Real Road Test: MG ZT 190 V6 - far more than a sporty Rover!

[@gryfandjane]

As an MG enthusiast and owner here in the US, I followed this chapter of the marque’s history with considerable interest, even though I knew I’d never drive... or even see... an F, TF, ZR, ZS, ZT, etc. So thanks for this look at the car, it’s appreciated!

[@Graham_Langley]

Bad Obsession have an MG X-Power SVR body and bits ready for when they've finished Binky and the Escargot

[@howard81]

It’s not long before they reach 25 years old and you can legally import one!

[@macmanipowermacbookprair4110]

@@howard81 Parts availability would be a nightmare though. It might actually be worth going for the v8, because at least the engine parts wouldn't be hard to find in the US since it's just the engine from a Mustang. Not sure how much MG Rover's changed compared to the Mustang.

[@howard81]

@@macmanipowermacbookprair4110 Parts availability isn’t a problem in the UK, and the suppliers are more than happy to send overseas… just the shipping that would be expensive. But no different for any British car in the US. There are a surprisingly large number of Rover 75s outside Europe that pop up in the owners groups so it’s doable 😁. There are a few V8 cars in the US already!

[@gryfandjane]

@@Graham_Langley In that case, we’ll never see it. ;-)

[@AndreiTupolev]

This is the thing about HubNut: one day it's a base model 1.3 Maestro, the next it's a 190 hp MG 😎

[@Djwatzy]

Pre facelift cars will forever be one of my favourite looking cars ever made

[@williamplimmer]

Was thinking of fitting some pre-facelift bumpers to this one...

[@danieleregoli812]

It must be said that these were lovely cars. I truly miss Rover MG cars. I am old sentimental sod I know...

[@donaldellis3609]

Me to had 216 vanden plas efi, 213,214, and two 45s loved em😀

[@mgjohn8534]

Were you say, mine still are.. ;-)) Here in the UK these MG Zeds are appreciated right across the ages. My two thirty something sons and their circle of friends love 'em too. One youngster even has the Mustang engine MG ZT 260. It's a myth that Rovers and MGs are only appreciated by us old'ns.

[@toppledgod]

My stepdad had a 75 kv6 2.5 club with cream interior, it was a thing of beauty.

[@gsjc5]

Brilliant cars, I've a ZT 190+ as a toy, and a re-mapped diesel tourer as a daily. Both wonderful.

[@ZedTee190]

I had a ZT190 for 13 years (hence my user name!). If the engine feels weak at low revs, then check the Vis Motors, they're a pita weak point. Cam belts can be changed much cheaper, there's 2 guys that specialise in MGR products, they're located in Warwickshire; they have all the tools and T4 testbook. I can't recommend them highly enough! Lates600 is their name.

[@JamesG75]

That transmission tunnel came in handy eventually!

[@nudgenudgewinkwink3212]

These are a future classic for me.

[@SuperMisterInvisible]

To modern? Several are 20+ years old. Even modern gets old.

[@SuperMisterInvisible]

I disagree. The car is the end of an era. That in itself will turn it into a classic.

[@nudgenudgewinkwink3212]

@@SuperMisterInvisible Cars aren't going anywhere all that will change is its propulsion method.

[@SuperMisterInvisible]

If it is BMW, why do the majority of BMW parts not fit my ZT?

[@mgjohn8534]

@@SuperMisterInvisible Parked my MG ZT-T next to a BMW recently. Got talking. The owner admired the MG and at his request, I lifted the bonnet and opened the doors to show him. Lost count of the times he pointed to items and said ... that's the same as on my BMW,. These included the rear screen wash-wipe assembly and the plastic pull handle for the load space cover. Numerous items under the bonnet even have BMW logos on them. I was aware of that of course as I like to fettle my cars. The Electric Motors on the Screen Washer Reservoirs are a BMW part. Mine were split allowing leaks of screen wash. No doubt in previous ownership, plain water was used and when that froze.. cracked the body of the Electric Washer Pump. They had the BMW part number on them so new replacements easily obtained. A few other BMW components gave trouble and were easily replaced. I have fitted the higher spec ZT190 Discs and Calipers to both my daily driver ZT-T 1.8Ts. The ZT 190 Calipers are the same 57/35s as fitted to some of the 330 BMWs. They are a worthwhile brake upgrade on the lower spec MG ZTs as they provide the braking feel and performance I prefer. The TV Screen and built in SatNav are also BMW from about twenty years ago. Still work but, out of date road information now of course.

