The arrival of the MG6 has been met with a “hugely positive” reaction from the public according to a Midlands’ dealer.

The new five-door fastback is the first all-new model made by MG Motor UK and the first vehicle was produced exactly six years on from the collapse of MG Rover in April 2005.

MG Motor UK spokesman Doug Wallace said: “Feedback has been strong and hugely positive and several dealers have already reported sales.

“We have been absolutely delighted by the response so far and it has been extremely well received.”

The company’s dealer network is still evolving, with 32 outlets, though the firm hopes to have 50 by the end of 2011 and 100 by the end of 2015.

Dealer principal at Summit Garage in Dudley, John Newey told the Birmingham Mail: “We have sold a couple of cars already.

“We are getting a lot of interest from people who want to book a test drive and those who drive it are all rating the ride and drive of the car very highly.”

Newey admitted some diehard MG enthusiasts would not give the new car “the time of day”, but said others have welcomed its arrival.

The MG6 is the first of a succession of new models scheduled to be assembled at Longbridge.

On sale in May and July respectively, the fastback and saloon are expected to achieve 2,000 registrations in the first full year and twice that number from 2012 once a 1.9-litre turbodiesel power unit joins the 1.8-litre petrol line up.

Prices of the cars are not yet fixed, but the entry fastback is expected to cost under £15,000.

In July a four-door saloon car will also be produced at Longbridge.

This will be followed by a compact hatchback at the end of 2012 and, possibly, the brands first SUV.