MG adds Trophy to collection
BY MALCOLM LIVERMORE | 1st Oct 2001
Priced at $54, 990, the Trophy 160 is named after the amount of power it produces in PS terms.
In more familiar kilowatts, it comes out at 117kW - more than 10 per cent up on the VVC model, which at $49,990, was the previous range flagship.
The Trophy's extra power is liberated courtesy of a tuned version of the 1.8-litre variable valve timing engine, with a wide bore exhaust system, larger valves and new manifolds. Peak power is produced at a hefty 7000rpm, with peak torque of 174Nm chiming in at 4500rpm.
MG Rover claims a top speed of 220km/h and a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 7.6 seconds.
The Hydragas suspension has been upgraded with competition-based spring and damper rates and a 20mm lower ride height, while the braking system is upgraded with 304mm ventilated front discs and bright red aluminium callipers.
A new design 16-inch alloy wheel is standard with 195/45 tyres at the front and 215/40 rubber at the rear.
MG Rover has naturally paid attention to the dress-up aspects of the 160 as well, with a new bib spoiler and rear deck spoiler, as well as two unique colours - Trophy Yellow and Trophy Blue - bright mesh for the grille and side intakes and black bezels around the headlights.
Inside there are new body-coloured inserts in the door trims, centre console and sections of the leather steering wheel. Unique to this model is a leather and fabric seat treatment incorporating "Trophy 160" badging.
Standard equipment includes air-conditioning, remote central locking with alarm and a six-speaker CD audio system.
The Trophy will be joined in Sydney on the MG Rover Australia stand by the Rover 75 Tourer (wagon), the 25-based ZR "hot hatch" and 75-based ZT "sports sedan".