MG 6

MG6 sports fastback – first all-new MG in the UK for 16 years

MG is a brand with a famous history and an exciting future and the launch of the eagerly awaited MG6 sports fastback marks the beginning of a new era.

The car was designed by a team led by Tony Williams-Kenny and the engineering and development team was led by David Lindley. They are both based at the MG Birmingham site where final assembly of the MG6 also takes place.

A UK design and engineering staff of more than 300 professionals are based at the Birmingham operation. MG is owned by the Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) which is the largest automotive company in China.

China is now the largest car market in the world with more than 18-million car sales in 2010. SAIC’s automotive sales reached a new record of 3.58-million units in 2010. Total car sales in the UK last year were just over 2-million.   

MG6 – MG is in its DNA

The MG brand has, down through its 87-year history, always signified a sporty brand, whether in saloon form or sports car. MG is characterised as being desirable yet affordable. It’s about fun and great driving dynamics.

These historic features remain as true of the MG6 sports fastback as any of its iconic predecessors.

The MG6 is a spacious five-seater with huge boot space and a high standard specification. While most cars neatly fit into specific sectors of the market, the MG6 straddles the C and D sectors so it has an even broader customer appeal. There are three trim levels: S, SE and TSE. 

With front McPherson strut suspension and a multi-link rear set up, the MG6 handles like a much smaller sporty car which belies its size. Low running costs, with particularly low insurance group ratings (13E for the S and 14E for the SE and TSE); mean that the MG6 is a practical five-seater family car as well as delivering a rewarding, involving drive. 

Seven external colours are offered: Burnt Orange, Pitch Black, Regal Red, Union Blue, Granite Grey, Platinum Silver, Arctic White and Champagne Gold.

There are two internal trims: Charcoal Cloth and Graphite Leather.

At a glance

• Engine: 1.8-litre petrol turbocharged TCI-Tech (Turbocharged, intercooled technology), four cylinder delivering 160PS (158bph) 
  Transmission: five-speed manual
  Brakes: Anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)
• Suspension:  McPherson strut front and multilink rear
  Slip Control System (SCS) – traction control system
  “Push to Go” start system
  Parametric alarm and immobilizer system
  Diver and front passenger airbags
  Side airbags
  Tyre pressure monitoring system (SE and TSE models)
  Three-point rear seat belts
  Rear ISOFIX child seat anchorage
  Side intrusion protection beams in front and rear doors
  Hill hold control – prevents the car rolling backwards on hill starts
  Alloy wheels
• Length:  4651mm
  Width: (including mirrors) 2008mm
  Height: (unladen) 1472mm
  Wheelbase: 2705mm
  Luggage capacity:  472-litres (rear seats up), 1268-litres (rear seats folded down)
• Front wheel track: 1558mm
  Rear wheel track: 1555mm
  Fuel capacity: 62-litres
  Minimum turning circle diameter, kerb-to-kerb: 11.4
  Unladen kerb weight: 1485kg (S), 1490kg (SE), 1495kg (TSE).
• Gross vehicle train weight:  3490kg
  Towing limit unbraked:         750kg
  Towing limit braked:           1450kg
• Combined fuel consumption: 35.6mpg (7.9 litres/100k)
  Extra urban fuel consumption: 45.2mpg (6.2litres/100k)
  Urban fuel consumption: 26.1mpg (10.8litres/100k)
• CO2: 184g/km   
• Bore × Stroke: 80mm × 89.3mm
  Capacity: 1796cc
  Compression ratio: 9.2:1
  Maximum power: 160PS (158bhp)
  Engine speed to develop maximum power: rev/min 5500
  Maximum torque: Nm 215
  Engine speed to develop maximum torque: rev/min 1750-4500
• Warranty: Three years. 60,000 miles plus six-year anti-corrosion warranty, regardless of mileage.
  There is a three year roadside assistance package as standard.
  Service intervals are 12 months or 15,000 miles.
• Top speed is restricted to 120 mph and 0-60 mph takes just 8.4 seconds.   
  While the S and SE models run on 17-inch alloys, the top-of-the range TSE has 18-inch alloys.

High spec even on S-trim

The S model has an extremely high level of standard trim, including electronically controlled air conditioning, electric windows all round, ICE consisting of radio, RDS, CD player, MP3, USB and aux-in capability.
Body coloured mirrors and a rear spoiler are also standard.

Even more with the SE 

In addition the SE trim models are equipped with satellite navigation, a rear parking aid and cruise control and the front windows have a one-touch operation.

Top TSE has it all 

A class-leading standard specification on the TSE model has leather sports seats, the satellite navigation system is displayed in full colour and the reversing parking aid has a camera with a large display screen. The all-round electric windows feature one one-touch operation and the TSE has automatic electronic dual zone climate control and the ICE system receives the addition of Bluetooth. All the windows have a one-touch operation.

Sporty chassis and suspension

The MG6 is an all-new car from the chassis up, designed and developed by a team of highly professional automotive designers and engineers based at MG Motor UK’s MG Birmingham site.

Chassis engineers were given the task of developing the platform for a car that would be deliver a mix of suppleness and poise, especially tailored for the European market.

The steel monocoque is hugely strong, but is designed to retain all the dynamic qualities that give the ride that special MG feel. So on motorways the car is a rock solid cruiser while on twisty roads the true sporting nature of the car comes to life offering superb ride and handling.   

A unique compact rear suspension unit contributes to the great road holding and handling, but also allowed the body style to incorporate a huge cargo-swallowing boot. Two seats of golf clubs can be easily slotted in with plenty of space to spare.

Spacious cabin seats five adults

Comfort and space singles the MG6 out. It is a full five-seater with lots of leg room for rear seat passengers, three-point seat belts and ISOFIX child seat anchorage points. Drivers and front seat passengers will appreciate the all round cabin space with a six-way adjustable sports seat for the driver and four-way adjustable version on the passenger side. Generous leg and shoulder room help create a comfortable driving environment.

With the rear folding seats down, the huge boot area (498 litres) is extended to provide space for bulky items.

Engine and transmission designed for MG6

The powertrain for the MG6 has been specifically designed and developed for the car. The 1.8-litre turbocharged, intercooled engine delivers power on demand with 0 to 60mph coming up in around 8.4 seconds and the engine delivers a broad torque spread across the rev band. Maximum torque is 215Nm at 1750-4500 rpm.

Top speed is electronically limited to 120mph. This, along with the excellent crash protection offered by the car’s design, has resulted in insurance experts giving the MG6 a particularly low insurance group rating. The S model has a 13E rating and S and TSE versions are rated 14E.

The double overhead cam engine is EU5 compliant.

Progressive power steering

There is a great ‘feel for the road’ with the MG6. This is one of the characteristics of a ‘driver’s car’ and the MG6 certainly delivers. Power steering is progressive without being intrusive.

Anti-lock brakes (ABS) are linked with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and an SCS slip control system to give great traction control.