The Finn had struggled...
The Finn had struggled to match the pace of team-mate Felipe Massa during pre-season testing, prompting sceptics to wonder if he was the right man for the job. But he took advantage when mechanical problems hit the Brazilian in qualifying, and claimed pole position, then led the Australian Grand Prix from start to finish.
These are the first...
These are the first official pictures of the facelifted version, which will make its public debut at next month"s British Motor Show and breathe new life into MG"s Subaru Impreza pretender. What"s more, not only have we got a picture of the revised front end, we also have a world exclusive peek at the rear.
Regular Auto Express readers will be familiar with the new design, because we spied how the revised ZS would look back in issue 787. And although the fresh headlamp arrangement has already been showcased on the revised Rover 45 - as featured in last week"s magazine - it"s the sportier MG that will be causing the shockwaves with styling cues from the mighty SV.
The ZS 180 version shown here has a fresh grille and front bumper, while its aggressive nose is continued in the profile, with longer wheelarches and SV-style vents on the front wings. Striking 17-inch alloy wheels add to the sporty look, while the rear of the four-door has been given a new smooth-finish bootlid with a subtle spoiler and a racy chrome-tipped exhaust. Most of this beefy bodykit is only standard on the high-performance 2.5-litre V6 180, but those who buy the less potent versions of the ZS can specify the extra trim as an option.
The main reason for the wheelarch extensions is that engineers had to accommodate the car"s wider track. Exact suspension details have yet to be revealed, but the increased stability provided by the modifications to the chassis should improve the MG"s already impressive handling. Inside, the ZS will receive a much needed makeover. Criticism of the current model"s dark plastics and dated ergonomics should be answered with the addition of a redesigned facia and soft-touch trim.
One key piece of switchgear that will definitely have to go is the existing column stalk - which is still supplied by Honda. The dated part is no longer in production, so MG Rover will have to come up with its own design. Sportier dials will also be fitted, while rotary air vents and new air-conditioning should add a classy finish.
But the bad news is that prices are set to rise. An entry-level ZS will cost í‚á£11,295 - an increase of í‚á£255 - with flagship cars at í‚á£17,300, which is í‚á£510 more than at present.