MG

MG6 GT/Magnette

After a 16-year break, the long-awaited return of the ever-popular MG brand has been hailed a success. The MG6 is available in petrol or diesel models with a choice of trim levels and also in saloon or hatchback form.

Test Drive

MG6 GT 1.9 DTi-Tech TSE

The MG name is steeped in history and with such a loyal fan-base it is wonderful news that the company is making a miraculous comeback.

Thanks to the backing of Chinese motoring giant SAIC Motors – the eighth largest motoring manufacturer in the world – MG is back in action and back with some style.

The 2011 launch of the MG6 in hatchback and saloon form has been hailed as a success and now there is a diesel option too.

Buyers will be able to choose from three different trim levels and can also select from the sporty saloon Magnette or the GT hatchback designs.

And although cosmetically the diesel and petrol models are identical to look at, there are a number of mechanical improvements to take note of. These include a revised braking system, updated chassis, new power steering and a new gearbox.

But with diesel proving so important especially to the fleet market, this car is all about performance. The1.9-litre DTi-Tech turbocharged engine delivers 150PS and can sprint from 0-62mph in 8.9 seconds before topping out at 120mph.

One of the biggest plus points is the high level of on-board technical treats that come as standard.

This is a factor MG really prides itself on in a day and age where some premium models have optional extras of more than £50k.

Guy Jones, the UK’s sales and marketing director at MG Motors, said: “It is straight-forward value for money. It is a very strong package with no options or hidden extras. It all comes as standard.”

The car comes in three trim levels – S, SE and TSE.

Equipment on the basic S model costing £16,995 includes body-coloured door mirrors, a rear spoiler, a radio and CD player with MP3, USB and aux-in capability, electronically-controlled air con, electric windows and fog lamps. There is also a very comprehensive list of safety features as standard too.

Move up to the mid-range SE model priced at £18,195 and you will find cruise control, satellite navigation, a rear parking aid, one-touch electric windows and a multi-functional leather steering wheel.

Finally, the model with all the bells and whistles, the TSE is priced at £20,195 and introduces satellite navigation via a large colour screen, electronic dual zone climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, leather sports seats and 18-inch alloys.

And it was this all-singing, all-dancing model that we took on an extensive test drive incorporating motorways, busy villages and winding country lanes. And it performed really well.

Comfort levels are excellent and the six-speed manual transmission is nice and responsive. At this stage, there are no plans for an automatic gearbox model.

The day of our test drive coincided with one of the wettest days of the year and that meant much of the route was flooded.

However, the MG6 coped admirably. Admittedly a few warning lights flashed on and off, but it powered on through regardless.

The interior has been well thought out with all dials and readouts ideally positioned and they are housed in an arch-shaped hood protecting them from any glare.

The cabin area is light and spacious and there is ample leg, head and elbow room for back seat passengers.

The boot is generously sized and the storage capacity can be increased thanks to 60:40 split-folding rear seats.

My only gripes after a lengthy test run were the unusual positioning of the USB outlet to the right of the steering column – not practical at all. And also the visibility through the rear screen which was obstructed by the trio of rear headrests.

MG statistics show the car can achieve 53.5mpg with emissions of 139g/km. We managed just over 47mpg on our run, but efficiency was clearly lowered by the dreadful driving conditions with constant gear changes to tackle flooded lanes.

The MG6 has some very stiff opposition from the likes of the Skoda Octavia, Vauxhall Insignia and Honda Accord but the company is certainly moving in the right direction and gathering quite a following en route.

Test Drive

MG6 GT Sports Fastback

Following a 16-year absence the first all-new MG has been introduced to the showrooms, and as with all its predecessors, it’s already turning a few heads.

The MG brand has always been renowned for producing cars – sporty or saloon – that are pure fun with great driving dynamics yet they don’t break the bank.

And the top-of-the-range TSE model certainly offers an incredible amount of spec as standard for just shy of £19k.

For example, this model comes with leather upholstery, electrically adjustable, heated seats, sat nav, one-touch electric windows, cruise control, dual-zone climate control and even a reversing camera.

It’s these types of quality features that would often be added extras with other brands and could add up to a tiny fortune.

First impressions of the five-door family hatchback are good and to be fair, it cannot possibly go un-noticed – the test model boasted a metallic burnt orange paintwork and 18-inch alloys.

The interior is spacious and very comfortable with ample room for five adults to travel in style – four in sublime comfort.

And the generously-sized boot can easily accommodate any luggage requirements.

There are smaller storage areas throughout the cabin although they were a bit too small to hold a can or plastic water bottle and the drinks holder itself was also rather flimsy in design.

But that was my only real gripe after a week-long test drive. Comfort levels are excellent and even after a 200-mile round trip, you arrive refreshed, which is quite a compliment to MG’s design team.

Performance is also impressive with the 1.8-litre turbo-charged, petrol-driven engine delivering ample power and acceleration. Initially, I thought I would miss a sixth gear in the manual transmission, but acceleration in fifth was plenty sufficient. Top speed has been limited to 120mph and 0-60mph is achieved in just 8.4 seconds.

Cabin noise was generally very quiet even on rougher road surfaces and road-holding was excellent on tighter bends.

MG has packed plenty of safety features into the MG6, including anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution, traction control, hill hold control, numerous airbags, a tyre pressure monitoring system and plenty more besides.

All in all, the MG is making a very welcome return to the industry – it has been sorely missed over the years.