The name MG conjures up images of flat caps, tweed jackets with elbow patches, pipes, handlebar moustaches and British car reliability. And while the “new” MG wants you to forget about that last bit, it still rather likes the association of the rest. Albeit with a far more modern (and very Chinese) twist. We take a look at the new MG6.
What is it?
The first MG model Oversteer has been invited to the launch of. That is because the last new MG – the MG F, which was later to become the MG TF – was released a long, long time before Oversteer even existed. Long before I was even a motoring journalist. That would be in 1995, by the way.
Since then MG’s ownership has been tossed around like a dead mouse by a cat until it finally settled under the steady ownership of Chinese company Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC). After various disastrous British attempts at ownership, Chinese company Nanjing Automotive Group (NAC) ended up with the rights for the MG name among other bits and pieces, while SAIC snatched up the rights to various Rover cars after both companies squabbled over the wreckage of MG Rover.
The Rover name went off to Ford, that later sold it to Indian company Tata, along with the Jaguar Land Rover Group, while SAIC launched the amusingly phonetically-similar Roewe brand using the old Rover 75 as a basis, while NAC relaunched the MG TF as a “Modern Gentleman”.
Now SAIC has control of NAC following a merger, so Roewe and MG are now one, which is a very, very long way of explaining that the MG6 is, in fact, based on the Roewe 550 which owed quite a lot to the Roewe 750 which was, in turn, pretty much the original Rover 75, which was also known as the MG ZT…
In keeping with this long and ever-so-slightly incestuous family history, the MG6’s 1.8-litre engine will also be instantly familiar to anyone with a passing interest in the twisted history of MG – it is based on the venerable K-series engine that first appeared under the bonnet of MGs back in 1988.
When it goes on sale in October, the MG6 will be available in two body styles – sedan (known as the “Magnette” in MG-speak) and hatch (called the GT) – three levels of trim – S, SE and TSE – and absolutely no choice of engine or transmission. The 118kW/215Nm 1.8-litre four cylinder petrol hooked up to a five speed manual is all you get for now. A diesel engine and dual clutch transmission will become available shortly, as will an all-new SAIC/General Motors-developed range of petrol engines in the coming years.
But for now, British Motor Distributors (BMD), the New Zealand distributors for MG just want to re-establish the MG name in this country, so have taken the opportunity to get cars here, despite the fact that they aren’t in the configuration that kiwis buy.
Spec levels are very high, with the entry S model coming with 17-inch alloys, a sunroof and a CD/MP3/AUX/USB stereo as standard, while the SE adds rear parking sensors, cruise control, tyre pressure monitoring, a mid-spec stereo that adds a color screen and a leather steering wheel with multi-function controls.
The top-spec TSE adds a reversing camera, leather seats (electric and heated in the front), dual-zone climate control, automatic headlights, rain sensing wipers, a chilled centre console and a high-spec stereo that adds Bluetooth phone connectivity.
What’s it like?
Genuinely likeable.
While it does come across as slightly dated in some regards (It was, after all, designed back before SAIC got its hands on MG) it is generally a handsome and pleasant car. As a smaller contender in the lower mid-size segment (it’s more Suzuki Kizishai-sized, rather than Ford Mondeo-sized) the MG6 is a decent little contender.
Although prices haven’t officially been announced yet, BMD’s operations manager, Kerry Cheyne, assures us that the S will start at “under $30,000”, while the top-spec TSE will clock in at no more than $35,000. Making the MG6 rather good value for money.
The engine is smooth and provides enough power to pull the 6 along at a decent rate. According to the big badge on the back there is a turbo in there somewhere, but you really don’t feel the forced induction. Although it wasn’t talked about, it seems reasonable to assume that the turbo is of the low-pressure variety, as it certainly doesn’t make its presence felt in a dramatic way… or at all, for that matter…
Still, the low pressure assistance makes for decent enough progress and it has a nice linear power delivery, although the shift quality of the five-speed manual is awful. Roll on the dual clutch transmission…
Handling is rather surprisingly good , with a nice ride complimented by a willingness to be throw into a corner with vigour.
What’s good about it?
The ride, the handling, the looks, the spec level and, of course, the price. Build quality is impressive and the standard of materials used is generally pretty good, while the ride and handling are a highlight.
What’s not so good?
Performance ain’t so hot, but certainly isn’t terrible. There are a few howlers present though – as mentioned the transmission is pretty ordinary, while some of the plastics (particularly on the bottom half of the dash and the centre console) are pretty nasty. The key rattles violently in its slot in the dash under hard acceleration and there is an odd plasticky smell that all Chinese-produced cars seem to possess…
First impressions?
A nice little car that will only get better with future updates. The diesel engine and dual-clutch transmission will address the major flaws, while the Chinese ability to improve things with a startling speed will take care of the rest in short order.
In all though, the MG6 is not a bad start to the resurgence of the brand on these shores. You could certainly do a lot worse if you are after a smaller mid-sized car, particularly given that it comes at a small car price.
Specifications
Models/prices
TBA
Powertrain
1.8-litre inline four-cylinder turbo petrol producing 118kW/215Nm; 5-speed manual transmission; front-wheel drive
Fuel consumption: N/a
CO2 emissions: N/a
Safety
ANCAP/EuroNCAP rating: not tested yet
Air bags: 6
Stability control: yes
Lap/diagonal belts: 5
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