MG ZR 160 Reviews

“I've had my mg zr 160 about 10 months now and as soon...”

Written on: 05/03/2008 by tommo 21

I've had my mg zr 160 about 10 months now and as soon as I first drove it on my test drive i knew i had 2 hav it.4 starters it is very quick it will thrash most hot hatches at the lights(type r etc) I even gave a porshe boxster a run 4 its money.ive had mine at 140mph b4 and it sounded and felt awesome. Even at speed in 5th it pulls. The handling is very responsive and stable 4 all them tight bends and twisty roads etc. It is also very spacious inside and will fit most things + has a good... (read more)

“The car is one of the best cars that I have. Its fast...”

Written on: 29/02/2008 by danmgzr160croft

The car is one of the best cars that I have. Its fast off the mark and handles like a dream. with 160 bhp in a light weight car its amazing. This is a very good car to have but with it being group 17 on insurance that might be a bit pricey for a new driver. (read more)

“I bought my MG ZR 160 vvc about a year ago and it...”

Written on: 07/02/2008

I bought my MG ZR 160 vvc about a year ago and it handles very well. I've made a couple of modifications and I think it's one of the best hatches out there! It's definitely better than the Corsa and new Astra, as for the type r's, they are nice cars, but the zr is generally more atractive (especially in trophy blue!) and as for the performance aspect against the civic type-r, fifth gear tested them both out and even got 2 racing drivers to review and race them, and the ZR came out on top! If... (read more)

“I had a MG ZR vvc 160 in x power grey for 5 week and...”

Written on: 30/01/2008

I had a MG ZR vvc 160 in x power grey for 5 week and sold it, the car was rubbish and unreliable, its far to light on the front end so you get a lot of wheelspin, there is alot of road noise and are prone to the headgasket and camseal leaking due to the weak Rover engine. I now have a Honda Civic Type R and will never look back and it only cost me an extra £1500 with 51k fhsh, all I will say is take a good look around and see wot else you can buy for your money before buying any MG, they... (read more)

“The look of the car is what attracted me in the first...”

Written on: 12/01/2008

The look of the car is what attracted me in the first place. Having never owned a British car before I was rather dubious. However it's a fun car to drive. The day before I was going on holiday, I was involved in a side impact accident which damaged the suspension and pushed the wheel out of alignment. The impact barely moved the car which surprised me because I have been told they are unstable in accidents. My favourite driving is along country roads. (read more)

“The standard tyres and suspension give good road grip....”

Written on: 06/01/2008 by rago121121 (1 review written)

The standard tyres and suspension give good road grip. 0-60 happens in 7.4s, 1st takes you up to 40 mph with ease, 2nd hits 70 mph.

That much power coming out of a 1.8 litre without a turbo is something to shout about.

I bought mine in 08/07 on a 05 plate. It runs well with no problems, juicy when you put your foot down. Over all, I think that the MG ZR 160 is a good buy,I am very happy! (read more)

“When I told my dad I was buying an MG ZR he wasn't...”

Written on: 13/11/2007 by wild buck

When I told my dad I was buying an MG ZR he wasn't short of bad things to say about it,but when I took him out in it he soon changed his mind,most people say bad things about these cars until they drive one, mine being the 160 its very fast, handles excellent and sounds awesome! Its not so good on fuel though and me being only 19 the insurance is expensive but the car itself cost £4695 which is good for what you get.
As said above theres a lot of rattles in the cab but that should be... (read more)

“Loved this car since the day I picked it up even if it...”

Written on: 27/09/2007 by sammyzr (1 review written)

Loved this car since the day I picked it up even if it has spent a couple of trips on a break down truck! Fun, playful, great handling hot hatch. (read more)

“This MG ZR 160 is all round general fun and reliable...”

Written on: 19/07/2007 by yasmincallum (1 review written)

This MG ZR 160 is all round general fun and reliable car for all the family. Would recommend anyone to buy one. Quick, reliable, economical, head turner, fun to drive but also very practical for a family car. Engine slightly noisy, build quality OK. (read more)

“We got our pearl black MG ZR 160 three weeks ago and I...”

