MG ZT 135+ Review

A car bought out of necessity rather than want should not be this good. It just shouldn't!



I bought the ZT CDTi by chance. I drive a Mid Engine Sports car but as we all know fast cars cost a lot to run and are not the most user friendly everyday run around. When I initially bought the ZT I was searching for small Euro hatch, something Golf like with a sensible 1.9 Diesel engine. Instead, out of a moment of what could be seen as many as insanity I arrive home not with the Euro Box but a Bright Blue Brutish British Saloon.. In retrospect it is quite possibly the best motoring decision I have made to date.



Parking up next to a BMW 3 Series or Jaguar X-Type it feels like a step above in terms of design with the retro lines of the Rover 75 mixing it up with the brawn of MG kit to create something that at no angle looks boring or staid while never venturing into the realms of being vulgar or "in your face". Its the same story inside with the ties with BMW really shining through in the efficiency of the switchgear and the high quality of the materials making the cabin a really nice place to be. My only qualm with the interior is that by 2009 standards the rear is starting to show its age in regards to lack of space and I have taken this into account in my star rating.



The final point is the driving. This is what blew me away. Even without the nice cabin, without the exterior charm the ZT would remain a cracking car to drive. I really never expected this and comparing with the likes of a Vauxhall Vectra or even an Audi A4 the car is leagues ahead. Applause to MG Engineers!



The car could handle a lot more power... Which, thankfully MG addressed... I know in the future I will be buying a ZT V8 and as a prologue to that car, the ZT CDTi is near faultless..



...And for a Diesel Family Saloon that is indeed high praise!