Based on the facelifted...
Based on the facelifted Impreza WRX STi - which we drive for the first time this week on Page 28 - the car should D-light owners with its engine tuned by Prodrive and an interior that offers greater luxury than ever before.
The most obvious changes...
The most obvious changes are at the front, where the previous car"s twin headlamps and subtle bumpers have been replaced by a more aggressive design. Headlights similar to those of the new 45 are used, and the ZR also gets MG"s trademark new grille. Separate cut-outs incorporating the indicators and foglamps have been added to the front bumper, while thicker side strips and new alloys add to the sporty appeal.
At the rear, the car has a restyled tailgate and prominent MG octagon and ZR badging. The number plate is repositioned into the bumper, and all versions will come with a stainless steel heat shield around the exhaust.
Inside, the ZR features a new dashboard, with four prominent circular air vents and a chrome centre console. The major switches are relocated, with the heater controls and stereo moved up the dash. The car also gets a remote tailgate release for the first time.
But MG is keen to stress that the changes are more than just visual. "Our engineers have been working on the ZR"s driver appeal," said a spokesman. The clutch has been moved to increase footwell space, while the braking system and steering have been uprated to be more responsive. ABS and EBD are now standard-fit, as is a new remote central locking system that changes its code every time the doors are unlocked.
Engine choices will be the same as in the current model, kicking off with the 1.4-litre, 103bhp powerplant in the ZR 105 and rising to the 158bhp 1.8 in the ZR 160. Two 2.0-litre diesels will also be on offer, delivering either 99 or 113bhp.
The new ZR will be available to order from 26 May, with the first deliveries expected in July. Prices range from í‚á£10,395 for the ZR 105 three-door to í‚á£15,645 for the ZR 160.