Written on: 13/09/2006 by zedsdeadbaby (2 reviews written)

We got our pearl black MG ZR 160 three weeks ago and I think it is just brilliant! Ok, the panel fit isn't the best (it hasn't been dinged though) and the interior rattles away as the tight suspension finds every hole in the road, but it takes me back to mkI Golf GTi hot hatch days. It has a rawness about which I love, a nice tappy engine sound and deep exhaust which howls when you get it up past 4000rpm. It torque steers under hard acceleration but doesn't tramline & feels like it's set up... (read more)

“We've only had the MG ZR 160 for a fortnight but I'm...”

Written on: 08/09/2006 by zedsdeadbaby (2 reviews written)

We've only had the MG ZR 160 for a fortnight but I'm already making excuses to go out for milk, papers, etc & taking the scenic route. The last 'hot' car I had was a Seat Cordoba SX Coupe 2.0 16v which I loved but the 160 beats it hands down. Yes, the bad points are as I've listed but that only adds to the appeal for me, think MK1 Golf GTi & you're there, in essence. Its torque steers, the engine howls over 4000rpm & the suspension rattles your fillings out. Brilliant!!! There should be a... (read more)

“I would thoroughly recommend this MG ZR 160 car to...”

Written on: 22/08/2006 by DEISCORPUS (2 reviews written)

I would thoroughly recommend this MG ZR 160 car to anyone with a sense of fun. I feel 18 again every time I drive it. You will have to go and find your own MG cos this one ain't for sale and it never will be. MG/Rover haven't changed the design very much over the years because there's no need. They got it right the first time. (read more)

“MG ZR 160, a nice car to show off and take out on nice...”

Written on: 04/05/2006 by mgrover uk (1 review written)

MG ZR 160, a nice car to show off and take out on nice days and weekends. But not a car for city life and heavy traffic due to the cars sporty hard set up suggest using this car for nice open roads. (read more)

“As my MG ZR 160 is nearing the happy side of 200 bhp....”

Written on: 22/11/2005 by Winged 1

As my MG ZR 160 is nearing the happy side of 200 bhp. I have to say every time I drive it I have a huge smile on my face, it tuns heads every where I go.
The handling is excellent the engine pulls more and more the harder you rev it and when the engine is as good as what it is you can't help putting the foot down (the whole time).
I have to say anyone who slags the MG off doesn't know what a real car is and if they want to drive around in Astra's and Civic's for the rest of their life's its... (read more)

“I received my MG ZR at the end of July, and I have...”

Written on: 29/09/2005 by lisab28

I received my MG ZR at the end of July, and I have never enjoyed driving so much!! I used to drive a 1.2 Renault Clio, but the ZR knocks this off the block. It holds the road really well, and I have kept up with quite a few sporty cars on the dual carriageway. Even though I only have the basic model, it still draws a few stares. I have fixed the stereo problem with just getting a new one fitted, and the original speakers hold their quality with a more powerful unit. The only problem so far... (read more)

“To put it in a nutshell dont buy an MG ZR 160! ”

Written on: 02/05/2005 by ian shaw (2 reviews written)

To put it in a nutshell dont buy an MG ZR 160!
It was definetly a bad move which will never be repeated. (read more)

“I have had my MG ZR 160 for 3 years now, I bought it...”

Written on: 17/12/2004 by atomicstate (1 review written)

I have had my MG ZR 160 for 3 years now, I bought it new for £13400, which I thought was a good buy at the time. The competitors models were too expensive and the Honda Civic Type-R was not yet on the market.

I have a Civic Type-R on order for delivery next March.

The Car:

The body panels do not line up well, the brackets for the sideskirts have rusted, I have had the rear spolier refitted and the driver's seat cover replaced. The vehicle also has an electrical fault which sometimes... (read more)

“As soon as I layed eyes on this MG ZR 160 car I fell...”

Written on: 29/11/2004 by innocent

As soon as I layed eyes on this MG ZR 160 car I fell in love with it! It has a nice sporty look to it plus it drives well & is very smooth! I particully love the engine, being a 1.4 it is fast for my liking and I can handle it well - being a girl racer and all! It also doesn't look too kitted up for a family car! I love my MG ZR to bits and will never get rid of it...ever! (read more)

“I brought this MG ZR 160 car, seems like many others...”

