History
Like the Roewe 550, some of the development and styling of the MG6 was done at the SAIC UK Technical Centre although the main design and development contract was given to EDAG: Shanghai. It was originally designed as a Roewe badged model (IP22 Project) but, as SAIC took control of Nanjing Auto, owners of the MG brand, the nearly finished vehicle went through a facelift and came out as the first Chinese MG car.
The MG6 commenced production in China in 2010, and for a brief period in partially knock down form at Longbridge, United Kingdom, from 13 April 2011.[8][9] From 2013, the MG 3 supermini also saw some limited final assembly at the same factory until 2016.[10]
Following the hatchback 6 GT, the notchback saloon version debuted in June 2011, carrying the Magnette name, which was used by MG during the 1950s to 1960s for its saloon cars, and also in the 1930s for the MG K-type. The MG6 Magnette is quite different from the MG6 GT GT/fastback, as it has a boot rather than a hatchback.
Models
In the United Kingdom, the car was initially launched as the MG6, but on release to the public in May 2011 as the fastback model, was announced as the MG6 GT.[11] For the MG6 GT, three levels of trim are available with increasing levels of equipment and trim: S, SE and TSE.
These all share the same mechanical specification, although the TSE gains 18" wheels over the standard 17".
The launch models were available with the petrol TCI-Tech 1.8-litre engine, available in two states of tune, 133 bhp and 158 bhp (with turbo), the latter being available from launch in China and as the only engine option at launch in the United Kingdom.[12]
All models are equipped with a five-speed manual transmission, front MacPherson strut suspension and multi-link rear suspension.[13] The 1.8 L turbo can accelerate to 60 mph in 8.4 seconds, has an official combined fuel consumption of 35.6 mpg and a figure of 184 g/km.
Top speed is restricted to 120 mph to allow the car to be a rated a lower insurance bracket.[14]
Awards
The MG6 won the What Car? 2012 Security Award. In the Auto Express Driver Power Survey in 2014, it won the Best Handling Award, and came sixth overall in the 'Best Car to Own' category. In 2016, the MG6 won three awards, these being.
- Auto Express Driver Power: Best Family Car Bronze Winner
- Auto Express Driver Power Road Handling: Silver Winner
- The Caravan Club Tow Car of the Year: Class Winner under £17,500.
Engines
The engines available in the United Kingdom for the MG6 were:
The engines available in China and Thailand for the New MG6 are:
Sales
Initial sales in 2011 of the MG6 were slow in the United Kingdom, with only fifteen units in October 2011, only seven registrations for the MG brand as a whole were recorded in November (of which three were presumably TF roadsters).[23][24] Some cited lack of advertising and low perceived quality as problematic, while the absence of a diesel and an estate option were also mooted.[24][25]
In December 2011, car rental company Avis UK Ltd announced that it would be running one hundred MG6 GT and Magnette in its rental fleet, and took delivery of these cars.[26] For 2012, MG sold 782 cars in the United Kingdom.[27]
Reviews
Likes: Sharp handling and good ride, high standard specification, great value for money, good space efficiency. Gripes: Noisy engine when extended, some low-quality cabin materials, no automatic option. 'The MG6 is now a greener proposition than ever before, but its bland cabin aesthetics are still letting the side down.' For: Involving handling, performance, standard kit levels. Against: Limited engine choice, poor quality interior, awkward looks. 'Despite Chinese ownership, the MG 6 is designed and built at Longbridge to take on family [cars]. It's a decent drive, with sharp handling, and there's loads of interior space. Some serious flaws, though.' [+] One of the best in its class to drive, well priced. [-] Don't expect premium feel at these prices, gutless [petrol] engine and low-rent cabin. Positives: ride and handling, equipment, practicality, styling and price. Negatives: interior plastics [and] economy.