theduisbergkid Posted January 20, 2011 Report Share Posted January 20, 2011 (edited) Built in Britain ? *Calls trading standards* Come to Longbridge and have a look at the new MG6 they said. So I did. Now I’ll freely admit to having done some Rover bashing online in the past and thought I ought to reappraise my thoughts on Britain’s most re-relaunched Car ‘Manufacturer’. Note my use of inverted commas. I have a different interpretation of the verb ‘manufacture’ to MG. So would trading standards. There is, despite acres of rubble and earnest promises from suits, no MG6 factory at Longbridge. It is all a bit ‘28dayslater’. Well. They did ask. There are, I am told, c.80 people working for MG there. In total. Parent company NAIC have an Engineering facility, employing over 300, but MG is considered a stand alone brand and will live or die by its own results. There are no plans to bring the Rover/Roewe brand back to the UK. The likeable chap from MG has modest expectations for the MG6 in the UK “probably a thousand, or a few thousand”. I was surprised to learn they are still assembling the old MG TF there, building up an order backlog of 150 cars, then making a batch at a time. Like the MGTF, the new MG6 will arrive from China in a crate, the engine and box will be fitted in the UK, and some wheels bolted on. No UK content other than the tax disc…. First ever MG-F. Latest MG-TF There were some MG gems on display at Longbridge, the first ever MGF, a new MG TF, a late MG RV8, Turkington’s BTCC MG ZS, a V8 MG ZT in X Power colours and an simply beautiful 75 Coupe concept. How and why did MG Rover go under making stuff like this ? Who cares ? It is ancient history. I was there to look at the new MG. The posters read ‘MG. A new Journey’. It’s the kind of phrase used by celebrity-boyband-ice-dancing-vote-now-lines-close-at-midnight nobodies. Let’s get beyond the guff and look at the car. Turkington's MG ZS MG RV8 MG ZT V8 MG Rover Coupe concept Coupe interior. Take note NAIC. The MG6, on sale this Spring, where to start ? They don’t know how much it will cost, but expect £16k-£20k. There is a 1.8t petrol engine at launch with performance stats, economy stats, insurance stats, emissions stats all to be confirmed. The engine is a distant cousin of the K series, beloved of keyboard warriors and Mk1 Elise owners worldwide. No-one would sell MG a diesel engine, so parent company NAIC will make their own 1.9 litre sometime in the future in China. The looks ? Well, it is bigger than it appears in print, adequately roomy I would say. You can make your own mind up about the styling. The only exterior feature of note being a fake vent in the wing, which was a rattly bit of black plastic, all rather ordinary. I am trying to be positive. MG6. From it's most photogenic angle. There are no plans for a sporty model as China has no motorsport heritage or any great interest in sportscars, so said the man. There are longer term plans for a 3 box saloon based on the MG6, which comes as 5 door hatch only at launch in the UK. They will build, and probably sell, thousands of these in China. I suspect we’re getting the same car here with some extra trim, at a price premium. Still there ? Nursing a semi ? Bear with me. MG6 TSE interior The interior is, even accepting you’re not paying Audi prices, crap. Now if it were an Alfa, you’d want to love it, and forgive it pretty much anything because it has character. However, when a Chinaman wants £20k from you for something this poor, you won’t forgive it. The top spec car came with heated leather seats, cruise, climate, sunroof and more. The seats were comfy enough, but much of the interior ‘leather’ started out as a petrochemical product as opposed to cow skin, I’m sure. The controls were budget hi-fi quality, plastic brittle and unforgiving and the Driver’s seat looked baggy despite the car having no miles on the clock. No animals were harmed in the making of this MG6 interior. Trying to be positive, these were pre-production cars and the ever-smiling MG man said there might be some tweaks before production. The killer though, is that there is absolutely no innovation, flair or character. It had a USB but no USP (that’s Unique Selling Point to you, Squire). Now if this was a £12k Korean car with a 7 year warranty, you’d probably take a look. Or a £15k French car that does 60 MPG you’d possibly take a look. As a £16k+ Chinese made car with a 3 year warranty ? You’ll look the other way. MG6 Start/Stop button. I choose stop. NAIC are fast becoming one of the World’s biggest car Manufacturers, and here’s a sad fact : They probably don’t give a hoot if the MG6 sells here or not. They sold more cars in China alone last year than all the cars sold in the UK by everyone. There are real people in Brum helping them develop their products and I know they’re petrolheads from the likes of the 200SX, VX220, Golf Gti, E class and GTV in the staff carpark. They too probably (privately) cringe at the MG6, it pays their mortgage, but they know it is aimed at the newly rich sweatshop owner in Shenzhen who doesn’t know better. The thing is. We do.. Edited January 20, 2011 by theduisbergkid i karnt tipe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotty Posted January 20, 2011 Report Share Posted January 20, 2011 I'm not sure if I should be laughing or crying. Perhaps both at the same time. Great write up! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theduisbergkid Posted January 20, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 20, 2011 Depressing reading, sorry. The 75 Coupe was fantastic though, I'd have one in BRG with that lazy V8 please. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garcon magnifique Posted January 20, 2011 Report Share Posted January 20, 2011 Interesting write up. Oddly enough, I suspect it'll be its economy, emissions and safety that will do it more sales harm than the dreadful interior. Still, no doubt a few old duffers will put logic aside when they see their beloved MG badge again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeilB Posted January 20, 2011 Report Share Posted January 20, 2011 Is it me or do the rear lights and dashboard look like badly made poundland special versions of BMW parts? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
