When BMWdivested itself of the Rover Group in 2000 the new Rover-MG Group set about producing hot versions of its Rover 25, 45 and 75 models for sale with MG badges.

The MG ZR which was based on the Rover 25 was the cheapest and most popular of the new MG’s launched in 2001.

With a range of motors with outputs from 102 to 159 hp with two diesel options to cater for a variety of performance demands.

Andrew Till’s base 105 model seen here at the Dick Mayo Sprint earlier this year is capable of reaching 60 mph from rest in 9.7 seconds with a top speed of 111 mph.

Suspension improvements and braking improvements were tailored to engine performance improving handling and grip while maintaining comfort.

Unusually an MG Express van version of the MG ZR was also offered, only 317 of these were built making them very collectable.

In all 74,136 ZRs were built between 2001 and 2005, excluding the 317 Express Vans, when Rover went bankrupt. Subsequently a MG ZR / Rover 25 Streetwise inspired MG3 SW was built by SAIC in thier Pukou, Nanjing facility appeared for the Chinese market only in 2008 which is still in production.

Thanks for joining me on this “Hot Rover #1″ edition of Gettin’ a li’l psycho on tyres” I hope you will join me again tomorrow for a thanks giving day edition tomorrow. Don’t forget to come back now !