Written on: 02/09/2004 by Moperry (1 review written)

I brought this MG ZR 160 car, seems like many others with reservations, but they were soon dismissed. Being nearly 50 I have driven some good cars but the MG is such fun. I have made a few mods and have pushed the ageing lump to 176BHP and it lives quite happily with Type R's. I love driving the car and have a big grin on my face every time i do. Cant wait for the 210BHP Xpower and then the 250BHP Xpower, I'll be one of the first in the queue. (read more)

“With X POWER modifications i have full warrenty, a...”

Written on: 31/08/2004 by bovriled (1 review written)

With X POWER modifications i have full warrenty, a lovely progressive road car and an awsome track day car, all for the total price of £15,500. i have had no real problems with the MG ZR 160 and even though the car is 20mm lower than standard, because the suspension was developed through MG from Ebaich the ride is firm yet still slightly forgiving. the car does not feel like it simply has lowering springs. I would recommend this car to all but seriously think about that suspension, it makes... (read more)

“When I test drove my MG ZR 160 I was hooked there and...”

Written on: 06/08/2004 by eastlincszed (1 review written)

When I test drove my MG ZR 160 I was hooked there and then.
The buzz you get when you put your foot down is amazing, one you dont feel in many cars.
Admittedly its not the fastest hatch around, but one of the best to drive.
I have had mine nearly 3 years now and still find it as good as when I bought it.
I have had very little trouble with it having had the best service from my dealer I could of had.
Anyone looking for a real drivers car should at least check out the 160, I did and Im hooked... (read more)

“Bought the MG ZR 160 when they first came out, so its...”

Written on: 21/05/2004 by kev at home (2 reviews written)

Bought the MG ZR 160 when they first came out, so its going on for 3 years old now, I've had no problems aprat from the boot not shutting which happened a few months ago and was fixed by the dealer in under 10 mins. Car has 40K+ on the clock and hasn't missed a beat (and boy has it been thrashed). I still love this car after 3 years of driving. Says it all really (read more)

“I brought the car second hand with 70k on the clock...”

Written on: 20/05/2004 by zoot r (1 review written)

I brought the car second hand with 70k on the clock which I only just had the money for but once I test drove it I was hooked. Great acceleration even at the top end and with that mileage, good grip round the corners - well balanced.
So even if you have teething problems at the start dont worry, this car just gets better with age. (read more)

“Bought the MG ZR 160 after having a modified 106 gti....”

Written on: 20/05/2004 by sickpuppy1974 (1 review written)

Bought the MG ZR 160 after having a modified 106 gti. Wasnt to impressed at first but now after its done 5k miles.. it rocks.. Not as quick, or thirsty for more in many gears as my 106 but it really does go some, after 4k revs right up to 7k until the limiter kicks in.. I like it for many reasons. Even if its to come out of a shop and have people staring into it or at the car itself........ very nice feeling. (read more)

“The MG ZR 160 is a drivers car no doubt about it. The...”

Written on: 20/05/2004 by zr160vvcyellow (1 review written)

The MG ZR 160 is a drivers car no doubt about it. The car has presence on the roads and deserves respect as it can take on most hot hatches/saloons out there. The seats are great as is the twin exhaust that sounds sweet. Road holding and sheer power for a 1.8 are better than you could hope for. A true British sports car and worth every penny. 18 months I have had this car from new and I still look back at it now each time I leave it anywhere, now can you honestly say that about the car you... (read more)

“I bought the MG ZR 160 in 2002 with some reservations...”

Written on: 15/04/2004 by zukisport

I bought the MG ZR 160 in 2002 with some reservations about MG Rover's reliability etc, however after a couple of teething problems in the first 6 months (and all cars have them BMW and Mercedes included)this car has proved to be a joy to own. The interior is simple and non fussy (some would percieve this as dated however when tackling a challenging series of S bends. Im not interested in seat warmers and fuel economy etc etc) and the exterior styling really sets it apart from other cars in... (read more)

“I brought my ZR 160 new in 2002 and nearly 2 years...”

