MG6 Magnette ~ Positive review

Tatts · 25th June 2011, 23:02

4 out of 5 stars, a nice positive review! I think it looks quite handsome!

http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evoc...se_review.html

What is it?

We've already tried the MG6 in five-door hatchback form, and found it to be unexpectedly entertaining with precise, feelsome steering, keen handling and the sort of ride that breathes over Britain's crumbling roads while still feeling engagingly precise. The early car we drove also had some gruesome interior finishes and an inconsistent throttle response from its 158bhp, 1.8-litre N-series engine (a development of the K-series). That hatchback is now named MG6 GT and is joined by a four-door saloon version, called MG6 Magnette. It's the heritage card being played; there were MG Magnette saloons in the 50s and 60s and Magnette sports cars in the 30s.

Technical highlights

As with the MG6 GT, the Magnette is assembled in a renovated section of Austin Rover's old Longbridge factory from kits sent from China by MG Motor's parent company, Shanghai Automotive. Much of the design and engineering is British. The underpinnings are loosely related to those of the old Rover 75. The Magnette trades the GT's high hatchback tail for a longer, shapelier one containing a vast boot. The result is a better-looking, more aesthetically balanced car than you might expect. Rear seat space is very generous, with access gained by doors whose window frames are shaped differently from the GT's.

What's it like to drive?

On this second encounter with an MG6, the dashboard design jarred a bit less. The instruments still seem lost in their vast cowling but the prominent slab of plastic above the glovebox now has a semi-matt finish, so the eye isn't dragged towards it as strongly. There's a long list of standard equipment, especially in the top TSE version with its leather seats.

As before, the hydraulically-assisted steering has delightful feel, weight, precision and transparency. The suspension mixes supple springing with taut damping, all of which makes this bulky-looking saloon feel very agile and pointable on a twisting road. Its cornering attitude is nicely throttle-adjustable, and the whole car has something of the feel of the original Ford Focus.

Revisions to the engine mapping have banished the flat spots and made the throttle's action more progressive. It's quieter, too, but the 158 horses still feel undernourished. Top speed is limited to 120mph, incidentally, because it reduces insurance premiums.

How does it compare?

MG says the Magnette is a sports saloon with much of the appeal of a BMW 3-series at a much lower price. There's something in that, with a taste of Subaru Impreza or Mitsubishi Lancer also thrown into the shopping basket. It has no direct rival.

Anything else I need to know?

Sales start in July, with dealers numbering over 60 by the end of the year. Prices are £500 more than the GT's, starting at £15,995 for the Magnette S and finishing at £19,995 for the TSE. And, er… four stars? Drive it and you'll see why.

stevemac · 26th June 2011, 06:07

Whilst is doesn't really stand out against most other vehicles in its class looks wise, it's nice to know that it is a good drive. Certainly prefer the saloon to the hatch.

starbug2 · 26th June 2011, 06:35

i hope it sells

keithybhoy · 28th June 2011, 21:06

it looks a hell of a lot better as a saloon and it really suits silver too,i think its a cracking looking car

GT Courier · 28th June 2011, 21:10

It does look very good, but they still need to get a better engine line up for the car, with only an uneconcomical high CO2 option is always going to hamper sales.

Diesel to follow and then hopefully the V8 version next year

simdel1 · 2nd July 2011, 21:11

Very impressive review. I trust evo more than many other pulications for their opinion on cars. It looks so much better with the boot.

I'm still hoping there will be an "RS" version in the near future.

2Diesels · 2nd July 2011, 21:24

I like the use of the name Magnette which was as you probably know an old old MG saloon name with the ZA ZB & Farina models, the car doesn't do much for me though I don't find it unpleasant infact it's quite nice in it's own way

Roger1 · 7th July 2011, 03:29

I like the use of the retro name too, and am very pleased that there are at least some positive reviews after that clown Clarkson gave it the raspberry. What's his problem anyway? Does he wish to wreck this company's chances too? Unfortunately though the MG6 is a bit nondescript. It just seems to lack something.

e668ecp · 16th July 2011, 16:38

As per my other post... sat in one today and its a fine car.

