Road Test
MG ZT 260
Test Date 13 January 2004
Price When New £28,495
Verdict
Use your head and the MG ZT 260 struggles to construct a credible argument. Against the likes of the BMW 330i it is too crude, unsophisticated and expensive even before we get into such thorny issues as brand kudos. Slotting an ageing engine into an ageing car seems like a desperate measure from a company unable to stay the class pace.
Luckily for MG, not all such cars are bought on advice from the head alone and, in its ability to bring something truly different to the class, it more than merits further investigation from anyone who values a proper driving experience above a flash badge or the latest looks.
And those who do look further will discover the ZT 260 has more than a
little to recommend it. The V8 may not be exactly subtle, but it is tuneful and effortless in its action; likewise it may have required a Herculean effort to install it into the ZT and drive its rear wheels, but anyone who drives it properly will discover it was worth the effort.
MG plans to make just 1000 ZT 260s per year and if it can make money at that level, it deserves to succeed, because when you drive one it reminds you of the last family car this company built with a V8 motor. It was called the Rover SD1 Vitesse and is now something of a legend. We can see no reason why, in years to come, the flawed but fun ZT 260 will not acquire the same status.
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