[@dazt103]

"Rita's Hotter Sister" lol brilliant. What a wonderful roar. 👍

[@h3lsing0]

Sue?

[@antonycharnock2993]

@@h3lsing0 Just as long as Bobs not involved.

[@pdtech4524]

I have a real soft spot for these, having owned the MG ZT 1.8 Turbo (160bhp) version, the later face lifted version, no HG issues as by then the 1.8 engine had been updated for that particular weakness. Handled superbly, lovely comfortable interior, no wood!! Much more sporty looking, firmer but comfortable suspension, nice size family car, with good boot size. The engine pulled beautifully and was very economical, insurance and road tax very reasonable. Clutch was extremely heavy!! Felt like a bit of a workout in slow moving traffic through town etc but on the move on a run no issue really! I always fancied the 2.5 v6 sounds lovely!! 😎👍

[@grayfool]

You are spoiling us this week Ian. Not that I'm complaining, of course. Now, has anyone out there got a V8 version that Ian could borrow please?

[@Simon-ui6db]

or the v8 400 supercharged version.

[@grayfool]

@@Simon-ui6db Now you're talking.

[@coldhell3580]

I had a 75 with this V6 2.5 engine. Always surprised me how nice the engine sounded!

[@TheMentalblockrock]

This car and review proves, yet again, that had the contemporary (1970's/80/s) UK press given Rovers/ Austin Rover / BL genuine reviews of what were good cars that we would still have a successfull British Rover car industry! Thanks Clarkson et al....

[@35dononeill]

I think Clarkson reviewed this car and he liked it.

[@tonys1636]

Don't blame the press reviews too much, blame the bosses for treating their companies as cash cows to line their own and shareholders bank accounts and not leaving enough cash in the companies for development. They just didn't care about history or prestige just how much can we milk from them and how little tax we can get away with paying.

[@brianlaunchbury4491]

@@tonys1636 Don't blame the bosses either. There were three root causes, politics (right wing versus left wing), financial (the pound was too high for years, "you've never had it so good") and US company funded FUD in press and TV (here's major money for adverts just smear over our poor reliability and mention the British company. negatively)

[@mgjohn8534]

HooRay ... to that John. Herr Clarkson and all the UK media's Clarkson wannabees have a lot to answer for. They played their harmful Brainwashing part and continue to do so.

[@andrewduffield2322]

I had a ZS 180 once which handled like a dream. Such an underrated car. I miss it so much

[@skylined5534]

I'd love one, nice ones getting thin on the ground now, sadly.

[@troo_story]

I've got one, 03 V6 with 30k miles. It's freakin' awesome.

[@S-Ltd1000]

This brings back memories. I had a bog standard diesel 115hp version about 9 years ago. I later found out it had been super chipped to about 160hp which gave it a fair turn of speed and low down grunt. Surprisingly agile for such a big car and it handled brilliantly, I loved it.

[@philabrahams383]

I really miss my old Rover SDI V8 now 😢

[@beaufighter245]

Me too. I owned an early P reg v8 in yellow (Tumeric). Nice car.

[@arthurhood8030]

I also miss my SD1 V8 , a Vitesse EFi in moonraker blue, My current MGZT-T 190 though good is not a patch on it.

[@toomuchtimeist]

Thank you for posting this Ian! Favourite video yet. As a 190 owner I'm so happy someone who can appreciate these cars has finally driven one!

