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Words: Luke Madden Photographs: Otis Clay, Auto Express, 6th July, 2010

MG6 at Goodwood

The MG3 is the marque’s future, but what about its present? The MG6 will be the first new model to wear the octagon badge since 1995.

Auto Express took the wheel during the Moving Motor Show at Goodwood’s famous hillclimb to see what customers can expect from the Ford Focus rival when it’s launched early next year.

Based on the Chinese-built Roewe 550, the newcomer has been designed and engineered in the UK at the new MG Birmingham facility at Longbridge in the West Midlands. In the coming months, Engineers will update the interior and dynamics of the car, which is still set up for the Chinese market.

The bold fastback design can look a little awkward from some angles, but on the whole, its smart and stylish appearance is sure to win many admirers. Intricately detailed headlights and the optional alloys fitted to our model add a dash of style.

The interior is well built and the quality of materials good, especially the soft-touch finish lining the dash. Bosses were keen to point out, though, that UK models would get extra sporty details, such as new dials and brushed metal inserts. Stiffer suspension and tweaked power-steering should also inject the 6 with the sharp handling that has characterised MGs of the past.

As it stands, the steering is too light and there’s too much body roll – but these areas will be improved before the hatch goes on sale in the UK. Our other concern was a slightly jittery ride, although UK models will benefit from a more comfortable and supple suspension set-up.” Luke Madden, Auto Express

As it stands, the steering is too light and there’s too much body roll – but these areas will be improved before the hatch goes on sale in the UK. Our other concern was a slightly jittery ride, although UK models will benefit from a more comfortable and supple suspension set-up.

The 158bhp 1.8-litre turbocharged engine is the only unit available at launch, and despite some turbo lag low down in the rev range, it still manages an impressive 8.5-second 0-60mph time.

Its five-speed manual box is precise, and the well insulated cabin means the MG6 is quiet and refined at high speeds. Economy will be around 38mpg. A more efficient turbocharged 1.9-litre diesel powerplant will follow after the initial release.

There’s no word on prices yet, but the 6 should start from around £15,000, with the flagship model around £20,000. The final production version will be unveiled in November and is expected in showrooms early next year.

If MG can deliver on all the improvements it has promised, then the 6 will be a worthy flag-bearer for the rebirth of one of Britain’s most famous brands.

MG6 went well at Goodwood

[Source: Auto Express]

MG Goodwood Moving Motor Show, MG Birmingham, MG3, MG6, Roewe 550

Nick Gibbs, Auto Express, 2nd July, 2010

MG3 looking good so far...

The new baby MG has been caught out in the open! First pictures of the car – which is due to be built in Britain alongside the MG6 – have surfaced in China.

The snatched images show how close the production MG3 is to the UK-designed MG Zero Concept seen at May’s Beijing Motor Show. The five-door supermini is set to go on sale in China in September, priced from only £5,900. This suggests that, when production of the European version moves to MG Birmingham in 2012, the new car will undercut major rivals.

As with the MG6, stylists have avoided the usual derivative designs for which Chinese makers have become infamous. Instead, the newcomer has an attractive face with a bold grille whose shape is repeated around the back. Our shot of the interior reveals the layout is a long way from the striking digital theme of the show car, but the flush, chrome-ringed central vents, white detailing on the steering wheel and bold MG3 badge add elements of flair in an otherwise conventional set-up.

The car will be powered by 1.3 and 1.5- litre four-cylinder petrol engines, delivering 67bhp and 107bhp. A turbo version of the 1.5 could follow, offering 150bhp-plus. The latter would exploit what’s expected to be sharp handling, giving the Ford Fiesta some competition. The supermini will slot into a line-up that’s likely to comprise six separate models when UK production is running at full steam.

The MG6 will go on sale at the start of next year. It will initially be powered by a 1.8 turbo, with an MG-developed 1.9-litre diesel set to follow. A smaller car to sit between the MG6 and the MG3 is also on the way and MG UK has confirmed there will be a replacement for the ageing TF mid-engined roadster, too.

MG3's rear a little less happy.

[Source: Auto Express]

[Editor's Note: The two images which appear above were sourced from China Car Times' website.]

MG MG Birmingham, MG3, MG6

This Ex-Works 1964 MGB Rally car has just been sold for over £140,000...

An example of one of Britain’s best-loved sportscars, the MGB tourer, has claimed supercar status after being sold at auction for £141,922.

