2004 MG ZR 105 - Why This British Hot Hatch Deserves a Second Chance

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In today's video, I drive an example of the entry level MG ZR - a 105hp 1.4L variant from 2004. Made just before the model was facelifted, the ZR is a car that it took me a long time to love - but now I do. So much so, I bought one. Here's why.

#Hothatch #Car #MGZR

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[RafeAbrook]

So the car featured here is mine, and having read through the comments, it's clear that the freedom of the internet isn't for everyone. James mentioned at length the flaws of the car, and it very much is what it is, and isn't many things. As part of a 4 car fleet, for me it's the best tool for short journeys on minor roads. It's also prettier than just about any new car, and most hot hatches of it's era. It's just had a service, new caliper and is going in soon for a new steering rack, and the gear linkage sorting. You hardly ever see one these days, and I plan to keep this piece of UK motoring history very much alive.

[digiscream]

My first car was a ZR 120. Fantastic car, even though it tried to kill me on a regular basis - pulling out from junctions, it would randomly lose 90% of its power so I'd just trundle out into traffic. As a new driver, I eventually figured out that the only solution was to drop the clutch, rev the balls off it and then bring the clutch back up with a bang (literally - there was usually an explosion of some sort from the middle of the exhaust).

Still...loved that car. Gave it to a kid who races them, it ended its life in the only way MGs should - sideways off a track, going far faster than it had any right to. Great car.

[murray]

K series are amazing engines that love getting revved after the inevitable head gasket replacement, just got to home it never comes lol.

Dave and Kayleigh from MG Rover mobile mechanics are great, replaced the cylinder head, head gasket, cyliner linders, shims, oil rail and timing belt / water pump for my TF for £1250 including driving all the way from Derby to Scotland to do the job on my own driveway!!

[eze]

Rover/MG cars have the ability to surprise or horrify in equal measure. You need to 'get' them to enjoy them. Thanks for review Jay! 🙏🙏

[burnzy]

I had one as my first car, it was so fun and analogue like a go kart. Owned mine for 14 years and it gave me less trouble than all of my friends cars, so the poor reliability chatter really doesn't add up.

[doddsy]

back in 2006 I had one of these for my second car. It was a 105+, trophy yellow . I kicked its teeth in for around 40K miles until i got rid of it, and it never missed a beat, despite the weak head gaskets the K series is a pretty tough unit if kept well serviced. Absolutely loved mine and 14 years after selling it, I still yearn to have another and relive my youth.

[malinois]

Hello I had a ZR 160 Yellow Trophy...
Not change head gasket yet ...Since 2001 !

it's a wonderful car that provides great sensations.. and the cut is superb.
Long life to british cars !
Yvan from France

[colin]

This one brought back so many memories. I learned to drive in a MG ZR as it was what my driving instructor had. I seem to remember pulling the gear knob off once during a lesson 😂 It wasn’t the best built car but being the first I drove (at least on the public road) it has left an indelible mark in my motoring memory.

[swagen]

Currently learning to drive in one of these

[swaby]

Great video about the amazing ZR. I still have my face-lift ZR160 and face-lift ZS110 for about 15 years now and love driving them so will be with me for a very long time to come. Long live X Power.

[ProjectNigel]

Thanks for another plug, James - great video! 🙂

[Rosscogalli]

Adored my little ZR 105, the best £850 I ever spent-great fun and was actually surprisingly reliable. I still miss it a lot!

[noddylad]

My first car was a Trophy Blue ZR 105. I loved it so much and even now it's the best car I have ever driven.

[robbell]

Just finishing a ZR105 for the kids to learn to drive in. These cars are brilliant: I drove these in period for an MG mag (MG World), and to be honest, I preferred the 105 to the 160 (perhaps a question of expectations?) - but you can nearly tell the insurance friendly version apart from the hot one 😊
Completely agree with your comments regarding how they drive James - they’re great, and probably why they’re such a popular circuit racer and rally car…

[Thanos.m]

I had summer job as a teen at a Rover garage and not being a fun of hatchbacks I was a bit snobbish of the 200/25 until one day my boss gave a ride in a 214SLI I remember asking him if it was a 1.6 and he told me no just a 1.4 i was surprised how well it pulled and few days later a 218Vi came in for a service which I got to drive it was absolutely amazing to drive I instantly got much respect for the humble 200

[jamiehayn]

the facelift looks so much better though

[richardw]

My 2nd car was an Xpower Grey ZR 120 that I absolutely loved. The previous owner had paid thousands, with receipts, for a full engine rebuild by a specialist (not just a head replacement), janspeed manifold and sports cat, ITG Maxogen induction kit bucket seats etc. It was great fun to drive and I never had a single problem mechanically. I only got rid of it when some idiot ploughed into the back of me at a red light and wrote it off.

Other than the things you've already mentioned, a key point to check if you are having any electrical issues is where the loom travels between the roof and the rear boot lid. The cables here seem to completely break apart and can short out disabling things such as the rear wiper or washer and generally cause battery drain.

A good little brake upgrade for them is to find a set of calipers from a Rover 620Ti with standard 160/180 front discs. The 620 calipers have a slightly larger pad surface area.

Enjoy!

[andrewsimmons]

I remember a lad with a 1.8 who used to belt it all the time back in 2012. He used to race anyone and everything. Insanely loud with a bloody cherry bomb.

[calumwilson]

My favourite car ever, so much so I had 3 of them, a 105, 120 and the 160! Agree that the 120 was the punchiest of the lot and definitely felt like the fastest all rounder. Now a proud owner of a ZS 180 which you reviewed!

[zsphil]

As always Jay, excellent video.
You clearly get these cars and you are doing a great job of conveying their strengths to the masses. They are never going to be everybody's cup of tea but for those previously unaware and who can see past the badge and "headgasket will go mate" reputation, if they do give one an open minded chance, they are in for a treat. Particularly a well sorted ZS 180. In a world full of 2 ton battery powered SUVs and financed, grey, numbness machines, cars like this are such a breath of fresh air to drive. Yes, questionable build quality and common quirks but all easily sorted and actually bloody brilliant fun for pocket change still!