malagus Posted January 20, 2011 Report Share Posted January 20, 2011 Engine by rover, styling by average, engineering of a knock-off focus built at knock down price, but they want european money for it? It's not that bad a car, and if we were talking hyundai money i'd be interested. But it's too rich for what it is. Will be VERY interested to see the ncap of it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steelwind101 Posted January 20, 2011 Report Share Posted January 20, 2011 Where was my invite! £16K sounds cheap by the new car prices right now which seem really expensive! Nice write up, you dident get to take it for a drive? Wouldent have been suprised if it had a Proton badge on it. For comparison i have just put c.900 miles though snow and rain on a the Kia Forte, you will see that here as a Coupe this year i believe: Amongst the engines avalible is the Theta II Turbo based on the 4B11T from Mitsubishi, in laymans terms thats Evo X 2.0T engine! These newer imports from China etc have a long way to come, regardless of what badges they have on the front. The entry level to decent is a lot cheaper and a lot higher then it was even 3 years ago. Geoff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theduisbergkid Posted January 20, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 20, 2011 Interesting write up. Oddly enough, I suspect it'll be its economy, emissions and safety that will do it more sales harm than the dreadful interior. Still, no doubt a few old duffers will put logic aside when they see their beloved MG badge again. Thanks. I agree. I've seen 38 MPG combined quoted, 160PS, and 0-60 of 9 secs. Acceptable 10 years ago but pretty poor now. It has 4 airbags looking at the blurb on my desk but I'm sure I counted 6 when sat in the car. The interior ? Got plenty of pics, the controls are all copies of someone else's, but made badly. I genuinely wanted to find something positive, but couldn't, their PR guy was a gent but you knew he'd long since given up the fight... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
burble Posted January 20, 2011 Report Share Posted January 20, 2011 The 75 Coupe was fantastic though, Agreed, it looks fab! Shame about the MG6 though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiser647 Posted January 20, 2011 Report Share Posted January 20, 2011 Lovely coupe! In that colour please. That should have been made. However, that MG6 from that angle, looks OK. Lovely Stop/Start 'chasm'! I can see it falling at the emmisions hurdles. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tipex Posted January 20, 2011 Report Share Posted January 20, 2011 Thing is though, as poor as the MG6 may be, for a first attempt, it's not that bad, and you can bet the Chinese will be on a massively steeper learning curve than the Koreans, or even the japs. I would expect them to be quite a big worldwide player in the future, rather than just their own Market. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theduisbergkid Posted January 20, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 20, 2011 The entry level to decent is a lot cheaper and a lot higher then it was even 3 years ago. Good for consumers, not good for MG. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barry Scott Posted January 20, 2011 Report Share Posted January 20, 2011 Top write up as always Rich! (Reminded me a bit of that James May review of the City Rover!) Shame you couldn't have a drive to get a feel of how good it really is! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theduisbergkid Posted January 20, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 20, 2011 Shame you couldn't have a drive to get a feel of how good it really is! I tried. I borrowed the keys and stuck 'em in the ignition, some woman leapt into the passenger seat and said "Ooooooh no you don't !". Good job, it was in an enclosed showroom ! :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theduisbergkid Posted January 20, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 20, 2011 Re-reading the bumf, they are building an engine test facility (they've invested £5 million, don'tcha know), so I assume this is for the emissions testing ? If they've not even built the bloody building yet, there's no danger of seeing an MG6 on the roads anytime soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m4ttm4son Posted January 20, 2011 Report Share Posted January 20, 2011 I tried. I borrowed the keys and stuck 'em in the ignition, some woman leapt into the passenger seat and said "Ooooooh no you don't !". Good job, it was in an enclosed showroom ! :D Are you sure it had an engine in it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theduisbergkid Posted January 20, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 20, 2011 Are you sure it had an engine in it? Yes. Of the 2 cars, one had the bonnet fixed shut, the other opened to reveal this... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shark_90 Posted January 20, 2011 Report Share Posted January 20, 2011 It's an "interesting" project but whether it's a good car remains to be seen. From what I gather the engine uses Bosch management and is pretty tuneable but if it doesn't have the rest of the package what good will that be.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stooH Posted January 20, 2011 Report Share Posted January 20, 2011 Good write up but a depressing read. If that makes sense. I quite like the wheels on it - a bit like an Alfa Clover Leaf that's been left too close to the fire. Is that a positive? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
malagus Posted January 20, 2011 Report Share Posted January 20, 2011 Re-reading the bumf, they are building an engine test facility (they've invested £5 million, don'tcha know), so I assume this is for the emissions testing ? If they've not even built the bloody building yet, there's no danger of seeing an MG6 on the roads anytime soon. They've been doing it at the labs of Millbrook Proving Ground and MIRA, the ETC that they are building is just to bring it in-house. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patently Posted January 20, 2011 Report Share Posted January 20, 2011 I've seen 38 MPG combined quoted, 160PS, and 0-60 of 9 secs. Acceptable 10 years ago but pretty poor now. Dear me. My 5 can do 38mpg and has 280ish bhp and 0-60 in 6.5. What are they doing with all that fuel? Is the courtesy light petrol-powered? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mook Posted January 21, 2011 Report Share Posted January 21, 2011 That interior reminds me of.... a Metro in terms of (non-) quality. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theduisbergkid Posted January 21, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 21, 2011 Metro. See, even that was pretty innovative for its time (suspension, cabin space), yet there was no innovation anywhere (produce, price, performance) with the MG6. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patently Posted January 21, 2011 Report Share Posted January 21, 2011 In other words, if I went into a showroom and asked "Why should I buy this car, then?", there would be an eerie silence... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theduisbergkid Posted January 21, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 21, 2011 I have a strange nagging feeling that it won't even make the showrooms. Might be wrong (usually am). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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