THE MG ZR has become MG Rover’s most popular selling car in its range, and is the first MG in recent history to consistently outsell a Rover equivalent.

Although overall sales are split 65% Rover/35% MG, the ZR leads in the UK and Italy, and has turned in strong performances in Spain, Ireland and Portugal.

Sales and marketing director Rod Ramsay said: ‘The popularity of the MG ZR continues to grow and represents the brand’s young-at-heart position.’

Since it was launched in 2001, sales of the MG ZR have exceeded 70,000.