The MG6 gets updated for 2015

Ten years ago this month MG Rover collapsed with massive debts. A period of administration followed, then most of the remaining assets were eventually sold to the Nanjing Automobile Group.

Under Chinese ownership MG assembly has continued at Longbridge. However, volumes certainly aren't high. In total, 2,326 examples of the MG3 supermini and mid-size MG6 were registered in the UK during 2014. That figure equated to a market share of only 0.09%.

But things could improve this year, thanks mainly to more dealers being appointed and a comprehensive refresh for the four-year-old MG6.

A mild facelift sees changes to the headlights, bumpers and front grille. Inside, the instrument cluster has been redesigned and the adoption of an electronic parking brake has freed up centre console space.

MG 6 (2015) Front Side

More important is a complete rationalisation of the MG6 line-up. Gone is the Magnette saloon version, so now the sole available body style is a five-door hatchback (which incidentally no longer carries a 'GT' suffix).

Also deleted from the spec sheets is the 1.8 litre petrol engine. Consequently, the one powertrain option is a 1.9 litre common-rail turbocharged diesel that comes with a six-speed manual transmission.

Output is still 148 bhp (110 kW / 150 PS) with 350 Nm (258 lb/ft) of torque, but the 0-60 mph (96 km/h) time has been reduced by half a second to a brisker 8.4 seconds. What's more, the MG6 achieves 61.4 mpg (4.6 l/100km) on the combined cycle and carbon dioxide emissions are down by 10 g/km to 119 g/km.

MG 6 (2015) Interior

Just three trim grades are being offered. All feature heated front seats, air conditioning, 16” alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights and four electric windows as standard.

The mid-ranking TS variant gains some useful items such as Bluetooth, automatic lights and wipers, rear parking sensors, cruise control, a multi-function steering wheel and a touchscreen-based infotainment system with satellite navigation.

Heading the range is the TL. Its additional equipment list includes bi-xenon headlights, a rear reversing camera, climate control, leather upholstery and electrically-adjustable front seats.

In a serious effort to attract more buyers MG has realigned prices too. The entry-level MG6 S costs a very reasonable £13,995, while the TS and TL are £16,195 and £17,995 respectively.

So on the face of it the 2015 MG6 appears to represent decent value for money. A risk of high depreciation rates might continue to be an issue, though.

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