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The
familiar MG badge is just about the one bit that remains the
same in this revamped version. The price, you will note, is
also a great deal larger than the original and unlikely to
fetch a profit on resale.
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MMM!
Gee!
Llewelyn on Wheels: Ken Llewelyn
For
many years the MG badge, wrapped in the familiar octagon logo, was
synonymous with the world of sporting motoring.
The marque, similar to Triumph motorcycles, had a rich and illustrious
history until both names fell into disrepute in the 70s and 80s.
MG was scarred by the name being used as a marketing ploy for some
awful British Leyland products and Triumph was overtaken by superior
Japanese bikes.
Yet both marques, in a Lazarus turnaround, have hit the market again
with some very good products.
For MG we have to go back to the more comfortable era of the late
20s to note the arrival of the ambitious and far-sighted Cecil Kimber.
In 1927 he was ‘re-engineering’ the prosaic Morris Oxford
into such a superior car that it commanded a price one third higher
than the original Morris before he formed the MG Car Company in
1928. And by 1931 the company produced the first 750cc car that
could exceed 100mph (160kph).
It was the start of a legend, a company that for decades could produce
superb, affordable sports cars and sedans.
I admit to a soft spot for MG. My first car was a 1250cc TF which
I sold prior to my first overseas venture and on return I bought
an MGB. I kept the ‘B’ for five years and for the only
time in my life both cars were sold for a profit.
So it was with considerable interest that I took the wheel of MG’s
2002 iteration, the ZT-T 190 manual wagon.
Yes, badge engineering is being used again and behind the sleek
bodywork and interior, massaged drivetrain and modified chassis,
is a Rover 75 station wagon.
But let me say upfront this is a car that has the ‘feel good
factor’.
McLaren F1 designer Peter Stevens has put his considerable talent
into ‘reworking’ the pedestrian Rover and has done a brilliant
job.
The wagon is powered by a sweet-revving ‘warmed over’
2.5-litre V6 which drives the front wheels through a precise five-speed
Getrag gearbox. You need to stir the engine for reasonable performance
as it is powering a 1500kg mass, but this is no hardship as it emits
a note to rival the fabulous symphony from the V6 Alfa.
At 100 kph the engine is spinning more than at 2700 rpm and I would
expect reasonably good fuel consumption on the open road.
The combination of 18-inch alloys shod with Michelin Pilots, pin-sharp
steering and careful chassis modifications, provides the driver
with a car that can be punted hard around the twisties.
It is a real pleasure to drive quickly and if you need to drop the
anchors, the big-ventilated ABS brakes slow you up with remarkable
ease.
Again six air bags give that added feeling of security while three
lap/sash belts are fitted in the rear. And there are no two ways
about it, the chassis could handle considerably more power which
will be fixed when the rumoured V8 rear engine version is built.
Inside, all controls are easily accessed. The seats are very good
and well bolstered around the thighs and back.
It does not have the ‘country estate’ ambience of the
Rover’s wood and soft yellow-backed instrument; instead there
is a brushed silver look for the dash and white-backed instruments.
And to further separate the wagon from its less exotic cousin, there
is an MG grille with bright mesh front spoiler and self-levelling
xenon headlights.
The overall build quality is excellent and it is not hard to see
the BMW influence on the design.
The spare wheel is hidden in a deep recess, the tool kit easily
accessed in a specially designed tray and when the large rear door
is opened there is a low lip to enable you to change into your golf
shoes with comfort. And when you close the doors using the traditional
door handles there is a satisfying ‘thunk’.
Maybe I am a little biased but I really liked the MG wagon. And
I did enjoy the extra luxuries on the test car I drove. The $4000
optional pack gives you grey suede trim, electric sunroof, park
distance control and trip computer. But even with standard trim
the MG has more space and in my opinion is a much better proposition
than the admittedly cheaper Alfa wagon.
And it is better value than the more expensive BMW equivalents.
However, the MG has to still establish its long-term credentials
and resale value.
Retail price for the MG ZT-T 190 manual wagon (auto is the same
price) is $62,990. Test vehicle courtesy of MG Rover Australia.
Next issue: a sobering story on the importance of wearing good protective
gear on motorbikes.
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