[@williamplimmer]

Yeah they are great cars! (Also a 190 owner as this is my car) 😁

[@Imacomingtoo]

I had the belts ,water pump,thermostat,and auxiliary belt on my 75 kv6 done by an MG /Rover specialist last August for £660 money well spent

[@williamplimmer]

I may have been duped on that £1200 for my best change and water pump 😬

[@Imacomingtoo]

@@williamplimmer without a doubt you were well over charged, but what worries me most is if peaple hear that it costs £1200 instead of a only half that then less of these cars will be saved

[@williamplimmer]

@@Imacomingtoo was thinking that too but it’s also got to be good how this video might enlighten more people as to how good they are

[@williamplimmer]

@@Imacomingtoo also thinking back I had it done in 2019 and The first 2 garages didn’t even want to attempt it as they deemed it too difficult (and to them the car was just a £500 junker) so at that point I just wanted to find anyone who would do it

[@Imacomingtoo]

@@williamplimmer agreed also I should of said well done you for having it done even at that price 😊

[@markflack9191]

I used to have a ZT-T the estate version with the 5 speed auto, I loved that car and wish I still had it, it was when the servicing costs were more than the cars value that I got rid of it. drove like a dream and the auto hid the lack of low down grunt.

[@User58747]

Nothing quite like having one's kidneys hugged.

[@TheMentalblockrock]

preferable to having your bladder hugged.

[@theothertonydutch]

I recall that fifth gear did an item on these as future classics back in 2005. I kinda see it. I always liked these MG's when I was younger, they weren't super rare but you knew they were some kind of special.

[@themaster3139]

I have a MG ZS 180 one of the three in New Zealand is a great car definitely gets attention as people don't know what on earth it is

[@cliffm6566]

There is a beautiful ZTT I saw at the Ellerslie show in Auckland in 2019😍

[@taks8439]

Always had a hankering for the V8 version MG ZT 260

[@Roverturbo]

I had one, it’s not as great as it sounds.

[@deanstevenson6527]

Love it when England gets Reviera style weather.

[@bmwman1981]

@@Roverturbo it must of been better then a front wheel drive 75/zt

[@Roverturbo]

@@bmwman1981 well yes.. always been a dream of owning one. V quickly got the hump of the poor build q, leaky boot and the only thing good about it was the engine, which very quickly become tiresome as you had to drive it hard to hear the engine, along with the fuel consumption and the cost price.

[@clivesettle8272]

A great review of a car I so nearly bought a few years ago, albeit the V6 160. Loved the noise and general solidity of the thing, but ended up buying another "sleeper", a Seat Toledo V5. For months I thought it was the wrong decision, until I met a ZT V6 owner who'd converted to LPG because the car was doing only 24mpg. I'd still have one now, though, provided someone had done all the major stuff!

[@tinniswood2577]

These look better and better in todays world of SUV warehouses.

[@paultaylor9652]

Some really interesting cars of late Mr HubNut, Meastro for me, just loved its basic driving and not having to go fast to have some sort of fun.

[@shaunharte3922]

Ian you described that car with perfect words 🤣🤣 spicy meatball and Wooster sauce with baked beans 😂😂

[@bri77uk1]

I was lucky enough to drive a brand new ZS 180 (45) round Millbrook, back in the day. I remember it was such a sweet handling car, and the KV6 enabled you to exploit that. Such a shame they couldn't/didn't make MGR work.

[@rsoppy735]

Had a ZT 190 with lots of factory extras , even a TV . Best car i have ever owned. Motorway mile muncher.

[@cme2cau]

Nothin wrong with the “life begins at 4000 rpm” club.

[@simonhodgetts6530]

A friend of mine had a pre-facelift ZT V6. A lovely, lovely car with a fantastic interior and a very nice engine note. Always had a hankering for a ZT-T - but I bought an Alfa 156 Sportwagon instead. A fine motor car - must be a bona fide classic car now?

[@beaufighter245]

Good looking cars. I have a ZT180 pre facelift in xpower grey. Been sorn for 3 years now as cannot see it go. May put it on the road for summer months this year as used to enjoy driving it.

[@robertfeakins5306]

I’ve got a ZT 190 only 34000 on the clock cracking car brilliant handling great noise good one’s getting hard to come buy now values beginning to creep up absolutely love 💕 mine 👍👍😁 very addictive to drive only downside can be fuel consumption

[@williamplimmer]

Yeah they drive great, even mine at 121000 miles feels almost like a new car, although it does need some cosmetic tidying up! (May try and sort that front bumper panel gap soon)

[@micheltebraake7915]

I thought the ZT was the V8, but that's a special case. Wonderful to see Ian doing the road test again.

