MG ZR Trophy SE
ENGINE 1396cc/4-cyl/DOHC POWER 101bhp@6000rpm TORQUE 91lb ft@4500rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 111mph 0-60MPH 10sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 32-39mpg TRANSMISSION FWD, five-speed manual MoT February 2019 ODOMETER 55,000 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
This car is truly fun to drive in all situations, the torquey 1.4-litre engine delivering power throughout the rev range. However, there is a minor misfire, which the vendor says will be checked and sorted prior to sale. Handling is excellent with no feeling of suspension wear or any dubious noises – unless you count the sporty sounds emanating from the Cybox stainless steel exhaust back box. The car tackles bends with no fuss and no trace of understeer. The gearchange is superb and the brakes excellent, with the pads having recently been replaced. The ride is firm, bordering on uncompromising – exactly as MG Rover intended!
BODYWORK CHECK
The car looks in almost showroom condition with gleaming original paintwork. There are no signs of accident damage – not even on the spoiler or front grille. There are a few carefully touched-in stone chips and a tiny ding in each door. The car appears to be in excellent condition underneath but there is a small amount of rust bubbling on the offside rear wheelarch lip – it’s not serious and should cost very little to fix. Light clusters are original – including the back ones, which are unique to the Trophy – and as new. The 17-inch alloy wheels are immaculate with no evidence of kerbing. The 205/45Z R17 Kumho front tyres are recent fitments but the Avon rears are, we think, due for replacement.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
The interior is virtually as it came from the showroom. There are no significant creases or signs of wear on the leather part of the seats and the rest of the upholstery is unmarked. The carpets are pristine, having largely been covered with original-spec mats, and the headlining looks like new. The original VDO Siemens sound system – complete with boot-mounted six CD changer – works perfectly, though the rear speakers are Pioneer replacements. All the glass is immaculate but a replacement windscreen – of the correct spec – has been fitted.
UNDER THE BONNET
The engine is clean with no signs of contamination. The cylinder head gasket was replaced by an MG specialist around 8000 miles ago and the engine shows no signs of overheating. The coolant and oil are clean, there’s no cracking on the hoses and the wiring looks good. There’s no rust anywhere in the engine compartment.
THE CCW VIEW
Many of these cars have been thrashed, but this one has a full service history and has been owned by two meticulous enthusiasts who have obviously looked after it. The small amount of rust should be tackled now before it gets any worse, but the car is getting a thorough mechanical checkover prior to sale.