MG ZR 160 1.8 VVC - Owning, Driving, Restoring and the ZR Story
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- čas přidán 29. 07. 2021
- The MG ZR was the best selling model of all the MG Z cars, and MG Rover's overall best seller in 2002.
Here we feature this lovely MG ZR 160 in XPower Grey, which is part of our collection of modern classic cars. Our ZR didn't always look like this - we bought it over a year ago with no MOT. In this video we share bits of our light restoration, plus tell some of the ZR story and take it for a drive.
We hope you enjoy watching - please do hit the 'Like' button, leave us a comment to let us know what you think, and subscribe if you like what you see as we will feature more on our car collection soon.
If you like the ZR video, then below is the link for our feature on our MG ZS180 V6:
• MG ZS 180 2.5 V6 - Buy...
Thanks for watching. - Auta a dopravní prostředky
Love the MG Zcars, much better looking in my opinion than offerings from other manufacturers.
Thanks for the comment.
I do agree and have been lucky enough to own all three MG Z cars in their best from, this MG ZR160 (sold it just a few months ago), an MG ZS180 and my MG ZT260 (which I still have).
You'll find them all on my Channel, including my MGF Trophy 160.
Thanks for watching. 👍
It’s funny the MG Zed cars seem to get more praise today than they did back when they were new.
I’ve had my ZR since new. 18 years of ownership and it is probably one of the most coveted examples there’s ever been. I remember the car having zero street cred when it was my absolute pride and joy. I always thought the value for money and sheer fun were heavily underrated. I remember reading magazine reviews of the ZR and thinking “ are they talking about the same car” it was often unfairly slatted.
Of course nostalgia eventually takes hold and now 16 years after MG-Rovers collapse people may start to realise what a shame it was to witness the death of our last mainstream British car manufacturer.
Thanks for the comment and great to know of the long-term ownership of your MG ZR. I agree completely with your thoughts - the Z cars were massively underrated and a loyal following is now starting to take hold. I think as people who remember and perhaps owned these cars back in the 2000s get older they will want to re-live the fun had in the little ZR... so values of good cars are certain to rise, albeit that does not really matter if you currently own and love one as you do.
Thanks for watching - please do subscribe and stay tuned as we will feature lots more MG content in the future.
My first car was a trophy yellow ZR+. 1400cc 105. registration was NK53 LWM. I owned it from 2005 to 2007, after that i continued on my boy racer path, owning numerous faster hatches, such as the 106 GTi, and the saxo VTS. Since then, I have had countless cars but I always wish I could go back in time to relive the days of owning that ZR.
People give the K series a bad rep, but let me tell you i tortured mine for 40K miles and it never missed a beat. I totally agree the price of these will head north, and as you correctly said, (people like me), wanting to recapture their youth will be looking for them.
I think anyone that has owned one, will know just how much fun these cars were, it was a very nippy car even for a 1400, and the twin cam design meant you could rev them to oblivion. I think this was one of the ''proper'' last hot hatched to be made, before technology went wild and detached the driver from any emotion with the car. Thanks for the video, really enjoyed it.
Thanks so much for the comment and run through of your car history, you've certainly had some nice cars. I love the MG ZR and it is always great to hear from someone who thinks the same - they rev nicely, handle well and look the part. Hot hatches should feel slightly faster than they are as that's the magic of them. I recently bought a 2016 Focus RS and it is brilliant, but I get more smiles out of driving the older hot hatches than these hyper hatchbacks. Glad to know you enjoyed the video, thanks for watching.
Absolutely thrilled to see my old MG ZR .... what a beauty and you are quite right she was a dream to drive. Happy that she's in safe hands and what a great job you have carried out. Thanks for sharing the video
Hi Carole - thanks so much for the comment and for getting in touch. The ZR has come up really well and it a credit to you. Do keep watching as our next video, live in a couple of weeks, also features your old ZR. Thanks again and stay tuned!
Will do it's great to see her @@cornishcarcollectors
Excellent video, i had a 160 when quite new was a great car but did start to rust and went about 2013. In 2017 i bought an absolutely mint 115TD ownd by an enthusiast with every single extra so would have been an expensive car when new it only had 41k
I did use it as a daily but the following year replaced it with a ZT. I srill use it in dry salt free weather quite a bit and now has 66k on
Its been remapped and is actually quicker than my 160 but obviously not as revvy
As the only thing that is visually different to a 160 and its over 160 bhp ive given it a 160 badge. Irs trophy yellow with yellow insert seats and even got the yellow sides on the steering wheel. Glad to say its part of my 7 vehicle autin rover/ rover collection .
