MG are the type of brand that gets some people thinking – “are they still around?” Well, MG certainly is still around and we have recently driven its biggest model, the MG6. Sitting alongside the MG3 supermini, the MG6 is still in its infancy, only launching back in 2011.
Offering a large hatchback body style, the MG6 is rather stylish with some chunky design cues that offer a sporty, muscular stance. Definitely different to competition like the Skoda Octavia and Vauxhall Insignia.
The interior of the MG6 is spacious but shows the models immaturity. The cabin is littered with cheap, black plastics which give a dull appearance - the mirror opposite to that offered by its competitors. The button layout is hard to understand as well as there are several circular dials located on the dashboard, each giving the impression that it is the ‘master control.’ Very confusing.
Our flagship TL model was well-equipped however, with the likes of heated leather seats, a seven-inch touchscreen system, dual-zone climate control and a reversing camera. The picture quality on the reversing camera is a little disappointing though.
Interior space and comfort is impressive. Front and rear passengers have plenty of head room and leg room in the rear is ample. The boot is huge as well, offering almost 500 litres, with 1,379 litres available when you fold the seats down.
The 1.9-litre DTi-TECH diesel is now the only engine in the MG6 range and has been notably refined over the years, offering less CO2 emissions and improved fuel economy. CO2 now stands at 119g/km, which is still behind the likes of the Insignia with sub 100g/km, but it’s still a massive improvement. It also claims to return an average of around 60mpg.
With 148bhp, this engine is hardly sluggish. Put your foot down and you will be surprised just how much thrust is at your fingertips. There is turbo lag low down the revs, but reach around 2,250rpm and the fun really begins – with a zero to 60mph sprint time of 8.4 seconds.
The MG6’s ride and handling isn’t too shabby either. The steering offers good weighting at lower and higher speeds, adjusting accordingly, and the suspension is comfy enough for everyday driving. There are a few slight nuisances however, like the intrusive engine noise and, when switching between fifth and sixth gear, a notchy six-speed manual gearbox.
At £18,390, our test car is probably a bit pricey for someone who is after a niche, budget car. However, go for the entry-level model and it is under £14,000. Regardless of that however, the MG6 lacks attention to detail when compared with the likes of the Insignia and Octavia, and in such a competitive market, attention to detail goes a long way.
