After a tumultuous few years, in which BMW bought the Rover Group (1994), sold it to the MG Rover Group (2000), which then went into receivership (2005) before being sold to the Nanjing Automobile Group in the same year (which is now dubbed SAIC Motor Corporation Limited), the dust swirling round Morris Garages (MG) seems to have settled.
The company launched its first all-new model, the MG6, in 2010 and, at the end of last year, MG officially returned to South Africa with the 6. It's available in two body styles, each with three specification levels. We had a mid-spec Saloon 1,8T Luxury on test for two weeks. It surprised and frustrated us in equal measure…
The exterior
Styling-wise, the MG6 appears clean and uncluttered. The headlamps perhaps remind too strongly of those of a Mazda6, while the clear-glass taillamps are chintzy, but overall the proportions are well balanced and the lines modern. All MG6 models feature Alfa-like 16-inch alloy wheels. In terms of size, the car straddles two segments. It's 4,65 metres long, eclipsing both the Hyundai Elantra and VW Jetta, and at 2,705 metres, the wheelbase best these rivals', too.
The interior
The generous dimensions are welcome in the cabin, which in terms of leg- and shoulderroom both front and rear feels at least as spacious as the largest in class. Furthermore, the cloth-covered (leather on the top-spec Deluxe versions) seats proved supremely comfortable during the duration of the test, with nary a test-team member complaining of back ache. And that's about it for positives concerning the cabin…
Initially, we were fairly impressed with the interior level of perceived quality. The grab handles and cubby-hole lid are damped, the padded rooflining compares with the best in the C-saloon segment and there are thoughtful touches such as lit vanity mirrors, substantial door pockets and a spacious central storage box. However, look past these and the cabin starts to grate. The buttons and roller switches on the steering wheel feel cheap and are counter-intuitive, plastics on the doors and lower facia feel thin and will scratch easily, the instruments belong on a Chinese cheapie, the display of the (optional) navigation is at least a generation behind the VW's and the sound-system panel is a mess.
The spec
At least it's fairly well equipped. The Luxury model boasts air-con, USB and aux ports, electric windows and mirrors and rear-sited PDC. The Deluxe, at an eye-watering R269 900, adds the aforementioned leather trim, climate control, Bluetooth, auto lights and wipers, a sunroof, reverse camera and electrically adjustable and heated seats. An entry-level Comfort model is listed at R229 900 and omits steering-wheel controls, PDC and cruise control from the Luxury's spec.
The drivetrain
Under the bonnet, the MG6 features a turbocharged 1,8-litre petrol that delivers 118 kW at 5 500 r/min and 215 N.m from 2 500 to 4 500 r/min, figures that best all its competitors'. The powertrain is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. No auto is available. The claimed 0-100 km/h is 8,2 seconds, but the engine feels wholly incapable of matching this figure. It's fine at low revs, where some lag is present below 2 000 r/min before it starts pulling strongly. However, push it above 4 000 r/min and vibration and noise start upsetting the calm in the refined (bar some wind flutter around the large side mirrors) interior.
It's cause isn't helped by the recalcitrant gearbox and snatchy clutch. Shifts from first to second, or second to thrid, are difficult to effect smoothly, while a number of team members stalled the engine on pullaway.
The chassis
Some readers might remember the Rover 75 and related MG ZT from the late Nineties and early 2000s. Both vehicles rode and handled with aplomb, no doubt helped by BMW's input in the development work. According to MG, a number of the engineering staff from those days remain at the company, and their expertise shines through on the 6. Its dynamic ability is easily its most impressive aspect. It rides firmly, but with enough compliance not to upset composure too much, and body lean is well controlled. Furthermore, the hydraulically assisted steering is direct and nicely weighted, even if it has a tendency for too strong self-centring.
Summary
The MG6 initially showed greated promise but ultimately fails to deliver mostly because of one crucial aspect (besides the cabin and drivetrain refinement). At R229 900 to R269 900, it's simply too expensive. Had MG South Africa been able to offer the three models at prices that substantially undercut those of rivals, the 6 would have made a strong case for consideration because of the way it drives. However, with talented rivals such as the Elantra, Jetta, Ford Focus Saloon, Honda Civic and Renault Fluence already contesting this competitive segment, it's a non-starter. Let's hope the local affiliate realises its mistake and adjusts the prices to more rational levels.
Look out for a comparative test of the MG6 Saloon 1,8T Luxury and one of its main rivals in an upcoming issue of CAR.
The vehicles the MG6 Saloon has to beat:
Name | MG6 1,8T Luxury | Hyundai Elantra 1,8 GLS | VW Jetta 1,4 TSI Comfort. |
Engine | 1,8 turbopetrol | 1,8 petrol | 1,4 turbopetrol |
Power | 118 kW@5 500 r/min | 110 kW@6 500 r/min | 90 kW@5 000 r/min |
Torque | 215 N.m@2 500 r/min | 178 N.m@4 700 r/min | 200 N.m@1 500 r/min |
0-100 km/h | 8,2 secs | 10,14 secs* | 9,8 secs |
Top speed | 205 km/h | 205 km/h | 202 km/h |
Service plan | 3/90 000 km | 5/150 000 km | 5/90 000 km |
Warranty | 3/80 000 km | 5/90 000 km | 3/120 000 km |
Price | R239 900 | R229 900 | R244 500 |
*Tested