MG ZR statistics

• Licensed in Great Britain 1,294 −12.7% on a year earlier
• Declared SORN 5,236 Off the road, not taxed
• MOT first-time pass rate, 2025 65.6% Cars of the same ages 60.9%
• Rank by number licensed No. 634 of 1,159 models we cover
• Peak year 2005 50,815 licensed
• Average annual mileage 3,131 miles a year

How many MG ZRs are left in Great Britain?

There were 1,294 MG ZRs licensed in Great Britain at the end of March 2026, and a further 5,236 declared off the road (SORN). That is 97.5% fewer than the peak of 50,815 in 2005.

MG ZR versions

The MG ZR 160 has its own page. The figures above include every version; each version page covers only the cars DVLA records under that version’s name.

MG ZR MOT reliability

In 2025, 65.6% of MG ZR MOT tests were passed first time, against 72.8% for all cars. Cars of the same ages as the MG ZRs tested pass 60.9% of the time, so the MG ZR does better than average for its age, by 4.7 points. In 2024 its pass rate was 64.1%.

MG ZR MOT failures

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment is the most common reason a MG ZR fails its MOT, appearing on 49.0% of failed tests. A failed test can have defects in more than one category, so shares add up to more than 100%. 6.2% of MG ZR tests found at least one dangerous defect, against 7.3% for all cars.

Most common MG ZR MOT defects and advisories

The single most common reason a MG ZR failed its MOT in 2025 was “Drive shafts: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt”, on 15.2% of 592 failed tests. 57.6% of tests ended with at least one advisory, a problem to watch that did not fail the test; the most common was “Tyres: slightly damaged or cracking or perishing”. The same fault on any wheel or side counts once.

MG ZR by year

The 2004 MG ZR has its own page, with its MOT results, common faults, mileage and how many are left.

MG ZR engine sizes and fuel types

Of the 1,347 MG ZRs licensed in the UK at the end of 2025, 56.6% have an engine of 1,301cc to 1,400cc, and 35.2% have an engine of 1,701cc to 1,800cc. The share with an engine of 1,701cc to 1,800cc has grown from 18.5% in 2014 to 35.2%. Petrols made up 89.5% of those licensed in 2014 and 92.3% in 2025.

United Kingdom figures from DfT table VEH0220 (licensed cars at the end of each year, SORN excluded), so they differ slightly from the Great Britain counts elsewhere on this page. How we use engine sizes.

MG ZR fuel economy and CO2

The Vehicle Certification Agency’s new car data lists the MG ZR from 2002 to 2006. On the NEDC test (listings 2002 to 2006), official combined fuel economy for its petrol and diesel versions ranges from 34.6 to 53.8 mpg, with CO2 of 150 to 196 g/km.

Source:VCA July 2000 to 15 September 2026 Updated 15 Sept 2026

• Official figures from laboratory type-approval tests. VCA says they may not be achieved in real-world driving, and should not be used to rank cars with similar figures.
• Engine sizes are rounded to the nearest 0.1 litre. A version is one line in VCA’s data (description, gearbox, engine and fuel), counted once however many years it was listed. Matched from VCA’s model name “MG ZR”. How we use VCA’s figures.

MG ZR safety recalls

We found no recalls for the MG ZR in DVSA’s records since 1992. That does not mean none apply: DVSA sometimes records a recall under a range or chassis name we cannot match to a model. Check a specific car on GOV.UK’s vehicle recall check.

A recall applies to cars built on particular dates or with particular VINs, not to every MG ZR. The details come from manufacturers through DVSA, which says they may be delayed or incomplete. To check a specific car, use GOV.UK’s vehicle recall check or ask the manufacturer or a dealer. How we match recalls to models.

Compare the MG ZR with other MG models