricing

Main Price List Options Entry + 160 Price(�)

Metallic / Pearlescent paint O O O 325

Space saver spare wheel O O O 50

Stepspeed automatic gearbox (120 only) O O – 900

Cigar lighter O O O 10

Passenger airbag O O O 175

Kenwood stereo radio cassette S O O 0

Kenwood upgraded stereo radio cassette o o o 105

Kenwood single slot CD tuner O S S 175

Kenwood high power cD Tuner with MP3 ilo radio cassette o – – 280

Kenwood high power CD tuner

with MP3 ilo CD tuner – O O 100

Kenwood 6 disc CD Autochanger O O O 265

Satellite navigation – O O 995

Gunsmoke Alcantara – O – 660

Gunsmoke Alcantara over Axis – – O 265

Axis half leather seat upgrade – O S 395

Pack 1: Side sills & 16″ Gridspoke O O – 300

Pack 2: Side sills & 17″ Straights O O – 450

Proposed Monogram options Entry + 160 Price(�)

Air conditioning MO S S 730

Alcantara (coloured or Alcantara) MO MO – 660

Alcantara over Axis trim (coloured or Alcantara) – – MO 265

Axis seat upgrade MO O – 395

Leather Sports seat MO MO – 1185

Leather Sports seat – – MO 790

Rear head restraints MO MO S 80

Pack 3: Gunsmoke Alcantara, Tuscany door

casings and rear park distance control – – MO 450

Electric sunroof MO MO MO 555

Rear electric windows MO MO S 290

Folding boot box & convenience hook MO MO MO 55

Leather steering wheel MO S S 160

Sculpted side sill finishers MO MO S 250

TrafficMaster Traffic Alert System MO MO MO 160

Rear park distance sensors MO MO MO 265

Front fog lights MO S S 185

Kenwood upgraded stereo radio cassette O O O 105

Kenwood high power CD tuner

with MP3 ilo radio cassette O – – 280

Kenwood 6 disc CD Autochanger O O O 265

Satellite navigation MO O O 995

16″ Gridspoke ilo 16″ Hairpin MO MO – 150

17″ Straights ilo 16″ Hairpins MO MO S 290

Current Monogram options Entry + 160 Price(�)

Chromescent paint finish O O O 2000

Chromactive paint finish O O O 1800

Kinetic paint finish O O O 1200

Supertallic paint finish O O O 800

Trackstar O O O 1200