Engine block 100% k-series but all bits going to it are new

25th June 2011, 23:02	#1
Tatts This is my second home MG6 TL Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Tarn Posts: 5,269 Thanks: 2 Thanked 46 Times in 37 Posts	MG6 Magnette ~ Positive review 4 out of 5 stars, a nice positive review! I think it looks quite handsome! http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evoc...se_review.html What is it? We've already tried the MG6 in five-door hatchback form, and found it to be unexpectedly entertaining with precise, feelsome steering, keen handling and the sort of ride that breathes over Britain's crumbling roads while still feeling engagingly precise. The early car we drove also had some gruesome interior finishes and an inconsistent throttle response from its 158bhp, 1.8-litre N-series engine (a development of the K-series). That hatchback is now named MG6 GT and is joined by a four-door saloon version, called MG6 Magnette. It's the heritage card being played; there were MG Magnette saloons in the 50s and 60s and Magnette sports cars in the 30s. Technical highlights As with the MG6 GT, the Magnette is assembled in a renovated section of Austin Rover's old Longbridge factory from kits sent from China by MG Motor's parent company, Shanghai Automotive. Much of the design and engineering is British. The underpinnings are loosely related to those of the old Rover 75. The Magnette trades the GT's high hatchback tail for a longer, shapelier one containing a vast boot. The result is a better-looking, more aesthetically balanced car than you might expect. Rear seat space is very generous, with access gained by doors whose window frames are shaped differently from the GT's. What's it like to drive? On this second encounter with an MG6, the dashboard design jarred a bit less. The instruments still seem lost in their vast cowling but the prominent slab of plastic above the glovebox now has a semi-matt finish, so the eye isn't dragged towards it as strongly. There's a long list of standard equipment, especially in the top TSE version with its leather seats. As before, the hydraulically-assisted steering has delightful feel, weight, precision and transparency. The suspension mixes supple springing with taut damping, all of which makes this bulky-looking saloon feel very agile and pointable on a twisting road. Its cornering attitude is nicely throttle-adjustable, and the whole car has something of the feel of the original Ford Focus. Revisions to the engine mapping have banished the flat spots and made the throttle's action more progressive. It's quieter, too, but the 158 horses still feel undernourished. Top speed is limited to 120mph, incidentally, because it reduces insurance premiums. How does it compare? MG says the Magnette is a sports saloon with much of the appeal of a BMW 3-series at a much lower price. There's something in that, with a taste of Subaru Impreza or Mitsubishi Lancer also thrown into the shopping basket. It has no direct rival. Anything else I need to know? Sales start in July, with dealers numbering over 60 by the end of the year. Prices are £500 more than the GT's, starting at £15,995 for the Magnette S and finishing at £19,995 for the TSE. And, er… four stars? Drive it and you'll see why. __________________ http://www.wcgsig.com/115562.gif

26th June 2011, 06:07	#2
stevemac This is my second home Jaguar X Type 2.2D Estate Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Farnborough Posts: 4,306 Thanks: 6 Thanked 13 Times in 6 Posts	Whilst is doesn't really stand out against most other vehicles in its class looks wise, it's nice to know that it is a good drive. Certainly prefer the saloon to the hatch. __________________ • • • • • • • • Steve “People say nothing is impossible, but I do nothing every day.” Winnie-the-Pooh http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/n...5/twitter1.jpg

26th June 2011, 06:35	#3
starbug2 This is my second home Silver Rover 75 Tourer Club SE CDTI + MGF 1.8 in BRG Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: EARL SHILTON Posts: 5,942 Thanks: 235 Thanked 144 Times in 108 Posts	i hope it sells __________________ Membership No. 7576 now with 2020 MG ZS 1Lt TURBO engine with automatic 6 speed gearbox to help keep the 75 and MG F going as long as possible

2nd July 2011, 21:11	#6
simdel1 Posted a thing or two Rover 75 Connoisseur SE CDTi, Porsche 944 Lux, MGF Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Stamford Posts: 1,088 Thanks: 4 Thanked 6 Times in 6 Posts	Very impressive review. I trust evo more than many other pulications for their opinion on cars. It looks so much better with the boot. I'm still hoping there will be an "RS" version in the near future. __________________ Simon The Simdel1 Fleet: http://img593.imageshack.us/img593/447/sigmgf.png

7th July 2011, 03:29	#8
Roger1 Loves to post 2004 Rover 75 Conn SE 2.5 Tourer; 2022 MG HS; 2021 MG ZST Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Rangiora Posts: 438 Thanks: 42 Thanked 18 Times in 7 Posts	I like the use of the retro name too, and am very pleased that there are at least some positive reviews after that clown Clarkson gave it the raspberry. What's his problem anyway? Does he wish to wreck this company's chances too? Unfortunately though the MG6 is a bit nondescript. It just seems to lack something. __________________ ZT all the way..... [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

28th June 2011, 21:06	#4
keithybhoy Banned MG ZT-T190 Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Glasgow Posts: 1,020 Thanks: 114 Thanked 97 Times in 74 Posts	it looks a hell of a lot better as a saloon and it really suits silver too,i think its a cracking looking car

28th June 2011, 21:10	#5
GT Courier I really should get out more....... Billy No Car Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Bournemouth Posts: 2,326 Thanks: 70 Thanked 56 Times in 40 Posts	It does look very good, but they still need to get a better engine line up for the car, with only an uneconcomical high CO2 option is always going to hamper sales. Diesel to follow and then hopefully the V8 version next year

2nd July 2011, 21:24	#7
2Diesels Trader ZT 260SE, Connoisseur CDT Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: The Ancient Shire Of Bedlington Posts: 12,597 Thanks: 68 Thanked 506 Times in 305 Posts	I like the use of the name Magnette which was as you probably know an old old MG saloon name with the ZA ZB & Farina models, the car doesn't do much for me though I don't find it unpleasant infact it's quite nice in it's own way

16th July 2011, 16:38	#9
e668ecp I really should get out more....... Range Rover Evoque and ZT V8 SE Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Yorkshire Posts: 2,232 Thanks: 20 Thanked 37 Times in 34 Posts	As per my other post... sat in one today and its a fine car. Engine block 100% k-series but all bits going to it are new