Convince me...

06-01-09, 10:33 PM

Right, as much as I love my ZR 160, I've always thought the Mk2 180 is the nicest looking car MG-Rover ever made ('cept the SV. And the CityRover). Been considering getting one for a while, and now that the prices are crashing to ridiculously low levels, thought I might start looking into it properly.

So, I need you lot to give me the lowdown. Being a moderator on the ZR site I know pretty much all there is to know about them, however when it comes to the ZS, especially the KV6, I'm fairly clueless.

rentonj · 06-01-09, 10:48 PM

I had a ZR160 before my ZS180 and I much prefer the ZS. Firstly you don't get the head gasket problems that the 160 engine gets. The handling on the ZS is better, that may be due to my ZR having budget tyres but I do not get nearly as much understear as I did with the ZR. MG spent a lot of money developing the ZS for touring cars and this has been passed onto the road car. Also the equipment is better in the ZS. Climate control with Audi TT style vents. Also those serve no use shark gill air vents look the mutts.
The 0-60 time is very similar to the ZR but it is not all rev the nuts off it to get the speed. The KV6 engine pulls well from low revs and has 2 power bursts at 3000 and 4000 rpm. Sounds great too.
On the whole the ZS feels more balanced and solid to drive than the ZR ever did. Plus you can get the family in with bikes aswell if you get the hatch version.
More reliable, more practical and more fun to drive. What more can I say....

K&S Coachworks · 06-01-09, 11:09 PM

it plain and simple,no convincing needed,all the facts are there,the zs 180 is a better car all round !!!!!

vinny1979 · 06-01-09, 11:11 PM

agreed, i have my brm turbo for fun, im sure the zs is the next step,

rentonj · 06-01-09, 11:19 PM

When Tiff Nidell reviewed the Z range when he still worked for Top Gear he said the ZS was his favourite drivers car. I think you can see the article on youtube somewhere.

TjP · 06-01-09, 11:23 PM

Its a V6 and its more practical than a ZR in terms of space and size, and cheap as chips as you say!! MPG isnt all that bad really, Im getting about 30mpg right now and I dont hang about (except in the ice atm)!

Also you get the updated interior with the mk2 which is a plus

talkingcars · 07-01-09, 05:59 AM

We've got both and I like both, the 02 ZR160 is a hot hatch and the 51 ZS180 is a bigger car and feels much more powerful.

I would try one and see what you think, I prefer the ZS, wife prefers the ZR.

stamford · 07-01-09, 07:30 AM

The ZS wouldn't need so much pimping either

Craig · 07-01-09, 08:15 AM

Stuarty, the ZS is a totally different beast as you know. You must have a test drive just to see what the difference is. As you know, I had a zr120 on avos, different to your set up with the 160. The handling on the ZS is amazing, soooo much better than the zr was.

It is a more refined drive, I can drive faster but more smoothly in the zs than I ever could in the zr. I got the zr out of shape a few times and it could be quite hairy! i have never done that in the ZS.

The main common issues for the KV6 are the plenum and the vis motors. The vis can be fixed easily, or replaced for not too much. The plenums are quite expensive though.

I recommend having a drive in a MK2 180 to see exactly how it compares.

arwilson80 · 07-01-09, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craig 180

Stuarty, the ZS is a totally different beast as you know. You must have a test drive just to see what the difference is. As you know, I had a zr120 on avos, different to your set up with the 160. The handling on the ZS is amazing, soooo much better than the zr was.

100% true.. The ZS can do all the ZR did once you get used to it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craig 180

I got the zr out of shape a few times and it could be quite hairy! i have never done that in the ZS.

I have and it's very easy to correct. Just a little blip and it falls back into line.