Faults:

I think I have had a problem car, but I still think it's a beast, shame its not the car I hoped it would be.

VIS motor failed on this engine. It opens the valves wider under higher revs, like VVTI on toyota engines.

Coolant vanished! there is a little bleed valve that may not have been opened when services so can't be sure.

Back 3 spark plugs are tucked behind a bulkhead and may not be replaced during services as hard to get to.

Unlike other MGRover examples the Rover KV6 engine has strong head gaskets so no worries there.

Tiny squeek from the back right hand seat! no idea what that's about, but its not a problem, just a niggle.

Battery upped and died had to get next door to jump it with there little corsa, needless to say they ripped me for days about the whole `David and Goliath` thing!

Slow puncture on the 18" wheels so kept topping it up.

Radio pick up not too hot.

Boot opens when it wants too!

All of these thing that have gone wrong, at then end of the day the car makes up for its failings.

General Comments:

Raw, Rude and you feel surrounded by quality.

I have told you all the stuff that went wrong, now let me tell you the good stuff.

I think I had a unloved one, nothing else. Had it been a 54 or a 05 reg the last ones I think it would have been different.

It handles like it should, goes like a rocket and stops like no ones business, My Vis motor doesn`t open so I never got that monster kick at 3000 rpm, but even without it the beast still motors up to what ever speed you need.

Corner and roundabouts are mad! even with the big old boot to swing you round!

Seats are firm with little or no wear.

Suspension is hard its true, but it works so well.

I love the whole MG ZT thing and I can say I was happy to own one, I have sold it now in favor or a ST 170 as I don`t trust the car not to fail and cost the earth, but for the month I have had it I have smiled every time I have driven it.

Faults:

Changed the clutch under warranty straight away due to a squeaky release bearing. Fixed in less than 24 hours. Otherwise flawless.

General Comments:

This car is so much better than any other I've had, for performance, handling and build quality.

I thought my Alfa Romeo 156 was good, but this thing blows it into the weeds!

I will certainly be getting another, probably the V8, which would address the only criticism I have, which is that the engine is a bit weak at low revs.

Faults:

Remote radio didn't work, it has an IR transmitter that hangs out the dash, just waiting to be knocked off.

Rear door is hard to shut, the dealer didn't even try to fix it.

Vibration from gear lever, the dealer didn't try it either, mind you I could do without the screwdriver marks.

Engine taps at over 3500 RPM.

General Comments:

Interior quality is superb, excellent sporty seats, great driving position. Fat 225 tyres look cool. The suspension is superb. The rear opening window is a great touch.

Boot is very shallow.

A diesel auto does not make an MG though, 0-60 in 11 seconds and it struggles past 110. It needs a lot more power and I only get 28 - 30 MPG as it is, as it needs your foot to the floor to get it moving.

The auto box is old style, no manual changes like most autos nowadays.

Despite being a plus model, it is quite basic; no driver's vanity mirror and the passenger's is unlit. Roof bars an extra, cheap Kenwood stereo, no headlamp wash or heated seats, rear vents only give cold air, no sunroof, they saved money on the extras.

It's a lovely solid car though, and I chose it over a 3 series, Saab, Merc C, and I am not disappointed. A great British car, buy the excellent petrol turbo though, and not the diesel.