Thanks for the comment, it must have been brilliant to own a 160 back when nearly new. The ZR TD or 25 TD has always interested me; I owned a 25 Commerce a few years ago and always fancied one of them with the diesel engine. Sounds to me like you have a nice collection of cars - you'll see from my Channel I own a few Rovers myself, I love 'um! Thanks for watching and hope you stay tuned, I am glad you enjoyed the video.
Amazing video! Great to see the ZR getting some praise. I have a Trophy yellow 160, fantastic cars
Thanks so much for the kind comment and for watching. I love Trophy Yellow; as you'll have seen from the video, we own a Trophy Yellow MGF Trophy 160. The ZR is a great car and we are really enjoying ours right now. Do stay tuned as we have lots more MG Rover content planned for the future.
I bought a trophy blue ZR 160 last month and doing little bits to make it perfect, trying to drive carefully to keep it good but I just can't stop using all the revs its addictive. Love it!
Thanks for the comment. Glad to know you are enjoying your ZR160, which you have bought in one of the best colours! Hope you enjoyed the video, thanks for watching.
Had a zs, an mgf and a rover 200. Loved them all and I'm now on the lookout for a zr160. The k series is much maligned but with care it goes on and on, good acceleration, lightweight and good emissions for the time. I'm impressed with them and hope prices stay low for a while longer! Looking forward to the zt video and I've watched the zs one too. Great work!
Thanks for the feedback - glad you are enjoying the videos. The ZT is on the road, so you can expect the video in November. I'm a big fan of the the MG Z cars and look forward to featuring them regularly here on the channel. Do stay tuned and good luck finding the right ZR16- - they are fab cars.
Another super video, loads of great MG Rover facts! Many ill-informed people out there bash the K series. Look after it, and it will look after you in return. Even it hasn't been looked after right by a previous owner, a new head gasket kit and related bits won't cost heaven and earth (even if fitted by a specialist). Nothing more than you would spend in a lifetime of another car in my opinion. Once done correctly you should be happy for many more years.
Looking forward to more, especially the V8 ZT! 😁
Thanks for watching more of our videos and really appreicate the comment. Stay tuned.
Has now given me food for though. Good video, love MG-Rover stuff
Thanks for the comment, it is great to know you enjoyed it. I certainly believe these little MGs will be classic cars of the future and right now they are fairly cheap. They are also disappearing from our roads at an alarming rate! Thanks for watching.
When I was 18, if you were a car person and fancied buying a brand new car, the MG ZR 1.4 had just come out and was the car that a number of people I knew were getting on finance (back when getting finance was very easy). 105hp, looked good and under 10k? Of course they were popular with young people! But if you had the MG ZR 160, you were held in high regard and people my age would have been quite envious of you. I also knew someone my age who had a 306 GTI-6 and I questioned how they could afford the insurance. Now for me, the best British hot hatches are the Ford RS cars, but they cost more to buy and insure. Back in 2003, in terms of value for money and 'bang for buck' the MG ZR 160 was only beaten by the EK Civic Jordan (only sold in the UK). Remember those? B16A with black and yellow leather interiors. Hatch backs these days might have more power, but imo they don't have the amount of character/personality that cars from the late 90's/early 00's had. They also weigh a lot more and are more than double the price.
Thanks for the comment. MG ZRs certainly were coveted by young people back when they were launch and, whilst I am a big MG Rover fan, I too had a friend with a 306 GTi6 and thought it was awesome! I do own a Focus RS Mk1 and it is indeed brilliant, plus I have a Focus ST Mk2 and, if you stay tuned to the Channel, you'll likely see an RS Mk3 arrive during 2022. I liked the Civic Type-R EK9 - if you check my other videos I have featured an FN2 and included details of the EK Civics because they were brill! Thanks for watching.
that ZR is a belter :) ... another cracking video
Thanks Adrian!
These cars are full of character. The last and best in my opinion. They are definitely a future investment as many as possible should be saved
Thanks for the comment and for watching. I totally agree with you; great cars and a classic of the future... if you can, buy a good one now and enjoy it because they will be strong money one day! Do stay tuned to the channel and thanks again.
@@cornishcarcollectors
Thanks for the reply. If I get one more I think it will be divorce time 🤣🤣
I also still have my Mk 160 in the same colour also, but a 3 door. Wish i had the means to make it perfect again. Love what you done to the car.
Thanks for the comment - good to hear from a fellow MG ZR160 owner, particularly another XPower Grey car! I am sure you'll get around to improving yours, but for now just enjoy driving it because they are great fun. Thanks for watching.
Good vid on the look out now for one in grey still good value for money
Thanks for the comment, great to hear you enjoyed the video. They certainly are still good value for money and, as numbers continue to drop, I am sure MG ZRs will start to appreciate. XPower Grey is a great colour... good luck with your search and thanks again. Do stay tuned to the Channel as we'll put more MG content out in the Spring / Summer.