The 1964 model is one of  387,000 MGB tourers produced in the 18 years from 1962, its sale price a staggering 167 times greater than its cost at the time of manufacture* and well above its auction estimate.

The secret of its astounding value – which was sealed at the auction by classic car specialist, Historics at Brooklands on June 2 – lies in its unique history.  Confirmed as the last-known genuine works MGB rally car, it competed in major international competition until being consigned to a garage in 1975.

Plucked from obscurity, the car was sympathetically restored with meticulous attention to detail, with no expense spared, before returning to the public gaze in 2008. Bought at the Historics’ auction by an enthusiast, it will continue to be seen at major motoring events.

Historics’ Auction Director, Edward Bridger-Stille commented: “The buzz in the auction hall when this car was offered was astounding, but nothing compared with the scale of the bidding, which went sky high.”

[Source: Historics at Brooklands]

[*Editor's Note: The British Motor Industry Heritage Trust confirms that a standard MGB tourer was priced at £700 net, £847 including purchase tax in 1964.]

MG Edward Bridger-Stille, Historics at Brooklands, MGB

The annual big MG bash, MGLive! returned to Silverstone this weekend. With thousands of visitors expected over the weekend, AROnline sent Contributor Adam Sloman to get the low-down on what many see as the MG event of 2010.  

The first competition MG6 in the world

Organised by the MG Car Club, MGLive! is one of the biggest events of its kind and a must for any MG fan. With onsite camping, show and shine, an autojumble and a full race meeting programme over two days, MGLive! certainly offers great value for money. 

This year’s event had an exciting extra dimension, as the MG6 was shown to the public for the first time. This was the first opportunity for potential punters to get up close and personal with the new MG, with a trio of 6s to sample. A silver 6 was on display in Abingdon Plaza for people to sit in and paw over, while members of MG’s development team were on hand to tackle questions from visitors. I took the opportunity to speak to MG fans and ask them exactly what they made of the car, after seeing it in the metal for the first time. 

Paul Healey, Nuneaton: 

“I own an MGF. It’s quite pleasing to the eye, but it needs an edge. It’s very similar to everything else out there, it’s just an ordinary car.” 

Graham Ford, Trowbridge: 

“I’m on my third ZR, I’m a big MG fan. This is much better than I expected - you know what people say about Chinese quality, but this is good. The driving position is spot-on, the seats are so comfy, no need to adjust anything. I’m seriously thinking about getting one, but I want a diesel.” 

Pete De Jong, The Netherlands: 

“To start with I didn’t like it but it’s growing on me. It needs a bodykit, or the option for one, to make it more like the ZS, which I think was a great car and the best MG-Rover built.” 

Steve and Michelle Robinson, London: 

“We own a ZR. I don’t think it’s the right car for MG. The silver colour doesn’t help, from a distance it could be any car.”  

Michelle adds 

“Some of the finish is a bit plasticky. It’s more Rover than MG, it’s not my ZR. It’s not racey enough. Having said that, it’s brilliant to see MG back with a new car.” 

Hugh Turner, Newton Poppleford: 

“It’s not a bad car. I still think it’s a shame the Chinese had to get involved. I’m not sure I’d trade it in for my diesel SEAT - I think I’ll stick to my Midget.” 

The new, UK-spec boot spoiler

An orange 6 was also run around the famous circuit, giving those there for the racing a chance to see the all important model. Over at the Stowe sprint circuit, MG chassis guru Andy Kitson was giving a third 6 its international motorsport competition debut, competing against MGs both classic and modern. MG’s reputation has, in large part, been built on its motorsport success and this was a chance to demonstrate that the new car deserves the famous badge. Wearing number 86, the 6 in question featured the full UK chassis set-up, as reviewed so positively by weekly car magazine Autocar.  

Sadly, things didn’t go quite to plan and, after just one brief lap, the car was forced to retire with a minor mechanical issue. With the 6 recovered, I was able to grab a few minutes with Andy and ask him a few questions, about the car, why it had retired and how things were progressing towards launch. ‘It’s a minor problem’ he said, not confirming if the turbo had, as rumoured, failed. ‘That’s motorsport. It’s a development car and these things happen.’ 

Andy’s 6 sported a new rear boot lip spoiler, which he confirmed will be standard on all UK-spec cars. ‘We’re still carrying out minor development work on the car – things have moved on since Autocar drove this particular 6.’

