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MG ZR ZS ZT Technical - MG ZTT+ 180 Sports Auto

I am looking at getting one of these (and do not need comments like "real sports cars do not have auto - MG have made more saloon cars than "sports cars" on a factor of almost 3:1) and would appreciate any real experiences of the Sports Auto combo as featured in the ZTT 180.

Look forward to hearing your comments please.

Paul
Paul Barrow

We have the 75 estate 2.5 auto and this is exactly the same engine and gearbox in the ZTT auto. It is very smooth with almost seamless gear changes and, in the sports setting, it moves along very nicely and makes rapid progress. The engine picks up well and delivers solid power through to 6k+ revs. The road holding is excellent and I will take corners with nearly the same enthusiasm as in the F. The car feels hugely solid and inspires confidence. Just excellent for long journeys. The climate control is also brilliant.

The bad news is that driving it with gusto delivers a penalty at the pumps. Bomb down the motorway on cruise control at 85 and you get 30+ MPG. Mixed driving on open roads and it drops to around 25. Use all the power all the time and you are looking at the teens. Also think their is no getting way from the fact that an auto is a less involving drive. After a year of driving it, it still find that if I am braking to take a roundabout with some vigour, the old right hand instinctively grabs to gear lever in an attempt to change down!

So a fantastic car that is great at moving loads of people and product that we love to bits but no where near the fun of an F with the roof down through twisty roads.

Cheers

Patrick

PS I think your statistics are suspect and your argument is illogical! While a lot of BMC cars with MG badges might be quite high the number of automatic MGs must be very small (less than 1%?).
Patrick Beet

er correction, I usually attempt to change gear with my left hand, even in automatics! Can't even blame booze!
Patrick Beet

Patrick

Thanks that is just the sort of reply that I needed. I am very encouraged by your report. The mpg does not unduly alarm me as (besides an MG YA, ZA, B and BGT - oh and my wifes Rover 216 SLi) my every day car is a Rover Sterling 2.7 auto so I am well used to those returns.

I also know well the habit of the left hand droping to the tunnel when slowing!! So long as the fundaments of the car technology are sound (ie it is not a dismal failure) it points in the right direction for me as it is for long journey's I am really looking and the commuting hack where "bored" driving is the norm.

On the Stats btw, MG did 36,600 + magnette ZA/Bs alone, plus all the saloons before, plus the triple M range (Maestro/Montego/Metro), it has only ever been the MG B really that has been produced in volume). Cant recall where I saw the stats but I'll dig around - they are interesting reading. Now autos, the only previous one that I can recall was the MG B/C (they did not even try it in the Farina!!).

Any more comments from 180+ drivers out there please?

The range of options blows my mind after having so much as standard on the Sterling though!

Paul
Paul Barrow

Paul, point of order - you have forgotten the semi-automatic clutchless option offered on the ZA/ZB. And it's worth mentioning the pre-select boxes in the pre-war Ks and Ns....
David

Paul, what about the 100,000 MGAs is that not volume? I think that the 100,000 MG was also an MGA.
dan

Dan you're right - there was a 100,000th MGA built in March 1962 but back on May 15th 1956 the 100,000th MG was an MGA...
Ann MG Writer

Paul,

I comparison to the Rover 800, you will find the ZT feels far more solid, the steering has feedback (and no dead bit around straight ahead). You will also find it eerily quite, particularly at speed!

This quieter and much more refined ride however might make you feel it is not so fast but it is!

A vastly better driving experience than an 800.

Cheers

Patrick
Patrick Beet

So it is amazing what the BMW influence can do then!

Ted
Ted Newman

This thread was discussed between 27/11/2002 and 29/11/2002

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