MG 6

Description

The five door fastback/hatchback, known as the MG 6 GT, went on sale in the United Kingdom in May 2011,^[5] the saloon, known as the MG 6 Magnette, went on sale on 16 July 2011.^[6] A diesel model joined the range at the end of 2012. The first Thai assembled car rolled off the assembly line on 4 June 2014,^[7] with a potential for 5,000 cars per annum.^[8]

History

Like the Roewe 550, some of the development and styling of the MG 6 was done at the SAIC UK Technical Centre although the main design and development contract was given to EDAG - Shanghai. It was originally designed as a Roewe badged model (IP22 Project) but, as SAIC took control of Nanjing Auto, owners of the MG brand, the nearly finished vehicle went through a facelift and came out as the first Chinese MG car.

The MG 6 commenced production in China in 2010^[9] and for a brief period in partially knock down form at Longbridge, United Kingdom, from 13 April 2011.^[10] Since 2013, the MG 3 supermini also undergoes some limited final assembly at the same factory until 2016.^[11]

Following the hatchback 6 GT, the notchback saloon version debuted in June 2011, carrying the Magnette name, which was used by MG during the 1950s to 1960s for its saloon cars, and also in the 1930s for the MG K-type. The MG 6 Magnette is quite different from the MG 6 GT GT/fastback, as it has a boot rather than a hatchback.

Models

MG 6 1.8 Turbo liftback sedan rear

MG6 4-door sedan rear

In the United Kingdom, the car was initially launched as the MG 6, but on release to the public in May 2011 as the fastback model, was announced as the MG 6 GT.^[12] For the MG 6 GT, three levels of trim are available with increasing levels of equipment and trim; S, SE and TSE. These all share the same mechanical specification, although the TSE gains 18" wheels over the standard 17".

The launch models were available with the petrol TCI-Tech 1.8 litre engine, available in two states of tune, 133 bhp (99 kW; 135 PS) and 158 bhp (118 kW; 160 PS) (with turbo), the latter being available from launch in China and as the only engine option at launch in the United Kingdom.^[13]

All models are equipped with a five speed manual transmission, front MacPherson strut suspension and multi link rear suspension.^[14] The 1.8 L turbo can accelerate to 60 mph in 8.4 seconds, has an official combined fuel consumption of 35.6mpg and a CO₂ figure of 184g/km.

Top speed is restricted to 120 mph (193 km/h) to allow the car to be a rated a lower insurance bracket.^[15] Minor improvements to the MG 6 in April 2012 resulted in fuel economy figure of 37.7mpg (official combined) and reducing CO₂ down to 174g/km.^[16]

A 1.9 litre diesel DTi-Tech engine joined the range at the end of 2012, producing 148 bhp (110 kW; 150 PS) and 350 N⋅m (258 lb⋅ft) and producing CO₂ emissions of 139g/km.^[17] The diesel engine is mated to a six speed manual gearbox, and the steering has changed to an electro hydraulic powered system.^[18]

In July 2014, the diesel engine was updated, reducing its CO₂ emissions to 129g/km.^[19]

The MG6 was facelifted for April 2015, receiving a range of exterior and interior changes including a 75 kg (165 lb) reduction in weight. It was unveiled at the Chengdu Motor Show in August 2014.^[20]

In the United Kingdom, the main mechanical changes comprised an improvement in efficiency for the diesel model, and the withdrawal of the petrol version. The facelifted model can be identified by its new lights and bumpers, front and rear, and a substantially updated interior, including a new console and electronic parking brake.^[21] Models in other markets retained two versions of the 1.8 litre petrol engine.

Awards

The MG6 won the What Car? 2012 Security Award. In the Auto Express Driver Power Survey in 2014, it won the Best Handling Award, and came sixth overall in the ‘Best Car to Own’ category. In 2016, the MG6 won three awards, these being.

• Auto Express Driver Power: Best Family Car Bronze Winner
• Auto Express Driver Power Road Handling: Silver Winner
• The Caravan Club Tow Car of the Year: Class Winner under £17,500.

Engines

The engines available in the United Kingdom for the MG6 were:

The engines available in China and Thailand for the New MG6 are:

Safety

Euro NCAP 6[22]	Points	Rating
Overall Score:	81.0 out of 128
Adult Occupant:	26.4 out of 36	73%
Child Occupant:	34.6 out of 49	71%
Pedestrian Impact:	15.0 out of 36	42%
Safety Assist:	5.0 out of 7	71%

ANCAP 6[23]	Points	Rating
Overall Score:	27.73 out of 37
Offset Impact:	10.22 out of 16
Side Impact:	13.51 out of 16
Pole Impact:	2 out of 2
Bonus Points:	2 out of 3

Sales

Initial 2011 sales of the MG 6 were slow in the United Kingdom, with only 15 units in October 2011, only seven registrations for the MG brand as a whole were recorded in November (of which three were presumably TF roadsters).^[24][25] Some cited lack of advertising and low perceived quality as problematic, while the absence of a diesel and an estate option were also mooted.^[25][26]

In December 2011, car rental company Avis UK Ltd announced that it would be running 100 MG 6 GT and Magnette in its rental fleet, and took delivery of these cars.^[27] For 2012, MG sold 782 cars in the United Kingdom.^[28]

Initial production was projected in the range of 2,000 to 3,000 per annum, although these volumes were never achieved, and in 2016, MG Motor UK withdrew the MG6 from sale in the United Kingdom.^[29]

Reviews

• The AA ^[30]
  Likes: Sharp handling and good ride, high standard specification, great value for money, good space efficiency.
  Gripes: Noisy engine when extended, some low quality cabin materials, no automatic option.
• Autocar ^[31]
  'The MG6 is now a greener proposition than ever before, but its bland cabin aesthetics are still letting the side down.'
• Auto Express ^[32]
  For: Involving handling, performance, standard kit levels.
  Against: Limited engine choice, poor quality interior, awkward looks.
• Auto Trader ^[33]
  'Despite Chinese ownership, the MG 6 is designed and built at Longbridge to take on family [cars]. It’s a decent drive, with sharp handling, and there's loads of interior space. Some serious flaws, though.'
• Evo ^[34][35]
  [+] One of the best in its class to drive, well priced.
  [-] Don't expect premium feel at these prices, gutless [petrol] engine and low-rent cabin.
• MSN Cars ^[36]
  Positives: ride and handling, equipment, practicality, styling and price.
  Negatives: interior plastics [and] economy.