I also took the opportunity to ask Andy how the 6 might compare to other new cars, such as Alfa’s forthcoming Giulietta, which is being hailed as the latest benchmark for handling in the C-segment: ‘Well, I can say that we used the 159 as part of our benchmarking process, along with the Mazda 6 and the Ford Focus. Obviously I’ve not had chance to drive the Giulietta, but if you compare the rear suspension set ups on both cars, you’ll see that they’re remarkably similar. However, we were there first!’ 

Classic Midget won many admiring glances

Away from the new cars, there was a wonderful mix of all things MG, from the earliest pre-war cars right through to the last-of-the line ZT V8s, with both moderns and classics fighting it out for honours in the Concours and Pride Of Ownership competitions. There were a few absentees though, with the 80’s triple M cars in particular poorly represented on the Sunday.

There was a full race programme across the weekend and, with 16 different races from the MGCC Metro Cup through to the MG Midget Challenge and Aero Racing Morgan Challenge, there was plenty of variety out on track. Terry Grant’s awe-inspiring Stunt Show wowed visitors in the X-Treme Arena, as did the X-Treme Motorcycle Stunt Trials Display Team. With so much to see and do it was clear just how hard the organisers, many of them volunteers, had worked, and without a doubt MGLive! 2010 was a great success. 

It’s a pity the MG6’s competition debut was cut short. However, the presence of the three pre-production cars was a positive showing from MG Motor UK and one that underlines the company’s commitment not only to new cars and new customers, but to the community that has supported MG for the last 85 years. 

MG BGT is still a capable competitor.

MG Andy Kitson, MG Car Club, MG Motor UK, MG6, MGLive!, Silverstone

Clive Goldthorp

AROnline seems to have beaten most of the Internet-based, English-language motoring media off the line by running Nigel Garton’s First Drive story on the MG6 last December. However, following SAIC Motor’s confirmation that production of the MG6 will begin at MG Birmingham before the end of this year, MG Motor UK Limited has now started a pre-launch media initiative here in the UK.

Autocar’s Chief Road Tester, Matt Prior, and The Sun’s Motoring Correspondent, Ken Gibson, are, to date, the only two UK-based Motoring Journalists to have been invited to drive pre-production versions of the MG6 on British roads. AROnline readers can access the relevant articles via these links: MG go fastback to the future, The Sun, 1st April, 2010 and MG6 First Drive, Autocar, 9th April, 2010.

Interestingly, Autocar’s Matt Prior reckons that ‘the MG6 is already (and there’s still some tweaking to do) borderline best in class.’ Head of Chassis, Andy Kitson, admitted that he and his colleagues had used the current MY10 Ford Focus as the benchmark for handling and ride. Ken Gibson confirms that the MG6 has ‘the handling you’d expect of an MG saloon – it handles and steers superbly and British expertise shines through.’

AROnline, though, still maintains that, at least in terms of size, the MG6 should properly be regarded as a D-segment contender. The MG6′s dimensions are, after all, much closer to those of, say, the BMW 3-Series, Honda Accord, Mazda 6 and Seat Exeo than to those of most C-segment models (1). Indeed, Ken Gibson confirms as much when he says that ‘the MG6 fastback is just the start of a family of new MGs (to be launched) over the next five years that will include a large saloon, a Focus-sized hatchback and a new Fiesta rival.’

No MG model family would be complete without a new TF-replacing roadster and MG6 Design Team Leader, Tony Williams-Kenny, told The Sun’s Gibson that he and his Design Team have plenty of ideas for the next generation TF. However, whether or not the Design Team’s ideas bear any resemblance to the renderings recently commissioned by Auto Express remains to be seen… The return of MG! Auto Express, 9th April, 2010 may be a purely speculative story but much of the information in the article does seem to correspond pretty accurately with that already given to AROnline by our own informed and reliable sources.

Watch this space for AROnline’s own UK-based First Drive story on the MG6 and, hopefully, more news about MG’s other new models, including the TF replacement, in the coming weeks…

[Editor's Note: (1) Data obtained from carpages.co.uk's Car Buyers' Guide.]

MG Andy Kitson, Auto Express, Autocar, MG Birmingham, MG6, The Sun, Tony Williams-Kenny

Clive Goldthorp

MG6 will be produced in China and the UK

SAIC Motor-owned MG’s most important hatchback since the 1981 MG Metro has been launched in its home market of China today. The MG6 is a five-door fastback which features conventionally handsome styling and is powered by an evolution of the K-Series engine in 1.8-litre turbo and normally aspirated forms. Most excitingly, SAIC Motor has announced plans to assemble the MG6 in the UK.

