Following the arrival of the new mid size MG ZS 180 late last year, MG Rover Australia have announced today that the much anticipated MG ZR 160 hot hatch will be launched later this month.

Representing the latest embodiment in MG’s new styling direction, the MG ZR 160 enters the highly competitive and booming European $30,000+ hot hatch segment.

Michel De Vriendt, Managing Director of Motor Group Australia said, “We are very excited to bring the MG ZR 160 into Australia. Now for the first time, the entire MG Z range is available in our local market; with the flagship ZT V8 and V6 models, the sensational mid-sized MG ZS 180 and now the awesome MG ZR hot hatch range".

"The MG ZR is MG Rover Group UK’s largest selling model, and we anticipate it to also become our largest selling car in Australia. The ZR 160 faces some superb competitors such as the Peugeot 206 GTi 180 and Renault Clio Sport 182. Compared to these excellent cars we feel the MG ZR 160 represents the more ‘undiluted’ hot hatch alternative".

Its benchmark front wheel drive chassis dynamics are matched with superb sports damper settings that ensure grip and steering precision are always optimised. Its rear suspension toe-in and camber setting ensure high-speed stability and a brilliant steering response. It’s also a relatively light vehicle delivering an exceptional power to weight ratio. The K-Series 1.8 litre 16 valve VVC engine, as used in the mid engined MG TF 160 and Lotus Elise, delivers 160 bhp (118 kW) which translates to a scorching 0-100 km/h in a mere 7.5 seconds.

The MG ZR 160 is a car with a true lust for life, great to look at and even better to drive. Fun, fast, raucous; just the way all hot hatches should be. It’s the hot hatch the other hot hatches want to be when they grow up. ”

He added, “Not only is it a true drivers’ car, we feel it also represents a better alternative for consumers’ day-to-day needs. It is simply a bigger car, with more interior space and a vast cargo carrying capacity of 1086 litres with its 60/40 split rear seats. And unlike other hot hatches, it is also available in a 5 door, maximising the practicality of this superb motor vehicle.”

Underlining its sports pedigree the exterior and interior presentation of the MG ZR 160 ensures there is no mistaking its sports car prowess.

The ZR 160 comes standard with an integrated sports body kit that includes large 17” alloy wheels with 205/45 tyres, high mounted rear spoiler, twin bore exhaust with heat shields, black mesh bumper inserts , front fog lamps, body coloured mirrors and side body skirts.

This sports theme is continued in the interior, with a technical grey/ash interior finish, sport seats, perforated leather steering wheel and gear knob as well as satin finish rotary air vents. Optional leather seats are also available on both the 3 and 5 door models.

Standard features also include:

• Air Conditioning
• 6 speaker CD Player
• Remote central locking and boot release
• Dual front airbags
• ABS Brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
• Front power windows
• Power mirrors
• Volumetric alarm with automatic super locking
• Security alloy wheel bolts

The 2005 MG ZR 160 represents the latest development of the MG ZR success story, the best selling hot hatch since its introduction in Britain in 2001. Not only does the 2005 model bring a host of exterior and interior styling improvements, dynamically the vehicle has also been enhanced. The latest MG ZR 160 also features a more responsive and improved brake feel. A lower positioned clutch pedal has improved driver ergonomics and throttle pedal set-up have been changed to maximise engine responsiveness of this pocket-rocket sports hatch. Steering is also much sharper with improved H-frame toe and camber geometry and the fitment of a new specification rear suspension bush material.

Expected sales in Australia in 2005 will be approximately 300 units. MG ZR 160 is expected to appeal to younger driver-orientated buyers between 22-39 years. It is anticipated 60-70% of buyers will be male.

MG ZR 160 hatch – Range & Pricing (manual models only)

MG ZR 160 3 door	$30,990*
MG ZR 160 5 door	$32,990*
Leather option:	$1,850