Rover owners: The MG6 - a little review.

Just thought that I would entertain you all with a quick write up of my experiences with the MG6 TSE 1.8 petrol that I currently have on loan from Longbridge.

My first impressions were very good - good looking, even panel gaps and nice,deep paintwork. My Mrs was not as impressed - finding the size and the sheer amount of dashboard controls a cause for anxiety. I pointed out that the lightweight key has come in for criticism on several occasions (road tests etc) but we both agreed that although lightweight, it feels solid. She also doesnt like the start-up operation and would prefer a 'normal' key. I - am not bothered either way.

Inside - we both found that its very easy to find a comfortable driving position and that every control is within easy reach. The Mrs found that the height of the steering wheel was completely obscuring the instrument panel. The infamous dash plastics are a non-issue - yes they are of lesser quality than in my friends BMW 330D - which is the closest thing that I have for comparison, but they dont rattle, squeak or have any other negative effect that I can think of.

The sat nav was set to take us home - a real weak point of the car is that you cannot input a full post-code, very poor.

I was driving us home and immediately felt at one with the car, its so easy to drive and hugs the corners well. Im glad that the sat nav took us a strange way out of Longbridge as it was a twisty route where the car would easily leave other, more expensive cars.

I did notice that the engine seems to 'bog down' a bit during quick gear changes and that its a bit notchy into second but these are minor complaints and can be avoided by taking your time a bit with the changes.

Anyway, a nice cruise down the M6 to home - it will happily sit at all legal speeds and pick up speed smoothly if asked. Cruise control is easy to use and works well. I did notice that there was some road noise - probably more noticeable than in the '13 plate Focus that I had recently, if Im honest.

Pulling the car onto the drive - the front sensors beeped (I didnt know it had these), I put the handbrake on (oh, yeah - its rubbish and I trapped my thumb!) and we both went inside and had dinner.

My verdict on the MG6 TCi Tech -

Its great to drive - dynamics and handling easily on par with its rivals

It looks good and has presence on the road

Loads of space

Sat nav is not as good as an aftermarket item that could be had at less than the price of a trim upgrade

The handbrake is needlessly rubbish

Slight turbo lag or bogging down during quick gear changes

Over the last couple of days I have really gel'd with the car and it has been great fun. Im hoping that the MG3 takes a little while longer so that we can use this more haha.

Although we are off to Europe (Nurburgring etc) on Monday but will be taking the ZR.