On Sunday (September 30) two MG ZR 105s set off from Brooklands to compete in the London-Sahara-London rally. The cars covered over 6,000 miles of gruelling and varied terrain in 20 days, competing in 28 test stages.

The first MG ZR was driven to the finish, first in class and fourth overall, in the capable hands of Andy Dawe and his co-driver Simon Sparey. Andy has previous experience of competition rallying with his father Doug Dawe in Longbridge produced products.

The second MG ZR, which finished third in class and sixth overall, was registered in Portugal and driven by Shirley Greenway, who made her rally debut. Her co-driver Andrew Johnson acquired the MG ZR 105 in Portugal and took it to the UK for the fitment of safety equipment.

The suspension was refitted with increased ride height, front strut brace and competition dampers. Brake and fuel lines were replaced with race-standard Aeroquip hoses with special routing inside the cabin for ensured performance and durability. Other special items included the fitment of Sparco competition seats, five-point harnesses, fire extinguishers, a rally trip computer, aluminium fuel tank and sump guards. The car was finished in distinctive XPOWER grey and bright green livery.

In another competitive outing, the first diesel-powered MG – the new ZR Turbo-diesel, has won its class in the 2^nd RAC/Fleet World sponsored MPG Marathon. The MG ZR Turbo-diesel achieved an outstanding 65.4mpg over the 480 mile route.

The MPG Marathon started, and finished, at the RAC Supercentre by the M5/M6 junction in north Birmingham. The route covered 480 miles taking competitors over a demanding route to the North, including the Hardknott and Wrynose passes in the Lake District and across the Pennines.

Winners in each class were those that exceeded the official government Combined Fuel Economy figures by the greatest margin. Entrants employed practical economical driving techniques while driving within a set schedule.

John Dalton from MG Rover Group was accompanied by Peter Brill, Head of PR at the RAC and the results show that they achieved an outstanding 65.4mpg. This represents a 22% improvement over the official Combined Fuel Economy figures, set by the government cycle tests for the ZR Turbo-diesel of 53.8mpg – making it probably the most economical MG ever.

Commenting on the success, John said: "My target had been to achieve 70mpg, but given the new MG ZR had only covered 1000 miles, and the demanding nature of the route – using many narrow country lanes and moorland roads with steep climbs and descents – I’m very pleased with the result. It proves that the MG ZR Turbo-diesel is a good all-rounder – quick and agile sports handling, that is great fun to drive, safe and a great economic performance."

MG saloons are currently supported by a high profile marketing campaign. Potential customers who visit MG showrooms to look at the new MG Saloons are given the chance to win an MG ZR in a prize draw or the chance to win a six-day shark diving holiday in South Africa, followed by a six-day game safari.

For purchasers of the exciting new MG ZR, drivers aged 25 and over can qualify for 1 year’s free insurance and for drivers under 25 years of age there is an opportunity to insure through this incentive with an incremental premium.

MGF can be purchased with 0% APR finance with a 50% deposit over two years. Dealer subsidised extensions for further periods are available.

MG ZR and MG ZS qualify for low-rate 9.9% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) finance with MG Rover Independence Personal Contract Purchase (PCP).

Low rate ‘Independence’ PCP offers are also available on MG ZT and ZT-T models from 3.1% APR.

Normal terms and conditions apply, available on request at MG dealerships.