[@Shane_Marsh]

Cool vid Ian. My ZT 260 V8 was absolute shite. 2003 car number 25, leaked like a sieve and cut out everytime it rained. Leaked through sunroof, sunroof drains front and rear, front door seals, rear light seals, front and rear screen seals, plenum, heater, bulkhead. Even the holes the side strips clip into let water into the boot. Wider tunnel left no room for clutch foot and apart from V8 noise I wish I hadn't bothered. It's a shame because I think it's a magnificent looking car.

[@Kai-Peter.Schellhase]

That's mighty!💪 A very interesting car, never seen one in the flesh. Great review, Ian!

[@Sailfire1]

Worcestershire sauce on your beans on toast. Thanks - I’m going to try that!

[@johny5641]

The lack of torque will be the vis motors on the inlet manifold needing to be changed. They make a massive difference when working correctly. I have a V8 facelift saloon with the dreadnought supercharger conversion which makes it around 415bhp. That is an awesome car to drive! 🚗

[@darrellbrain829]

Has anyone else realised they never used the word nonetheless before becoming a hubnut fan ??😎

[@cornishrider]

I remember driving one of these at the NEC Motorshow on the Demo track (2004?) great car and the guy from Rover was really passionate about it, pity they went pop not long after, always wondered what happened to him.

[@andrewg8791]

The variable-length butterflies in the inlet could be the rattle you thought were tappets. The plastic bits fail and the butterflies don't to do their job, usually killing torque. Some Dicoveries had the same engine and a common fix is to glue them in position, usually sacrificing some top-end revs for lower torque.

[@calumbaxter9946]

I had a trophy blue ZT190 saloon as a company car for 3 years and absolutely loved it. Utterly reliable, well built, very rapid and fantastic handling. It will always stand out as one of the best cars I ever had the privilege to drive. We drove it to Prague in 2003 and it attracted so much positive attention (apart from the Police who stopped me on some trumped up speeding offence and demanded cash).

[@chrischristou6797]

Another very under rated, great value find!

[@howard81]

I have a 2001 Rover 75 with the 2.5-litre KV6 and it is glorious. You can waft about in comfort but can really give it some beans when required which generally leaves other motorists a little surprised 😁

[@GentilsGarage]

I had one of these and loved it! The front brake calipers were the same as the BMW 330i/ci E46

[@mgjohn8534]

That's true. I parked my ZT-T next to a 3-Series owner who showed interest in my car. He had a close look at it including with the bonnet raised explaining several times. "That's the same as my BMW". I removed the Front Calipers and discs from an accident damaged high spec ZT190 and fitted them to my ZT-T160. Straight fit. They have the wording .. BMW 57/25 embossed on them. They should have been fitted to all the MG ZT sporting saloons, not just the V6 190 and V8 260. They are a very fine brake upgrade for the lower spec ZTs providing all the Braking Characteristics I prefer... like my MG ZS 120.

[@GentilsGarage]

@@mgjohn8534 absolutely!

[@SB-vb8ch]

Single belt at the front of the engine & each bank has a short belt on the rear of each head which drives the other cam. They're a pain due to general access & also as the rear belts don't have tensioners so have to be 'stretched' using a specific tool to allow fitment. As you say the early kv6 engines were almost prototype but there was a lot of re engineering done in support of R75 (R40) & Freelander (L314 ). The engines were also sold to Hyundai I believe for use in their SUV. Never the torquiest of engine & extremely thursty!

[@kiddlesk]

The 'boost' around 4,000 rpm proves that the VIS (variable intake system) motors are working.

[@ironica15031955]

I had several V6 Rover 75s in my time and loved the extra power. Always fancied the MGZT so your review is welcome. Really enjoyed it. By the way you CAN get them with an auto box.

[@kristianspencer1978]

The zt180 had the auto box.

[@AlexanderJBarrett]

Brilliant video. Always loved these. Had several of the ZS models and the V6 was a brilliant sounding engine in a really fun to drive package. Wish I'd kept that car!

[@garethhanna9173]

That they could develop a perfectly credible sporting saloon with what amounted to the change they found down the back of the sofa illustrates the sheer depth of engineering talent in this country.

