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Section A - General information The Rover 75 and MG ZT model range Rover 75 Mark 1 (1999 – 2003)  Rover 75 Mark 1 (1999-2003) The Rover 75 was first offered for sale in June 1999, and at that time the initial models available were the Club and the Connoisseur, together with SE versions of each, with the Classic and Classic SE being added towards the end of 1999. The Rover 75 saloon models were offered with any of the available engine options and a choice of either manual or automatic transmission. The engine options were the 1.8 litre K series, the 2.0 and 2.5 litre V6 engines, and the 2.0 litre BMW diesel engine. The 1.8 litre K series engine was also available in turbo-charged form (identified as the 1.8T engine) from 2002 onwards. With the introduction of the Tourer, the engine and transmission options for the different trim levels were rationalised. In particular, the Classic and Classic SE models were no longer offered with the 2.0 and 2.5 litre V6 engines. Most combinations were, however, still available to order if required. The Mark 1 models for the Rover 75 are:
The long wheelbase Vanden Plas version was trimmed as a Rover 75 Connoisseur SE and used either the 2.5 litre V6 engine, or the 131 bhp version of the 2.0 litre diesel engine, and was offered with automatic transmission only. In 2003 the Vanden Plas name was dropped, and for a short time these vehicles, which were modified from standard saloons by the specialist firm of S. MacNeillie & Son Ltd., were identified only as the Rover 75 LWB. MG ZT Mark 1 (2001 - 2003)  MG ZT-T Mark 1 (2001-2003) The MG ZT models were designated primarily by engine performance, and were then offered in 'Base' and 'Plus' versions, with an SE pack also available on the higher specification models. The engines used were the K Series 1.8 and 1.8T, the 2.5 litre V6 (with three different performance levels), and the BMW diesel (with two different performance levels). The ZT 160 and ZT 190 became available in the first half of 2001, with the other engine options following in 2002. The MG-ZT 190 differs from the other models in the MG ZT range by having larger front brakes and a different final drive ratio to allow for a higher top speed. Its 2.5 litre V6 engine also has modified camshafts, uprated main bearings, a larger diameter air intake duct, and a less restricted exhaust system, as well as a faster action cam on the throttle body. Automatic transmission was available on the ZT 180 Sports Auto, which uses a slightly de-tuned version of the ZT 190 engine and the same automatic transmission as the Rover 75. A supercharged version of the MG ZT 180 - not factory approved - was produced locally for the Australian market only, where it was known as the MG ZT 220. Automatic transmission was also available as an option on the 2.0 litre diesel engine models. The MG ZT models have different suspension settings from the equivalent Rover 75 models, and larger 17" or 18" alloy wheels. The Mark 1 versions also have a steering rack gearing ratio that is different from that of the Mark 1 Rover 75. The Mark 1 models for the MG ZT are:
Rover 75 Mark 2 (2004 – 2005)  Rover 75 Mark 2 (2004-2005) For the Mark 2 model range, the Rover 75 Club was discontinued. Two new models, the Contemporary and Contemporary SE were introduced, and the long wheelbase model was renamed as the Limousine, with its production transferred to Longbridge. The steering rack for the Rover 75 was changed to be the same as used for the MG ZT. The Rover 75 V8, with automatic transmission, was added to the range at this time. It was trimmed as a Rover 75 Connoisseur SE or Contemporary SE, and shared a new 'premium grill' front bumper design with the Mark 2 Limousine. The Rover 75 Mark 2 model range is as follows:
 MG ZT-T Mark 2 (2004-2005) Apart from the revised front and rear bumpers, the MG ZT model range remained largely unchanged. The Mark 2 models for the MG ZT are as follows:
A wide range of options was available for all Rover 75 and MG ZT models, including such features as cruise control, traction control, automatic climate control, powered or manual rear sunblind, powered sunroof, many different types of alloy wheels, audio system and satellite navigation upgrades, xenon headlights, self-levelling suspension, rain-sensing wipers, powerfold mirrors, heated front seats and powered front seat adjustment. The Monogram programme, which became available in early 2002, offered a further range of combinations of internal and external colour and trim. Together with the wide range of model types, options and accessories, this led to a very wide variety of vehicles, many of them tailored precisely to the customer's own specific requirements. |