Re-born British brand MG will open its Australian account in the next few weeks with a one-model, two body-style gambit. The MG 6, available in both GT (liftback) and Magnette (sedan) variants, is the car in the spotlight, priced from $22,999 plus the normal government charges.
Imported and distributed by MG Motor Australia, the MG 6 is available in a single powertrain configuration -- a turbocharged 1.8-litre SOHC petrol engine matched exclusively to a five-speed manual gearbox. An auto (dual clutch) equipped MG 6 is expected to arrive Down Under in early 2014.
The four-cylinder petrol engine produces 118kW at 5500rpm with peak torque of 215Nm spread from 1750-4500rpm. The Euro5 rated engine accelerates the MG 6 to 100km/h in a claimed 8.4sec, with ADR combined fuel economy listed at 7.5L/100km.
Both the GT and Magnette MG 6s will be offered in entry-level S, midrange TS and top of the range TSE trim levels.
Both S and TS feature cloth trim interior, while the TSE presents a more luxurious leather-trimmed cabin.
Standard equipment for the base model includes air-con, power windows, keyless entry and immobiliser, foglights, a 60:40 spilt-fold rear seat, rake and reach adjustable steering and 17-inch alloy wheels and Goodyear tyres. An eight-speaker MP3-compatible audio system is also standard but no factory Bluetooth integration is offered at base or mid grade.
The $24,999 (plus on-road costs) TS adds cruise control, rear park sensors, leather steering wheel, tyre pressure monitoring systems and electric glass sunroof.
The top of the range TSE is priced at $27,999 (plus on-road costs). Equipped to a high standard with dual-zone climate controlled air-con, the TSE also gets Bluetooth, electrically-adjustable heated front seats, reversing camera and auto wipers and headlamps. Sat nav too is fitted, however, MG Motor Australia is still to confirm timing on appropriate map software.
Rated as a four-star car by EuroNCAP, Australian-market MG 6 models are equipped with six airbags, including side curtain bags. Traction and stability control are standard. The antilock four-wheel disc brakes feature a wet wiping function (like most Euros) as well as hill holder function.
MG Motors Australia’s Andrew Shaw told motoring.com.au the company expected to announce its first dealer appointments in the coming weeks. It is planning to have cars available for purchase in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane markets in August.
He says MG’s parent company SAIC purchased the nascent British brand to help position it as a mainstream international carmaker.
“I think with the MG brand, they [SAIC] were looking at wanting to produce an internationally [recognised] quality product,” he told motoring.com.au.
“So they’re [SAIC] looking at MG as: we want to produce a quality product. So that’s where we need to get as many people behind the wheel, as fast as we can -- so that they realise what true value there is in the car that they’re buying,” Shaw said.
The MG 6 rides on a 2705mm wheelbase. Overall length is 4631mm, width 1827mm and height a Golf-like 1472mm. MG Motors Australia says it is positioning the car above the current crop of small cars. In this respect it is not dissimilar to VW new Jetta or Skoda’s positioning of the outgoing Octavia. The soon to be replaced Octavia measures 4597mm long by 1769mm wide and 1447mm high and rides on a 2578mm wheelbase.
motoring.com.au spent a short stint behind the wheel of MG 6 GT TSE in Sydney last week and can report that it provides good space for four in a well-presented rattle-free cabin. Ride seemed good but our inner city drive precluded any judgment regarding handling.
The Achilles’ heel of the MG 6 is likely to be its powertrain. Though the 1.8-litre four is far from agricultural, it’s not the most lively unit. A bigger handicap, however, will be the absence -- for the time being at least -- of an auto option.
Parochial UK weekly Autocar recently reviewed the MG6 stating: "For a model born out of significant corporate strife, it’s admirable that the MG 6 comes so close to offering a competitive package... But although the 6’s strengths point towards a bright future for MG, it’s hard to recommend this car. It is unforgivable to offer such a below-par drivetrain."
Visit motoring.com.au again soon for a comprehensive road test of the MG 6.
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