[@williamplimmer]

A lot of the great handling comes directly from the fantastically rigid rover 75 chassis design

[@davesansom2944]

Another really good review Ian, love the MG 75, I did own a MG 6 which had a heavily reworked K series engine, it was a 1.8 turbo and rumour had it that it was based on the 75 floor pan.

[@JulianPhilipNicolls]

I love my ZTT, remapped diesel, nearly the same power as the V6 but a whole lot more torque.

[@scottishcarenthusiastsandtrain]

Great review, you defo need to get your hands in a V8 one.... This one makes a lovely noise and that's the best bit seeing you enjoy yourself behind the wheel.

[@frothe42]

My sentiments exactly! Could give Betty the Fairmont a run for the money 💷!

[@paulbennell3313]

I bet there's no lack of torque with the V8.

[@ferrumignis]

Preferably one of the Dreadnaught supercharger converted V8s. A friend of mine had his ZT from new and had the supercharger conversion, fantastic car and so much shove.

[@cme2cau]

@@frothe42 Yeah, nah.

[@waynetetley584]

The k always had nice sounds in all its variations. Great vid

[@roversteve8772]

Great review, always liked the MGZT but prefer the styling of the earlier model more.

[@beaufighter245]

Agreed. The facelift in my opinion spoilt the design.

[@michaelb9664]

The rattle and lack of torque could well be down to dodgy VIS motors, it’s a common problem. Other than that the ZT is a very capable car in both V6 and 1.8 Turbo form. Very much under appreciated and sadly now good ones are getting thin on the ground. It would be good to see you test a ZR and ZS.

[@FuzzWoof]

The fact you mention a bit of a ticky noise at idle and that there's not much low down power might mean the VIS valves or motors are buggered, if my slightly distant memory of the KV6 is serving me correctly. Happens to all of them!

[@ferrumignis]

Yep, extremely common issue. The motors are easy to fix, but a knackered manifold is a major problem as they were very expensive 10-15 years back and I doubt they are even available now.

[@williamplimmer]

The ticking noise comes-and-goes and is never there when the engine is warm, would that be the VIS?

[@ferrumignis]

@@williamplimmer VIS rattles tend to be RPM dependant rather than temperature.

[@dannyhtheretrogamingmaster9548]

I love the KV6 engined Rovers and MG's. Proper fire crackers.

[@srduke]

I had an MG ZT-T 120. A normally aspirated 1.8ltr inline 4. Performance was on the pedestrian side of sluggish but the exhaust note was quite lively when you took it to the higher end of its rev range.

[@martinnorth2680]

Think you'd be surprised by the 135 diesel...considerably better than the 114bhp in Rita, a remapped diesel ZT is fantastic car as well as the V6

[@frothe42]

Now, Mr. HubNut, you will have to find one with the 4.6 litre V8 to test drive. I do love the sound of the V6. Great review as always!

[@splatmanhooha4264]

All you need now is the V8 rear drive version! The Stig loved it on Top Gear

[@jpvaines]

I had the privilege of owning a ZT-T (tourer) 180 automatic in pillar box - I loved that car. You're right the 190 only existed as a manual. My automatic used to spin it's front wheels all winter on the wet roads, so it practically lived in "snow mode" on the selector for 3 months of the year! I got cold feet over repair issues and the head gasket issues after Rover went bust, and traded it in. Funnily enough about a month later one of the front wheels came off the replacement car (the sellers fault) so I demanded my Rover back as a loan car whilst it was repaired. It was very difficult for me to finally hand it back a second time.

[@hughwalker5628]

I had one for a number of years and it was a brilliant drive. Enormous fun with that great V6 sound. They did need care and attention, though.

[@markpunt9638]

Never mind the cost of the timing belt - a set of four new tires was also an expensive business.I had three of these - with a V8 version somewhere in the middle but that used far too much fuel for my expense account!

[@andythebourne]

I just saw a smaller MG hatch from this era here in Budapest, Hungary a few weeks ago. At first I thought it was some sort of Proton until I saw the badge, this MG car range is so uncommon here that I wasn't even aware of its existence. Nice to see that they made great sports sedans too!

