Highlights
- Fantastic Rover V6 engine
- Very low mileage
- Ready to drive
The Appeal
The MG ZS was more than a bit of a surprise when it launched in 2001, especially the ZS 180 featuring the excellent Rover V6 engine. Rover MG had been struggling for some time and the announcement that the new ZS was being built on the already dated Rover 45 platform made many question Rover's plans. That is until they drove a ZS, sharing none of the driving characteristics with the old 45 the ZS is a lively and fun driver's car that the critics loved.
The 2.5l V6 is perfectly suited to the rover chassis and the combination of well balanced handling and the torquey free revving engine make for an excellent drive. Much applauded at the time the ZS 180 has become the MG of that era to have and with less than 50,000 on the clock and a long MOT this is the perfect opportunity to experience this fantastic car for yourself.
The History and Paperwork
- MOT to April 2023
- V5 Present and correct
- Online MOT history documenting the very low mileage
The Interior
- Half leather interior
- Overall good condition
- Some signs of wear to drivers seat
- Door cards would benefit from attention
- Headling, dashboard and carpets all present well
- Kenwood stereo
The MG ZS interior is classic late 90’s/early 2000’s with lots of smooth rounded shapes and edges, it's an interior very much of its time. FInished in half leather it looks good and provides a good comfortable driving experience with plenty of 00’s style.
The interior generally presents very well with the dashboard and trim in very good condition throughout. The half leather seats also present very well overall, however the drivers seat bolsters do show some significant wear. The steering wheel, dashboard and all of the controls appear to be in very good condition although the door cards would benefit from some attention. Whilst there are a couple of areas with room for improvement the interior of the ZS presents well and is a fantastic example of early 2000’s styling.
The Exterior
- Fair overall condition
- All four wheels show signs of kerbing
- All of the light lenses are in good condition
- Paintwork in generally good condition
- Highly original and un-modified
It’s clear to see the ZS’s Rover 45 origins, but with extensive bodywork tweeks, metal mesh front grilles and the big spoiler it’s very much its own car and is clearly packing some punch. The combination of dark grey paint, the more aggressive styling and the MG wheels make for a good looking car that doesn’t try to hide its Rover heritage.
The dark grey paint is generally in good condition throughout with no signs of bubbling and only a few minor age related marks. There is a scuff to the nearside rear bumper/trim, otherwise all of the trim (that includes colour coded bumpers) is in good condition. All of the badges are present although the front MG badge shows some fading. These cars were often modified and this is a great example of an entirely original and un-modified ZS.
The Mechanics
- Starts easily and idles well
- All four tyres show plenty of tread
- Excellent 2.5l Rover V6 engine
- MOT to April 2023
- Underside presents well
- Engine bay shows signs of age
The Rover V6 starts easily on a turn of the key and sounds simply fantastic. It idles smoothly and there are no unwanted noises that we could hear.
The owner reports that the car drives exactly as it should with the V6 providing plenty of smooth acceleration and the brakes stopping the car quickly and in a straight line. Whilst the engine bay would benefit from tidying up the underside present well and with a long MOT it’s ready to jump in and enjoy.
The owner reports that the car drives exactly as it should with the V6 providing plenty of smooth acceleration and the brakes stopping the car quickly and in a straight line. Whilst the engine bay would benefit from tidying up the underside present well and with a long MOT it’s ready to jump in and enjoy.
Summary
The MG ZS represents the end of an era, but with its sporty good looks and excellent V6 we can’t think of a better way to finish.
Whilst there is room for cosmetic improvement it has both low owner and very low mileage combined with a long MOT and provides a fantastic opportunity to acquire a true British classic that's ready to enjoy.
Whilst there is room for cosmetic improvement it has both low owner and very low mileage combined with a long MOT and provides a fantastic opportunity to acquire a true British classic that's ready to enjoy.
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