There's little room for sentimentality in the motoring business. Your average car buyer may get all misty-eyed when recalling their first four-wheeled ticket to freedom, but snap back to reality and there are few people willing to spend their hard-earned money on a nostalgia trip. It is this reality that faces MG, which is back selling cars.
The company's MG6 is a mid-sized hatch that sits between the traditional C and D segments — think Ford Focus and Mondeo — handily priced near the former but with space approaching the latter. It's a good summation of MG's approach for its new beginning: paying homage to driving enjoyment like its cars of old but underlined with value.
It's an attractive car on first meeting. There's very little in the way of harking back to the past; this is a contemporary exterior design, and stands up well to rivals that have the benefit of vast resources. Look closely and you can see the barrel-sided effect last seen on the Rover 75, which helps the strong stance, and although it is less pretty from the rear MG has done a fine job of creating a modern interpretation of the brand.
Climb inside and there is an immediate feeling of space, although it is somewhat tempered by the choice of dark colours in the cabin. The dashboard layout is conventional, the plastics a shade behind Korean rivals, but the build quality appears sound.
The 1.8-litre turbo petrol unit produces 158bhp and is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox driving the front wheels. The 0-100kph dash is despatched in 8.4 seconds — nippy if not hot hatch quick. Driven in a more sedate fashion it is respectably refined, but when stretched to deliver maximum performance noise levels do increase.
That is of little relevance however when the first bend looms in the windscreen, because the MG6 is certainly worthy of its well-known badge thanks to the responsive and able steering and suspension. Initially the steering is surprisingly heavy, but after a few kilometres it becomes clear this is merely a reflection of the accuracy and consistency it offers. It thrives on challenging bends and demanding conditions.
Overall, the MG6 is spacious, fun to drive and well-specified. For that reason alone, it is worthy of careful consideration.
Specs
Model MG6
Engine 1.8-litre four-cyl turbo
Transmission Five-speed manual, FWD
Max power 158bhp @ 5,500rpm
Max torque 216Nm @ 1,750rpm
Top speed 194kph
0-100kph 8.4sec
Price NA
Plus Good handling, plenty of kit as standard
Minus Rear styling, plastics