[@scalecrawlnl]

Cool car, fun review, thank you HubNut, much joy had!

[@bid84]

Great to have you back doing Reviews! Keep up the good work

[@davidbarnsley8486]

I always wanted one of those I loved the older styling but then the sporty v6 was so nice 👍👍

[@Auto-TaT]

I used to own a 1.8 turbo Rover 75. It was brilliant! One of the best cars I have ever owned. Surprising amount of low down torque before the turbo came in and the lighter engine really helped the handling. Wish I still had it.

[@davidking9707]

The 2.5 V6 is a great engine. The 2.0 version has a short stroke. The V8 version has the 4.6 litre engine from the Crown Victoria. The cars tick a lot of boxes.

[@TheMileswin]

Had MG Rover still had the Mini brand, the outcome could have been very different. Great road test.

[@wozza2942]

From your description of the low-down grunt, or lack of it, it sounds like one or both of the VIS motors might have packed up. Quite a common problem, and it results in a very noticeable loss of torque below 3000 rpm. Cheap and easy to replace though.

[@Rjhs001]

More than a smattering of food based analogies...love it.

[@Luzzak]

The Head Gasket is not a problem on these cars as long as you check for thermostat leaks. The solution for it is to replace the plastic thermostat with the metal one. By far, the biggest problem in these engines are VIS (Variable Intake System). Not a problem if your motors died (you can replace them easily) but a HUGE problem if your inlet manifold starts to rattle. To find a brand new one is almost impossible and even if you find it, it costs some cosmic money! Last time I saw it for a 1000-1200 pounds LOL. Other than that, the clutch can be problematic and the interior (espacially door sides and handles) can fall off. Besides that is one hell of a car. Could have more power and more torque up the 3k revs but it's still pretty good. My dream is to have ZT 260 with compressor but because those are very rare cars and costs, again, cosmic money, it's unfortunately impossible. Gotta stick with my ZT 190 and my mothers 75 2.0 V6 :) Great video!

[@charlesmacgilchrist3648]

Trivia of the zt/rover 75 was that it was just 1 mark off being the first European car to score 5 stars in the ncap safety tests before the Renault laguna in 2001!

[@mihir2002]

Great review Ian. They are definitely flawed but there’s something very likeable about them- precisely why I love using my monogrammed ZTT 190SE as my daily drive

[@nick2203]

The KV6 sounds wonderful. I owned an MG ZS180 which was of course fitted with the KV6. That car had good performance, it was all too easy to be doing illegal speeds. It handled well but was still comfortable. The only problem I had was with the inlet manifold.

[@ferrumignis]

I had a ZS180 as well, had to fix the VIS motors on mine but it was a lovely car to drive, handling was excellent and it sounded lovely with the Piper exhaust I fitted. However the one thing that killed it for me was the performance to fuel economy ratio, it just wasn't quick enough for the (considerable) amount of fuel it used. I had a Fiat Coupe 20V Turbo after that which was both a LOT quicker and would return 30mpg when driven reasonably sensibly.

[@nick2203]

@@ferrumignis yes vis motors were the problem on mine. I didn’t have any issues with the fuel consumption on mine, obviously if you thrashed it it suffered but mixed driving consumption wasn’t bad.

[@ferrumignis]

@@nick2203 I used to get about 27mpg on my daily 60mile (round trip) commute driving steady. The Fiat made 250bhp and returned 30mpg doing the same trip!

[@martijnkosters9024]

‘The noise, which is pleasant’ Subtitles: [Music]

[@JamesDanielJust]

My parents had a V6 zt facelift since new and it's recently become my daily after being sat for a few years. Absolutely great car. I do prefer the ZS 180 but this it such a comfy cruiser

[@stepheng8779]

Even the colour's on trend, apparently 👍 Fantastic.

[@williamplimmer]

It’s a great colour but I may replace this car with a trophy blue ZT-T

[@buggs9950]

I nearly bought one that was due a cam belt. Took a look at the procedure and bought a V6 with a chain instead..

[@rimmersbryggeri]

Not necisarily better. Worked on a prius with about 100000 miles on the clock with the cam/crank out of sequnce which means a chain swap etc on that. Considering the car probably has done alot of miles on the batteries that doesnt really make a case for the chain. Seems to be pretty common to on most chain driven engines becasue of bad tensioner sytems and under sized chains..

