MG MG6 GT

2011 MG MG6 GT

After spending years with its current owner, Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC), they've decided that Morris Garages (MG for short) will be send them back to the Great Britian, even when this British car brand is still under China's control. The first MG model that will stage a comeback to its own roots is the MG6 GT.

Derived from its Chinese derivative, the Roewe 550, the MG6 boasts sporty elegance and the modest performance only a true British hatchback should offer. The MG6 stays true to its British roots because it was designed by the MG Motor UK Technical Centre and engineered at its Longbridge plant despite this was a completely knock down (CKD) unit. Honestly, the MG6 was made in China but shipped to the UK for some finishing touches. In China, two body types are offered; the 5-door hatchback and the 4-door saloon. The 5-door hatchback is the first to be offered for British customers while the 4-door saloon will arrive in the Britain this summer.

2011 MG MG6 GT interior

On the interior, the MG6 is a boastful experience for the driver. In night time, the red ambient lighting adds a nice touch on the MG6's interior, which is well suited for some nighttime getaway in London town. The MG6 GT S and the MG6 GT SE offers fabric interior while the top-of-the-line MG6 GT TSE offers leather interior, which is somewhat a brave act to follow. Since this is a 5-door hatchback, the MG6 GT is utility-wise. Imaging how many stuff you can pack on the back.

The only engine offered on the MG6 GT is the 1.8T TCI-Tech engine. This turbocharged 1.8-litre engine boasts 158bhp/5500rpm of power output and 215Nm of torque capacity. Top speed is 120 mph (limited) and accumulates 8.4 seconds in the 0-60mph run. The 5-speed manual transmission is standard on the MG6 GT, which can be somewhat a great news for thrill seekers but not quite good enough if its 5 gears. This engine consumes 35.6MPG (7.9L/100km) combined. For a cleaner driving, the emission regulation and emission controller is added for reduced emissions, resulting at a CO2 mass emission of 184g/km.

My Comment:
There's no need to celebrate MG's return to the Great Britain even when MG is still Chinese-owned. We can celebrate about the arrival of the MG6 GT, the hatchback designed and engineered in the UK for the ultimate fun-to-drive experience. My biggest criticism of all is how does the 5-speed manual be any more fun to the MG6 GT? One gear is missing on it but never mind, it's still looks good to drive. Sadly, no automatic variant available on the MG6 Hatchback, which makes it a weird news for automatic fans. The MG6 GT targets the Opel/Vauxhall Insignia Hatchback, Alfa Romeo Brera, Lancia Delta, Mazda Atenza Sport, Citroen C4, or even the Renault Megane Berline as rivals. Find out how does MG's comeback to the UK will stand.

Photo: MG Motor UK Limited