Just seen the pictures of the front and rear of the ZS, looks alot more sporty and aggressive.
The rear especially, very similar to an evo or impreza.
Still havent seen the dash, as honda have stopped producing them, rumours the dash will be manufactured by tata within time.
i just cant see it seeling next year.
I am sure it will sell well around the summer and upto next march but I'm expecting forecourts filled with ZS and 45's by next easter.
just wondering everyones opinion of the 'new' car?
Rover enthusiasts or not, we can all agree its a step forward.
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im shocked, normally the main topic of conversation on this board is MG-Rover and how we can all run it better!
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It's just another facelift on a car that was introduced in 1995, that's the problem. Whilst other manufacturers are introducing completely new models Rover aren't.
I personally think the 45 saloon looks OK (esp in Connoisseur trim) but from what I've read it's driving characteristics (and interior design) just isn't up to the modern standards set by virtually all of the competition ie Focus, 307, Astra, Golf etc
I'm actually thinking of replacing my partner's Volvo 440 auto with one when they're cheap enough
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Well hopefully the new interior will be a lot better and will address one of the worst critisms of the car ie the dated looking dashboard and switchgear.
The front on both models looks much better in my view although not convinced about the new rear.
Its certainly going to have some tough competition although personally dont much much like the new 5 door Astra.
MGR cartainly cannot afford any more slippage on the 45 replacement due at the end of 2005.
As I understand it the Astra couldn't exactly be regarded as completely new either, isnt it just the existing model with a new body?.
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No-one seen the dash as it is still embargoed by MG Rover but the exterior looks an improvement. It's easily MG Rover's weakest car and I admit, I've never been a fan of it. Sales are so weak that anything on the previous would be an improvement. The chassis dynamics of the previous ZS' were very highly rated though.
The car is being launched at the Birmingham Motor Show which is next week I think.
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Yes - it's a step forward, styling is more pleasing than it's predecessor.
However, everyone else is taking quantum leaps; GM and Ford have
imminent new models in this sector - another facelift on an
already old model won't cut it unfortunately.
Rover need to concentrate on producing a new model which will
get them noticed, Xantia did it for Citroen and the Fabia for Skoda.
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It's quite a clever facelift. The only problem is that the fact that they've bothered to facelift what is an old and not very succesful product means the replacement is not exactly imminent.
The crunch for MGR will come next year. Either the 45/ZS replacement gets launched (and is a successful launch) or I think it really will be curtains this time.
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It better sell a lot better or at current sales trends Hyundai/Kia will sell more cars than Rover next year. Kia has two new models coming so it might even be sooner.
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the new 45 dash for those who haven't seen it. Not very inspiring, dials look the same with those self tappers!
www.austin-rover.co.uk/hhrzsgalleryf.htm
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hmmm...after careful study of the 'new dash" picture you have to ask when is a new dash not a new dash?
the passenger airbag flap is the same as previous model
the centre console handbrake area, gear lever is the same as is the glove box.
the upper section outside profile to centre console is the same
the impossible to read at night dials, indicator and wiper stalks, steering wheel all look to be the same as previous model. As do the door trims and centre console clock.
the only main diffrence seems to be the audi TT lookalike air vents the main dash top profile and what looks like the heater/climate controls.
still i wouldn't say it's the weakest rover product that is IMO the awful 25.
at least the 45 drives ok.
i wish it all the best nothing wrong with an old design after all my favourite car of all time is the ford cortina, if only they still made them...
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The dash is far superior to the previous one.
Its quite a remarkable development for this car, and the pictures of the ZS especially in green from the side profile reminds me of the current ford mondeo.
Im still shocked by them pulling out such an impressive dash compared to the previous one, which looked dated.
just wonder if the 45 dash will contain the traditional british wood inserts?
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the 45 does.
must say, the ZS face lift is far more impressive than the 45.
The zs looks modern, sporty european car.
The new 45 however reminds me of the newish proton impian - which is probably what will replace it!
it lookms better, certainly head lights and interior, but this car cant be disguised.
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That bootlid rework is naff. They missed an opportunity to spill the rear light cluster over into the bootlid rear panel to freshen up the rear. As it stands it looks like someone has got busy with the filler after a trip to Halfords. The interior is a minor improvement, but very low rent. Looks more suited to a £5,500 supermini than a small family saloon.
And who are they kidding with the vents above and to the rear of the front wheels?
Nasty.
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Oh, and thanks to Imagos for posting that link. By far the most comprehensive selsction of pictures I've seen for the facelift. Greatly appreciated.
No Dosh
mailto:Alan_moderator@honestjohn.co.uk
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Oh, and thanks to Imagos for posting that link. By far the most comprehensive selsction of pictures I've seen for the facelift. Greatly appreciated.
no problem, you know that's a superb website for anyone interested in rover products past present or future. the pics were posted on there about half hour beforehand so hot off the presses from rover publicity.
Quite literally hours of reading material. one of my fav sites.
www.austin-rover.co.uk
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The dash is far superior to the previous one.
.Im still shocked by them pulling out such an impressive dash compared to the previous one, which looked dated.
c'mon mate it's virtually the same thing!!
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Oh dear, here we go again! Once more, I find myself championing a model that most othe people don't rate very highly. SWMBO acquired a W plate( 2000?) 45 saloon (1.6 Clubman) a couple of months ago and I love it. The charm of it, to me, is that its unmistakably English, a bit retro with a traditional style radiator grille and the "dated" interior, even down to the mock walnut facia and door cappings does it for me. Have just checked out the pics of the "new" one and sorry, I think the revised frontal treatment is hideous.
But then I still rate my S plate Vectra Estate, still going strong at 65k, which in the eyes of the pundits makes me a very sad individual indeed!
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OK it's not ground breaking but it is a clever tidy up of what was a very dated dash. It will do until the new model arrives end of 2005.
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