[@ferrumignis]

I bought mine with no service history and did all the belts in my drive, it's a bit involved but not that bad a job.

[@chrisdowns1987]

Glad it’s got the correct shape rear number plate, looks weird without it. I heard the conversion to RWD wasn’t as difficult as you’d think as it’s based on the 3 series. I also heard the easiest way to do the timing belts was to take the engine out to improve access (although to a certain type of mechanic this is a worryingly common recommendation) I’d love to try a tourer 🤤

[@williamplimmer]

Yeah I made absolutely sure to get the correct number plate on the back as it also annoys me when people don’t 😛

[@daniellee9015]

Brilliant video Ian 👍 beautiful car love that v6 noise

[@BlueXonar]

I must admit, I did have a little look at classifieds after watching this, it would be a decent all-rounder to replace both my Celica and my GS300, but I am glad you mentioned the expense of the timing belt service! I notice that none of the adverts I look at mention it at all, I would guess, because it hasn't been done and is due or overdue!

[@johnj3577]

It can be done for around £650. I bought a 2.5v6 75 2 yrs ago and it came with a recent bill for replacing all the belts / thermostat and water pump.

[@neilwalsh4058]

Interesting video, always fancied a ZT-T estate. Streets apart from a 75, and that's credit to the engineers who made it happen on a shoe string 👍 It was said, the V8 version(which they did as a 75 as well as a ZT) wasn't as difficult as you'd assume, because BMW designed it with RWD in mind.

[@whitemoor66]

I had a 2001 2.5v6 75, top of the range auto many years back. KV6 was a fabulous engine, at least after it had been re-engineered for mass production in the 75. The one in the 800 was a different story, as a friend of mine found out to his cost!

[@RichieRouge206]

That's definitely an engine to rival the Busso. Close your eyes and pretend you are in an Alfa you could easily believe it was indeed a Busso. V6s sound fabulous- the GM 3800 is another gruff Busso-esque unit (like that Pontiac you drove) Handsome package too, really like these and infinitely more interesting than say a 3 series lol. Great test Ian

[@Teribus13]

In my mind, Alfa are still the king of V6s. The Busso not only sounds lovely, but it's stunningly beautiful to look at when the bonnet is open.

[@sydsnott5042]

Great video on the 190 ZT. I must add tho that how you compare its performance to the diesel you had was a tad silly. I have to assume the diesel you had was the 114 bhp model. I owned a ZT diesel 135 for about 5 years. After joining the Rover 75 MG ZT owners club I soon introduced the blanked EGR valve and the superb RonBox. It was reckoned that the box added about 15 bhp which I think was an understatement. My tuned ZT diesel aswell as having very good torque had a ruddy good mid range and top end. I remember the faces of 190's drivers faces when we gentlemenly raced each other how they never got away from me and in most I'd be in front. The MG ZT was a brilliant car and I miss mine. I'm in a 14 year old Lexus is250 now and love it's glorious unmolested V6 naturally aspirated engine. I've had MG metro, montego, ZR, ZS, ZT and vanden plas SD1 V8, Rover 800's 2.5 V6 sterling and 2.7V6 vitesse which was Glorious powerful wow, and the 2.0 turbo. So yes for a couple of decades I was truly a Rover Man. Am actually contemplating getting another ZT but the 2.5 V6.

[@martynwiseman5598]

Ive had 5 iterations of the rover 75, all the different engines expect the V8. Still own a ztt 1.8 turbo ex development vehicle. And ztt 2.5 V6 180+ auto. Very hard to find a replacement for either of them

[@TheEarlofK]

To be fair to the 'Phoenix Four', they took MG back into top level motorsport, especially at Le Mans, where they produced a competitive car on a minimal budget; I think they deserve some credit for that.

[@HubNut]

Yeah, I don't see their tenure as only negative for sure.

