MG ZS 2005 review

But after spending a week behind the wheel I have to admit to becoming a big fan of the medium-sized MG, which gets the 2.5-litre V6 from the larger model but in a car that weighs 245kg less.

The 180 part of the name denotes the engine output in brake horsepower and the result is some spirited performance from what is a real head turner.

• 2.5-litre V6 devlops 133kW of power at 6500rpm and 240Nm of torque at 4000rpm. It's not the most powerful V6 we have tested but it does provide an excellent combination of power and economy.
• Transmission is five-speed manual only at this stage. #comThat's a shame because the more compact dimensions of the car will appeal to older buyers looking for something a little different, but not prepared to put up with changing gears.
• Don't get me wrong. The manual is just fine by me, although I hope the action loosens up a little over time. The Gertrag box has a decent set of ratios with a nice long first gear that doesn't run out of puff.
• The dash from 0-100km/h takes a brisk 7.4 seconds. Performance is generally sharp, but is dulled by a full load of passengers. Exhaust has a nice throaty note.
• Steering is quick, with nice turn-in and the car sits low and flat in corners. The ride is firm, but not uncomfortable. However it does become easily unsettled on rougher roads, with some jarring from the suspension.
• Fit and finish of the car is not quite up there with the Japanese, but at the same time it's not bad. A quick squiz inside the boot shows some inattention to detail, particularly the generic gray cloth lining with its unfinished edges.
• A full aero kit is standard, with some sexy looking side air vents on the front quarter panels. A full size rear spoiler is optional instead of the neat lip job on the boot lid, but that's best left for the kids.
• Car comes fully equipped. There's only a couple of options including full leather trim, but we reckon the cloth with leather bolsters is just Jim dandy.
• Standard equipment includes aircon, sport seats, leather trimmed wheel, power windows and mirrors and a CD sound system.
• Fuel economy from the 55-litre tank was excellent and it is happy to take ordinary unleaded. Official figure is 9.5L/100km and this is pretty close to the mark in the 900km that we chalked up, despite punting it hard.