The car was announced at the Guangzhou Auto Show in China and marks the start of what the company describes as an exciting new global future for the MG brand. The launch in China, the world’s largest automotive market, begins the international roll out of sales of MG6 which includes the UK. Sales in China will begin in January and plans for the UK and other markets will be released during 2010.

SAIC Motor’s President, Chen Hong, told reporters that production of MG6 for the Chinese market will begin at the brand new state of the art factory in Lingang during December 2009 and that the company also plans to commence production of the MG6 at the Birmingham plant in the UK before the end of 2010.

This is a milestone day for MG and for the UK automotive industry.MG has begun the international launch of an all new model that has been designed and engineered here in the UK, for the global automotive market.” Guy Jones, Sales and Marketing Director, MG Motor UK Limited

MG Motor UK Limited say that the MG6 is designed to capture the character of the MG brand and bring something different to the volume market. The new model carries a modernised version of the famous MG octagon badge for the first time. This new design is planned to carry forward on to all new MG models and also features in the new corporate identity for the launch in China which bears the historic Morris Garages name.

Guy Jones, Sales and Marketing Director for MG Motor UK said: ‘This is a milestone day for MG and for the UK automotive industry. MG has begun the international launch of an all new model that has been designed and engineered here in the UK, for the global automotive market. Currently we only build and sell the mid-engined TF sports car here in the UK, but we can now look forward to expanding the range of MG products.’

[Editor's Note: AROnline readers should note that the above article replaces one which was originally published on the 20th November, 2009 and that a number of the Readers' Comments which appear below were made in response to that story.]

MG6 interior is closely based on the Roewe 550

About the MG6
MG6 Key Dimensions
Length: 4651 mm
Width: 1826 mm (without mirrors)
Height: 1480 mm

MG6 Specifications
Engine capacity: 1796cc
Maximum power: 1.8 133bhp, 1.8T 158bhp

MG6

MG Chen Hong, Guangzhou Auto Show, Guy Jones, MG Motor UK, MG Motor UK Limited, MG6, SAIC Motor

Roy Locock arrives back in Abingdon at the wheel of Bridget his 1977 MG Midget

Roy Locock, 62, from Chinnor, arrived at the MG Car Club’s Abingdon headquarters after completing his challenge 16 months, 27 countries, and 39,000 miles after setting off. Now his trusty Abingdon-built MG Midget – affectionally known as Bridget – which has needed major work throughout the trip, will be retired from the road.

The retired Radio Engineer decided to attempt the challenge when his neighbour Alan Lines said the feat was impossible. Within 12 weeks, Mr. Locock set off to prove him wrong. That was in June last year. He said: “It has been an absolutely amazing experience. I had two sports bags in the passenger seat with all my clothes in, and that was it. The boot was filled with spare parts.

“One of the first things I have to do is see my two grandchildren. The youngest one, Matilda, doesn’t really know me. She was only six months old when I left. I just love travelling, and I will miss that, but it’s good to be back to see friends and family.”

I woke up one morning and the hotel was shaking. There was mortar fire outside, followed by small arms fire. The Taliban were firing on the army garrison next door.” Roy Locock

Mr. Locock completed the drive despite being caught up in an earthquake in Panama and a Taliban attack in Quetta, Pakistan. He said: “I woke up one morning and the hotel was shaking. There was mortar fire outside, followed by small arms fire. The Taliban were firing on the army garrison next door.

“But the only time I was really concerned for my safety was in the Northern Territories in Australia, when it suffered the worst floods in 30 years. Over here, really bad floods are 6ft deep, but over there, they are 66ft. I was held up in Queensland for four weeks.”

Mr. Locock added: “Bridget was absolutely amazing. If you gave me an hour to give her a polish, she really does still look very smart.”

Mr. Locock hopes to publish a book about his adventure, but not before planning a new trip – to drive the length of Africa. Mr. Lines, who was at the MG Car Club to greet him, said: “It’s a fantastic achievement, and I’m delighted to be proven wrong. To be honest, I thought he’d get half way round the world and give up.”

Any readers wishing to find out more about the adventure should visit Bridget the Midget’s website.