Written on: 25/03/2004 by FLASHZR (1 review written)

I brought my ZR 160 new in 2002 and nearly 2 years later im not regretting one minute of it. Everytime I climb into the car and start the engine it puts a big smile on my face, this is a drivers car make no mistake. I still get people turning to look at the car and it is the kind of car everyone likes to look at, in a good way. The VVC performance is brilliant and a lot of people are surprised by the performance, power to weight ratio is very good. I would recommend the ZR 160 to anyone... (read more)

“My previous car was a Saxo and before that a Civic. I...”

Written on: 03/02/2004 by pogmartin (1 review written)

My previous car was a Saxo and before that a Civic. I was considering going back to Honda for a Type R but my girlfriend had recently bought a 2nd hand ZR 105 (the base model). After driving that and being rather impressed I decided to try out the 160, which I have owned for about 6 months now.

Do not buy a hot hatch until you try this car! And do NOT listen to the press who moan about this or that. This is the best car I have ever driven.

I'm supposed to be specific so, in order of... (read more)

“I bought a MG ZR 160 two months ago and I am more than...”

Written on: 23/12/2003 by mickyzero (1 review written)

I bought a MG ZR 160 two months ago and I am more than impressed with it. This car seems to get a lot of criticism about being 'dated' or 'mutton dressed as lamb'. As a 44 year old I have driven many cars including BMW 5 series and Audi TT. The 160 is a real British gem and is not to be sniffed at! So what if it has a Rover 25 body? Isn't the Porsche a flattened Beetle, and has the shape of the Beemer really changed that much over the decades? (read more)

“I love this car - it looks good and its just as great...”

Written on: 07/11/2003 by jamesj74 (1 review written)

I love this car - it looks good and its just as great to drive. My previous car was a VW GTi which developed one fault after another. I decided I would never buy another VW and after a lot of looking arround I chose an MGZR 160VVC in metallic black. I've done 5,000 miles and so far I have not been disappointed. The best thing I like about this car is its British! (read more)

“Had my mg atomix from brand new 03 got the 17" side...”

Written on: 19/06/2003 by arnold.

Had my mg atomix from brand new 03 got the 17" side sills,half leather etc in solar red with red leather inserts.well chuffed with my car,get all the boy racers in there 1.1 beaten up cars burning around town.My msg is get a decent car to pose u sad boys!!!all u guys with mgs have taste and u women!!I love my car but only fault the noise u get frm sunroof,but apart from that a well sexy car,if u aint got one get one!!gona mod my car right up and give it large round town so eat ur heart out u... (read more)

“The MG ZR 160 is the most fun car I have ever driven...”

Written on: 04/06/2003 by MGman.

The MG ZR 160 is the most fun car I have ever driven and it gets tons of admiring looks, superb suspension and steering so it just sticks to anything, power is more than adequate to see off virtually all contenders. Extremely pleased and still loving it a year after purchase. (read more)

“The MG ZR 160 is a great british sports car that takes...”

Written on: 02/04/2003 by Tommy.

The MG ZR 160 is a great british sports car that takes over the roads. (read more)

“The MG ZR 160 is a great and true british sports car...”

Written on: 02/04/2003 by Tommy.

The MG ZR 160 is a great and true british sports car that no BMW can compete with. Twin tailpipe is excellent. 17 inch alloy wheels are fantastic. 1.8 VVC engine is extremely responsive. Close and low gear ratios are superb for quick and snappy gear change.
ALL MG CARS ARE GREAT !
Do you find the above in a big and bulky BMW? No you don't!

P.S When the MG XPOWER SV hits the road, it will blow every BMW away!!!!!!!!!!! (read more)

“Fast As a cheetah, can keep up with most things on the...”

Written on: 18/03/2003 by Blade.

Fast As a cheetah, can keep up with most things on the road and sayin that i have kept up with a lot of performance cars, as for the focus RS that car tends to get rather small in my rear mirror, and i cant wait for the 1.8 turbo unit to be bought out and there is talk about putting a 2liter KV6 under the bonnet now that sounds interesting. The only thing i can say about it is dont underestimate what power it has got cos you might be a bit embarised if you challenge 1. Also you will find you... (read more)