Especificaciones y análisis del MG ZR
Power
117HP
Torque
160Nm
Consumption
8.1l/100
Emissions
-g/km
0-100 km/h
10.1s
Top Speed
180km/h
Weight
1160kg
Price
18,077€
Technical summary
Gasolina
Automático 6v
FWD
5 / 5 doors
304 L
50 L
86 kW
Current
Technical specifications
Engine
Capacities
Detailed analysis of the MG ZR 5p 120 Stepspeed · 117 CV (2004-2006)
General description
The 2005 MG ZR 5p 120 Stepspeed is a compact car that, despite its British origin, aimed to offer a sporty and accessible alternative in the market. With its 1.8-liter, 117 hp gasoline engine, coupled with a 6-speed automatic transmission, it promised a dynamic driving experience for everyday use. Its design, although based on the Rover 25, incorporated elements that gave it a more aggressive and youthful personality, seeking to attract an audience that valued sporty aesthetics without sacrificing the practicality of a five-door.
Driving experience
Behind the wheel of the MG ZR 5p 120 Stepspeed, the predominant sensation is that of an agile and fun car. The 117 hp engine, although not an abundance of power, is willing and allows for 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in 10.1 seconds, which was respectable for its time. The Stepspeed automatic transmission, with its 6 gears, offers smooth and comfortable driving in the city, but also allows for more energetic handling when desired. The suspension, firmer than in the Rover 25, contributes to greater stability in curves, instilling confidence in the driver. However, this firmness can be somewhat uncomfortable on poor roads. The steering, although not the most communicative, fulfills its function and allows the car to be guided with precision. In general, the ZR offers a driving experience that invites you to enjoy every journey, with a touch of sportiness that differentiates it from other compacts in its segment.
Design and aesthetics
The design of the MG ZR 5p 120 Stepspeed is one of its main assets. Based on the Rover 25, the ZR adopts a more aggressive and sporty aesthetic. At the front, the double-optic headlights and a more prominent grille stand out, giving it a more challenging look. The bumpers, both front and rear, are more voluminous and feature larger air intakes, accentuating its sporty character. The 16-inch alloy wheels, with 205/50 R16 tires, fill the wheel arches well and contribute to a robust image. At the rear, a discreet spoiler and a chrome exhaust outlet complete the package. Inside, although the Rover 25 base is maintained, details such as sports seats with greater lateral support, white-backed instrumentation, and aluminum accents are added, reinforcing the sporty atmosphere. Despite its compact dimensions (3999 mm long), the ZR offers a reasonably spacious cabin for four occupants and a 304-liter trunk, suitable for daily use.
Technology and features
In terms of technology, the 2005 MG ZR 5p 120 Stepspeed was on par with its segment for the time. Its 1.8-liter gasoline engine with indirect injection and 117 hp is a proven and reliable powertrain. The 6-speed Stepspeed automatic transmission, although not a dual-clutch gearbox, offered a comfortable alternative to manual gearboxes, with the possibility of sequential handling. In terms of safety, it had disc brakes on all four wheels (ventilated front and solid rear), and it likely included ABS, although not specified. Inside, technological elements were limited to a sound system with a CD radio and, possibly, air conditioning. We should not expect large touchscreens or advanced driving assistance systems, as the ZR's focus was more on mechanics and driving sensations than on technological avant-garde.
Competition
At the time, the MG ZR 5p 120 Stepspeed faced tough competition in the sporty compact segment. Among its direct rivals, we could find models such as the Ford Fiesta ST, the Peugeot 206 GTi, the Renault Clio Sport, or the SEAT Ibiza Cupra. These models offered similar or superior performance, with a more radical approach in some cases. However, the ZR stood out for its British aesthetic and a balance between sportiness and comfort that made it attractive to an audience looking for something different. Its price of 18,077 euros placed it in a competitive position against its rivals, offering a good relationship between equipment and sensations.
Conclusion
The 2005 MG ZR 5p 120 Stepspeed is a car that, despite its age, still retains a special charm. Its combination of a sporty design, a willing engine, and an automatic transmission that facilitates driving, make it an interesting option for those looking for a compact with character. It is not the most powerful or the most technological, but it offers a fun driving experience and a style that sets it apart from the crowd. It is a car that evokes an era when passion for driving was still a key factor in car design. For lovers of sporty compacts with a different touch, the MG ZR is a gem to discover.