[Source: Oxford Mail]

MG Abingdon, Bridget the Midget, MG Car Club, MG Midget, Roy Locock

MGs came out in force at Windsor

The town centre of Windsor was brought to a halt last Saturday when over 1000 MGs converged on Windsor Great Park to participate in the Royal Windsor MG Heritage Festival and celebrate the historic marque’s 85th anniversary.

HRH Prince Philip reviewed a parade of some 220 cars which represented nearly every model manufactured by MG since the original company’s inception in 1924. The Duke of Edinburgh owned an MG TC in 1946 and all the proceeds from the event will be donated to the Prince Philip Trust Fund for the Royal Borough of Windsor. The Prince Philip Trust Fund, which was established 25 years ago, assists in training young people and encourages them to undertake voluntary work.

The event’s primary sponsor, MG Motor UK Limited, took the opportunity to unveil the two newest versions of the MG TF to the public – the entry-level TF 135 and the TF 85 limited edition which marks the marque’s 85th anniversary. MG UK also donated a brand new MG TF LE500 to the Prince Phillip Trust Fund for auction in order to help raise further funds.

He Xiaoqing, MG Motor UK Limited’s President, said: “To be major sponsors of the Royal Windsor MG Heritage Festival, such a prestigious event, in MG’s 85th year was extremely exciting and a very proud moment for us. It has been an honour to be involved in such a wonderful event as only the third automotive marque to receive this accolade, which has raised money for the Prince Philip Trust Fund. It has also been the perfect celebration of MG enthusiasts’ commitment and ongoing enthusiasm for the brand.”

MG HRH Prince Philip, MG TF 135, MG TF 85th Anniversary, Royal Windsor MG Heritage Festival

Words: Keith Adams Photography: Dan Strong 

MG6 at Shanghai (Picture: Dan Strong)

A new MG at last! The MG6 might be billed as a concept but the production version will be on sale in China later this year and at a dealer near you here in the UK during 2010. 

The wraps came off a new MG hot hatch for the first time since 2001 when the British marque’s Chinese owners, SAIC Motor, chose Auto Shanghai to reveal the latest product to wear the famous octagon badge. 

The new sporting fastback shares its underpinnings with the Roewe 550, which is based on the proven platform from the Rover 75. The MG6 is shorter and lighter than the Roewe 550 and, in 1.8-litre turbocharged form (likely to be the biggest seller in China), should crack 0-60mph in 8.5 seconds before reaching a top speed of around 130mph. 

The MG6 was styled and engineered in the UK by the team at SAIC Motor UK Technical Centre Limited which recently moved from Leamington Spa to Longbridge. 

Although we did not have a chance to look under the MG’s shapely bonnet, we know that it’s powered by a slightly reworked version of Rover’s K-Series engine, now known as the N-Series. SAIC Motor is believed to be in talks with various European partners over a diesel engine supply deal – the company has Joint Venture Agreements with both General Motors and Volkswagen Group and both companies are rumoured to be in negotiation with SAIC Motor. 

The MG6′s announcement marks a potentially major breakthrough for China’s Automotive Industry because the car has been specifically designed for export markets. Chinese buyers are notoriously conservative in their tastes – most choose saloons in preference to hatchbacks. However, the MG6 was styled and engineered in the UK by the team at SAIC Motor UK Technical Centre Limited which recently moved from Leamington Spa to Longbridge. 

[Editor's Note: Ash Sutcliffe of China Car Times has now visited Auto Shanghai and any AROnline readers wishing to view his Gallery of MG6 photographs should click on this link to his MG6: The Verdict article.] 

MG6 at Shanghai

MG6 at Shanghai

MG Auto Shanghai, MG, MG6, MG6 Concept, SAIC Motor, SMTC UK

Keith Adams 

MG6 - fastback shows clear MGR heritage

More images of the fastback styled MG6 have appeared on Chinese websites ahead of the unveiling of the initial Concept model at Auto Shanghai next week. The new car, which shares its underpinnngs and powertrain with the Roewe 550, is conventionally styled with a sloping rear end at odds with current automotive fashion. 

SAIC Design’s British styling team, which was until recently based in Leamington Spa, have conceived a sporting car which seems, in the metal, to lack some of the aggression promised by the concept renderings which emerged earlier this month. 

Along with the unveiling of the MG and Roewe concepts at Auto Shanghai next week, MG UK are due to announce that new versions of the TF roadster will go into production at Longbridge. Keep tuned to AROnline for further details. 

MG6 - aggressive enough?

MG MG6, SAIC Design