Great video :) MGR cars are so underrated, if looked aftee properly they are fun and reliable, i own a rover 25 gti, MG ZS 180 mk2 Saloon, MG ZR Mk1 in biomorphic Green and have recently purchased an early Mk1 ZR 160 in trophy which requires restoration
Thanks for the comment and great to hear from another MG fan! I too own a 25 GTi in BRG, as well as the MG ZR160 in this video and a 200 Vi (sold my BRM a few years back, which I regret). I also own the ZS180, which I have made a video about, and a ZT260 V8. It's all got a bit out of hand, but I love them and would struggle to sell any really. Do stay tuned to the Channel as I will be featuring all of the cars and good luck with your collection and restoration.
Love my mg zr still going
Thanks for the comment and good to know your MG ZR is still going strong. Keep enjoying it and thanks for watching.
Really Enjoyed this. I'm 20 years old and I have one of these, only difference is I have an 05 mk2 version. It is my first car and it is great fun
Thanks so much for the comment and for watching, really gald you enjoyed it. We love our MGs and great to hear from someone who also has one - the Mk2 is a smart looking and great first car! Do subscribe, if you haven't already, as we will be putting more MG content out soon... including another drive of our MG ZR160.
@@cornishcarcollectors I will be sure to stay tuned, love the videos mate.
MG and Rover really should have given the American market another go.
Thanks for the comment. I know MG Rover had the US in their sights when developing the Rover 75 Coupe, but similar to the Rover 800 Coupe it never made it to America (the 75 Coupe never made it into production). Thanks for watching.
Lovely review they are still great cars, I have two K-Series an R3 1.6 IS 3 door and an MGF Mk1 VVC both great fun to drive and reliable with no HG issues. I am on the lookout for a Gti or one of these VVC 160’s but do prefer the pre-facelift and bulletproof earlier Lucas electric’s albeit pre OBD plug ins. The Rover/MG cars are still bargains at the moment but that may change when people realise just how good they can be with special edition low mileage examples now creeping up in value.
Thanks for the comment Michael. I agree, the Lucas electrics are far better than the later Pektron, I still have not sorted the central locking on this MG ZR... to be honest I have not driven it a great deal which is a shame; spend too much time in my 200 Vi, MG ZT260 and Rover 75 Tourer (and some Fords!). Thanks for watching.
I've got two 218 vi's , both 3 doors, and two 114 GTi's . All stock but I love them like that. I would love to add a ZR 160 to my collection. (I own 16~17 cars including a 50k kilometers Skyline R34 GT-R V Spec in Midnight Purple, a red Lancer Evolution V, Ralliart Version R Special, Daihatsu Charade GTti, Ibiza Cupra R,...). To be honest I love the Rovers the most... British Engineering 🙌🏻💪🏻🤙🏻
Thanks for the comment. Your car collections sounds awesome - a nice and varied selection of modern classics. I have a Lancer Evolution VI myself, which is currently being restored, and I'll feature it in the near future so do stay tuned for that. I also have a couple of Rover 200 Vi's which I actually made a video on this week - you'll find it amongst my other videos if you are interested in watching it. Thanks for the support.
@@cornishcarcollectors sounds great, subscribed and put on all notifications 👍🏻 keep up the great content 🙌🏻
I have zr 160 face-lift blue trophy, very good car
Thanks for the comment and for watching.
Trophy Blue is a great colour - make sure you keep hold of your ZR! I'm sure we'll feature more on our ZR so do subscribe and stay tuned.
Lovely video!
I currently own two ZRs one being the 105 and the latter with the 2.0 diesel! Both are solar red.
Also to mention - the 105 is a 1 owner from new with only 32k on the clock!! Full service history stamped all the way to 31k!!
Thanks for the comment. Your MGs sound great - I love Solar Red. The 2.0ltr diesels go really well and that 105 sounds a real find. Keep hold of them as I am certain you have two modern classics of the future there! Thanks for watching.
@@cornishcarcollectors If you are ever interested in testing the diesel out I'd love to give you mine for the day!
Would be great to meet up and see the rest of the collection!:)
Can’t wait to see the 25 GTi.
Thanks for the comment Chris, and for watching. We have featured a little of the 25 GTi in our next video, due out in under two weeks so do stay tuned. Thanks for the support and good to know there are other 25 GTi fans out there!
BMW bought Rover-MG for the Mini brand. The agreement included some rehash of older Rover models so they took the 25, 45 and 75 models and released fresher more sporting looking cars.
