Public Servant Lifestyle

Steve Mallinson gets behind the wheel for another in our series of Lifestyle test drives.

"Forget the ludicrously large rear spoiler (too boyracer for me, and detrimental to rear visibility) and you’ve got a good looking sports saloon. Sports seating with coloured leather trim, fancy gear lever and three-spoke steering wheel all add to the sporty theme. I rather liked the admittedly dated appearance of the dash board layout but ergonomically speaking the buttons, switches and things are something of a nightmare. Turning the ignition key and hearing the wonderful engine and exhaust sounds banished many of my minor gripes and the slick gear change, precise steering and great acceleration quickly made me forget the rest, at least temporarily.

"What a fun car to drive! To quote the T.V. ad, 'it does what it says on the tin.' Grip is good and suspension is superb when driving quickly on nice, twisty, high speed country roads (let’s face it, that’s what a car like this is designed for) but because it’s so firm it’s far from ideal on motorways and around town. Considering it’s based on the less than impressive Rover 45, this car is an absolute star in its niche but is definitely not designed for general pottering around, shopping etc, although it can take a fair amount of luggage in the surprisingly generous boot."

Equipment & Interior

"As you would expect 4 airbags and anti-lock brakes (with EBD) are standard equipment, as are air conditioning and electric front windows and overall, equipment levels are acceptable with one notable exception. I found the Kenwood CD/Tuner on the test car to be incredibly annoying, both because its tiny controls were almost impossible to operate when on the move and its apparent inability to find and keep a decent signal. Security is dealt with by the usual factory fitted alarm plus immobiliser combination but the absence of deadlocks, given its looks, has to make it something of a target. Rear passengers suffered from lack of space but then I believe this car will rarely carry 4 people.

"Security is dealt with by the usual factory fitted alarm plus immobiliser combination but the absence of deadlocks, given its looks, has to make it something of a target. Rear passengers suffered from lack of space but then I believe this car will rarely carry 4 people.

"In its favour we have a sensible list price, doubtless open to some negotiation, good fuel economy and a relatively low insurance group for its class, plus cracking performance and handling. Against, is what is likely to be heavy depreciation. Value, like beauty is often in the eye of the beholder and in the case of the ZS, a good value for money case can be made if the decision is based on lifestyle rather than 'bean counter' criteria."

Key Features

More information available in Test Drive