MG is providing more for less with the MG6

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It’s 10 years since MG Rover went into administration, and MG is making a point of letting everyone know it is well and truly back.

The British manufacturer enjoyed huge success in 2014, with the launch of the new MG3, doubling its dealer network, as well seeing a 360% increase in sales.

The manufacturer invested £30 million in a new flagship dealership in London’s Piccadilly. MG product manager Andrew Lowerson said: “The new Piccadilly location will be a key point for us. Other manufacturers seem to have a base in the capital, and we needed that too, especially being a British brand.”

With the launch of the new MG6 and a new SUV coming next year, that success could continue.

MG has strategically repriced its MG6 model, moving it from fighting the D segment into the C segment. Dropping the price by £3,000 brings it in line with the new segment, but MG claims it is also offering more technology for less money than its competitors. Repositioning the model has meant that the MG6, on paper, is a serious contender in the market.

The grading line-up has also changed, with trim options now being; S, TS and TL – Magnet saloon has been discontinued.

Lowerson said: “The new MG6 sums up MG as a whole, by offering as much as possible to our customers for a better price – ‘more MG for your money’.”

We test-drove the TL, which is the top-of-the-range model, priced at £17,995.

It is available with one engine variant only; a 148bhp 1.9-litre DTi Tech diesel, with a combined mpg of 61.4, CO2 emissions of 119g/km, and a 0-60mph speed of 8.4seconds (0.5 seconds faster than its predecessor). It is Euro5-compliant, with Euro6 confirmed for next year. Some 351,752 diesel models were sold in the C segment in 2014. The MG6 starts from £13,995; the cheapest diesel available in its rival, the Škoda Octavia, is priced at £18,575.

Following customer and press feedback, the new MG6 has had a refresh, with a redesigned front, but the biggest difference is how it drives. It features E-diff, a new electronic stability programme that corrects torque distribution through cornering. The often disliked handbrake of the predecessor has been replaced with a new electronic parking brake.

“We expect the TS to be the most popular trim level. We really want 100% retail sales, but expectation is more at 70% retail to 30% fleet. Dropping the price so much has meant a much lower manufacturer margin, which doesn’t make sense for big fleets, as we can’t provide a discount. Other manufacturers are able to give bulk discounts. We as a brand are more suited to retail and smaller fleets,” said Lowerson.

Marketing of the model will be organised by MG as a brand, and feature both the new MG6 and the MG3.

What’s been said about the MG6

WhatCar?

Whatever the speed or the road surface, the 6 generally feels supple and compliant; even aiming it at larger potholes doesn’t result in any unpleasant thumps reaching the cabin.

Motoring Research

The bad news is they haven’t ripped out the interior and started again. The good news is they’ve done an admirable job of making it more pleasant.

CarWow

There are some idiosyncratic touches here and there, but attracting the most frowns are some hard, easily-scratched plastics and some decidedly iffy fit and finish.