Thanks for the comment. BMW were indeed interested in the MINI brand, which was developed by Rover and BMW at the time, and whilst the 25 and 45 were refreshed designs on old platforms the 75 was a new to market car. I hope you enjoyed the video - thanks for watching.
I have a MG ZR 120+ 3 door with the same metallic grey. It is one of the very last pre facelift models that went off the line in 2004. Brilliant car (although my fuel gauge is taking getting used to). I have only just started getting rust on the arches which is a shame but I'm from Plymouth so hope its not too expensive getting it done to future proof the car.
One thing I ask is how many miles do you get from a tank? I don't rag the car (its 18 years old so don't really want to push it all the time) but I only get about 320 miles even though it supposedly gets 430... Trying to figure out where the other 110 miles are going 😅 cleaned intake, no fuel leaks, new sparks and cam cover gasket change and all that. Maybe I'm still getting used to it perhaps.
Anyway great video and really found it facinating!
Thanks for the comment, it is good to know you enjoyed it.
Sorry to say I am not really able to say what I get from a tank as I've never filled the car when using it - it has had very light use in my ownership. I'd say 850 miles is about right for my 200 Vi, which is a similar car.
Thanks for watching, much appreciated and good like with your MG.
Great video. Wish I could find a decent MG ZR 160 for sale
Thanks for the comment. The ZR160 is becoming a real rarity these days and good ones are tough to find, but they're out there so keep looking... or buy mine! Thanks for watching.
@@cornishcarcollectors dare I ask, how much?
Just having the Pektron relays sorted... so that the remote central locking is back to being fully operational @@MUV4TRUK4
Then, sadly... it is going up for sale so do keep an eye out on eBay and our social media pages. It'll be around £2,500 maybe.
Should review face lift mg zr , there great looking is well 🙌🤩
Thanks for the comment and suggestion - I agree, the facelift MG ZR looks great, and I will certainly feature one if I ever get hold of one. Do stay tuned as our MG ZT260 V8 is coming very soon and then the MGF Trophy 160.
What's an Rover MG ZR 1.4 Trophy Blue Immaculate only 32,200 miles genuine from new worth today. New head gasket and many new parts replaced when head gasket blew.
Thanks for watching the video.
These MG ZRs are difficult to value - they just don't seem to have the appreciation they deserve yet. It'll happen, but will take a few more years yet. The expensive cars simply are not selling meaning you'll need to price it correctly to sell it, which means around £2K. Keep hold of it as they are fantastic little hot hatches.
👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Thanks for the continued support. 👍🏻
Why not do a video on the super rare Rover 200 BRM !?
Thanks for the comment James - I love the BRM and had one a few years ago, but sold it and have regretted ever since! If I buy another one day then I’ll be sure to feature it. Do stay tuned as we will feature our other rare MGs soon. Thanks for watching.
@@cornishcarcollectors certainly will do!
Don't forget the 113zr td
Thanks for the comment Chris - I am not aware MG Rover made a Rover 1.3 turbo diesel?? Let me know by reply if I've missed it! Thanks for watching.
What about the last car MG ever made the MG zr 2005 trophy why do people forget about these. They are part of the zr group.👍
Thanks for the comment. I think I neglected to mention the MG ZR Atomix too, despite having the press photo scanned and ready to edit in! Hope you enjoyed the video despite my omissions! Thanks for watching.
i hand one to the 1.8 three door
Thanks for the comment. Keep that 1.8 ZR going! Thanks for watching.
You forgot about the MG ZR Atomix 😔💚
Thanks for the comment - I actually have a press photo of Atomic Kitten with the Atomix cars. I'll make sure I mention it the next time I feature the ZR. Thanks for watching.
@@cornishcarcollectors awesome! As I personally own an atomix myself that's why I said 😂💚
Iv a zt 2002 shes been parked over 10 yrs am i mad to thinking to restore it
Thanks for the comment. What engine is in your ZT? I think the ZT is a great car; I have a ZT260 V8 myself and really enjoy driving it. Whether people have a ZR, ZS or ZT they are going to be modern classics of the future and will command a decent price at some point, albeit I doubt they will climb to the values of cars like many of the hot Fords. Thanks for watching.
@@cornishcarcollectors iv a 1.8 zs and a 2ltr diesel zt the problem here in ireland is car tax the 2.5 zt is 1100 a yr or the 4.6 be nearly 1900 euro a year
Wow @@noelcahill6707 you've got to really love them to pay that!
@@cornishcarcollectors i love my mgs there a great car to drive id love to put a 6 speed in the zt
Such an ugly car but I love it
Thanks for the comment. They say "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" and I think this is a smashing looking machine, but we both agree on the fact that we love it! Thanks for watching, I hope you enjoyed the video.