[@mgjohn8534]

@@HubNut Agreed. Our FAKE NEWS MSM always focus on the negativity. Harmful to the Nation! Towers was it...a key player in the MG-Rover project which provided good jobs and careers for thousands of Midland Folk for five years, was voted Midlander of the Year. Changing the habit of a lifetime, I have never voted for that shower of a Government since who turned their backs on the good folks of the UK Midlands in their time of need. The Company then was privately owned. Had it been in public ownership, they would have provided rescue funds. They can always promise unlimited funds for the Public Sector money pits. I am not alone in that view by a long chalk.

[@jerrysummers5971]

Wasted money on that should have put into new model s were all crooks robbed rover 🤡

[@robertmackenzie5850]

I run one as a company car in diesel form the most underrated car I have had . We did regular trips to F1 European Grand Prix s . Every time I either pulled into a garage for fuel or supermarkets in France , I had so many people bc asking why they could not buy one in France

[@Slothdeman]

Very nice video mate! Would be nice to see the rest on here now (ZR and ZS) Lovely cars with loads of character. :)

[@Banglish123]

How could you not pass comment on the Dancing Girl... 💃🤣

[@millomweb]

Simple, she wasn't wiping the windscreen.

[@michaelwright2986]

You can see the camera avert its gaze whenever she gets in shot. From which we learn that there is a difference between kitsch and Hubnut.

[@twodogsify]

Not allowed , he has one at home.

[@Banglish123]

@@michaelwright2986 I detect the tone of a WW2 sitcom 🤔🤣🤣

[@antonycharnock2993]

Rita Ora?

[@captaccordion]

Hi Hubnut. I noted the accessibility of the alternator before you mentioned it. But I'm sure there will be other jobs bordering on impossible. I didn't know of these cars - thanks and cheers.

[@damaster316]

Love a good V6 engine.. You need to try and get your hands on either a cavalier v6 manual or a Vectra B GSI Ian 👍

[@BrikMT]

I had an Omega Mv6 with the 3.0 engine, torque wasn't lacking in that. I wonder if the kv6 in this MG is poorly, I once had to replace a manifold on one due to the variable inlet tract, the effect on engine power was considerable.

[@ianfrost3529]

Great video. A mate of mine has a v8 model sounds incredible but haven’t been in it. Has for power delivery sounds like lessons from Rovers time in partnership with Honda

[@Moldov1]

The 1.8 turbo K-series is actually a great engine. Head gaskets as much a problem on any K-series but once it's sorted you don't need to worry about it. You can have a stock 160bhp 1.8t remapped to 200hp easily.

[@mgjohn8534]

Well said Moldopv1 regarding the excellent MG 1.8T ZT. . I was about to post something on those very same lines. Serial MG owner here and currently have an MG ZT-T 1.8T as my daily driver. Great cars. I have another ZT-T fitted with an MG6 Engine. That engine from the Chinese MG6 which is a straight fit in the 1.8T ZT. The Chinese Company bought the asset stripped IPRs of MG-Rover when the receivers were called in. They could not use the Rover name, Jaguar Land Rover still own that. So the Chinese use the name Roewe for their cars based on Rover MG DNA. They can of course use the MG name as they own that now. They've come some way since buying those MG-Rover IPRs. I'm seeing more and more Chinese MGs about in the UK now. My immediate next door neighbour has a new MG ZS EV parked next to his EV Charging Point. The MG parked where previously his Mercedes and Lexus were parked. Think about that. He told me its unlikely he'll ever drive petrol or diesel again. Ten years ago when I joined the MG ZT community ( bought an MG ZS new in 2003 with the K-Series 1.8 engine still in reliable daily family use ) visiting their various enthusiasts web-sites, I was somewhat surprised to read that the 1.8T engine was highly regarded. Indeed, more than a few with experience of these MG ZTs were of the opinion that it was the best engine option here in the UK.. yes, above that of the KV6 and BMW Diesel engine variants. Now with many thousands of miles using my own 1.8T MG ZTs, I fully understand their viewpoint. Love the 1.8 Turbocharged K-Series.

[@adamwilliams4377]

I have a 1.8T R75 and it a amazing car nice Drive and a pit of punch to it when turbo kicks in and re map it you get 205bhp

[@davespooney8472]

Nice of Rover to place the alternator at the top, try changing the alternator on a Busso.... or if you’re brave the starter motor 👀