Click on image to view the full photo gallery
MG ZR facelift 2004 1.8 16V VVC (160 Hp)
Overall Rating
MG ZR:
The MG ZR is an MG branded "hot hatch" version of the Rover 25 supermini class car, produced by MG Rover at their Longbridge plant in Birmingham from 2001 to 2005. Compared to the Rover 25, the ZR featured a number of styling modifications and performance enhancements, such as updated sports suspension and a less baffled exhaust.
The MG ZR was one of Britain's most popular sporting hatchbacks throughout its production life, and in 2004, it was MG Rover's best selling car—the first time that any MG product had been the most popular product of any of the many combines that had owned the MG marque....(Read more on Wikipedia)
facelift 2004 Overview:
MG ZR (facelift 2004). With 174 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~10.4 l/100km). Weighing only 1125 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 7.8 s). The top speed reaches 210 km/h. A compact car with a rear door that swings upward to provide access to the cargo area. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
1.8 16V VVC (160 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
This 1.8 VVC engine delivers exhilarating performance for its class, offering strong acceleration and a rev-happy nature that makes it a true hot hatch. It's the pinnacle of the ZR's performance lineup.
Fuel Economy
With a combined fuel consumption of 7.5 l/100 km, the 160 Hp VVC engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy for a car of its era, though spirited driving will naturally increase consumption.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Engaging and sporty handling
- • Strong performance from the VVC engine
- • Distinctive and aggressive styling post-facelift
- • Affordable entry into hot hatch ownership
- • Good steering feel and driver involvement
Cons:
- • Notorious K-Series head gasket issues (HGF)
- • Interior quality can feel dated and plasticky
- • Firm ride compromises comfort on rough roads
- • Limited safety features compared to modern rivals
- • Rear visibility can be restricted
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(ZR: 2002 - 2003).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | MG |
| Model: | ZR |
| Generation: | facelift 2004 |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.8 16V VVC (160 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 2004 |
| End of production: | 2005 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Hatchback |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 3/5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 160 Hp @ 6900 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 89.1 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 174 Nm @ 4700 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | 18K4K More details about the engine 18K4K |
| Engine displacement: | 1796 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.5 l |
| Coolant: | 4.8 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 80 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 89.3 mm |
| Maximum engine speed: | 7100 rpm. |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 10.4 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 5.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined (NEDC): | 7.5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban (NEDC): | 10.4 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban (NEDC): | 5.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 7.5 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 3 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 7.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 7.8 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 210 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 7 kg/Hp, 142.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.5 kg/Nm, 154.7 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 7.4 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1125 |
| Max. weight: | 1550 |
| Max. roof load: | 65 kg |
| Max load: | 425 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 304 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 1000 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 50 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 500 kg |
| Permitted towbar download: | 70 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4011 mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1688 mm [2mm less] |
| Height: | 1395 mm [5mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2500 mm [2mm less] |
| Width including mirrors: | 1946 mm |
| Front track: | 1473 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1466 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 282 mm [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc, 260 mm [above average] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 205/50 R16; 205/45 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 7J x 16; 7J x 17 |
Every driver has a story. What’s yours with the MG ZR?