Petrol engines consist of 1.6 and 1.8 litre four cylinders which offer adequate pep but need to be worked to feel sporty, or a 2.5 litre V6 which is a strong performer and equally happy pulling from low revs or screaming to its red-line – it’s the pick of the bunch. There are also a couple of 2.0 litre turbo diesel units which have plenty of muscle too.

A CVT transmission is available on the 1.8 litre engine in addition to the five-speed manual.

This is where MG’s engineers have really shown their talent, for the ZS is a very fluid handling car, cornering hard without over-loading its front tyres and remaining composed without the need for traction control. Vastly more exciting than its Rover 45 sibling – handling is probably this car’s most compelling talent.