Pretty and Practical (Rover MG MGF in general)

Name: grbrown

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Product:	Rover MG MGF in general
Date:	20/02/02 (1940 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Utterly beautiful, Hard & Soft tops, Economical

Disadvantages: Luggage space, A bit noisy

I took an interest in the MGF as soon as I heard of it and went to Silverstone for a classic car meeting in 1995 when I learned that a pre-production model would be on display. To my engineer's eye that car was very close to production spec and I resolved to buy one.

I waited until I could sample a demonstrator before placing an order for a VVC, with the consequence I had to wait 11 months for delivery! I collected it in January 1997, was instantly besotted and still am to this day. A hopeless case!

However, all was not sweetness and light and whereas I never suffered any of the usual problems one reads about, it did like to visit my dealer's workshop a lot. After three years I exchanged it for a fresh car and have not regretted it. Between the two I have driven approx 50,000 miles to date.

What I sought in my MG was a sort of mini-XJS (I have one of those too) that would provide sporty, practical, economical everyday transport. So I have full leather and pseudo walnut and a host of other essential extras, including a hardtop.

During wintery weather with the hardtop on it is like driving a two-seat saloon - warm and cosy, while on warmer balmy days with the hood down, "au naturel", one can pose or just be cool. The rear screen of the hardtop is glass, with a demister, whereas the soft-top has a flexible plastic screen, which is not as easy to see through. At speed, or on long journeys, the car is very much quieter and more pleasant with the hardtop.

Unlike other small sports cars, one does not sit on the floor, but in a more upright position, which I prefer. The hydro-elastic suspension is compliant and reasonably smooth - the later car being noticeably better than the first one. The steering is good and cornering ability remarkable.

Another noticeable difference between the two cars is the smoother running engine in the later one, which also revs more freely and is much nicer. The later car is
definitely the more pleasing to drive, pulling more readily from low rpm.

Neither my wife nor I are very tall, so we find the accommodation fine and seats very comfortable. We have travelled the 1000 miles to Scotland and back in complete comfort. Whereas the luggage space is a bit mean, we are also motorcyclists, so know how to be economical when packing for a week's holiday!

I find it frustrating that the space under the bonnet is clumsily used, to deny any stowage for luggage - something to do with crash deformation I am told. I'd rather have use of the space on a daily basis, than be denied it for ever!

While by no means a perfect car, I think it is gorgeous and well worth owning.

Summary: