Good value for money and fun to drive

MG is a manufacturer that most of us associate with classic roadsters, and tuned-up Rovers. Since the brand's reintroduction in 2007, the now Chinese-owned company produces well-equipped family cars that appeal to the masses more than enthusiasts. The MG6, introduced in the UK in 2011, is a family hatchback that offers lots of practical space, impressive equipment levels, and a fun driving experience. It’s not quite in keeping with MG’s motorsport history, but it’s still a solid option for family buyers who want something a little bit different.

Lots of equipment but poor quality

One area that the MG6 disappoints is in its inside. The quality on show doesn’t quite reach the standards of most modern manufacturers. There’s still plenty of space however, and spec levels are impressive.

Dashboard

The dashboard of the MG6 feels a little dated when you put it up against its family hatchback rivals. The design is simple, but the quality of materials used throughout is disappointing. Compare it with a Volkswagen Golf, and it look positively poor. Plastics used are hard to the touch, and it all feels a little bit cheap. Controls also feel quite flimsy, so if you’re looking for interior luxury, you might be better off looking elsewhere.

Capacity

Space wise the MG6 actually impresses. With 458 litres of boot space, it eclipses all of its key rivals. It really does feel cavernous back there, and it eats up all but the biggest of bulks. The MG6 is without doubt one of the most practical cars in the class, and when you compare it to a Ford Focus (316 litres) and the Vauxhall Astra (351 litres), it’s becomes an attractive proposition for family buyers.

Equipment

Equipment levels in the MG6 are equally impressive. There’s few entry-level trims that come with quite as much kit as the TS on offer in the MG6. You’ll get a touch-screen infotainment system, that whilst dated, still takes care of your needs. You’ll also get sat-nav, Bluetooth, a DAB radio, parking sensors, automatic lights and wipers, air-con, LED daytime lights, alloy wheels, heated seats, and USB connectivity. For a family car the amount of kit you get is really impressive.

Whilst the quality of materials on show in the interior of the MG6 is a little bit disappointing, the MG6 is a great option for family buyers who want lots of space, and lots of equipment. It really is great value for money.

Fun to drive, but not the most refined

The family hatchback market is one that is flooded with options, with most offering a reasonably engaging driving experience. The MG6 though is arguably one of the most fun cars to drive in its class. It’s not quite as responsive to drive as a Ford Focus, but it’s certainly a better drive than a Vauxhall Astra. It feels sharp through the corners, and though steering feedback isn’t class leading, there’s enough on offer in the MG6 to put a smile on your face.

Suspension

As the MG6 is a car designed to be fun to drive, it does suffer a little bit in its ride refinement. The suspension system is stiff, in order to make the MG6 stick to the road, but unfortunately this makes rough road surfaces a little bit bumpy. It’s perfectly acceptable around town, or even short to medium country drives, but for long distance driving it’s not as refined as a Volkswagen Golf, or even a Skoda Superb.

Transmission

Gearbox options in the MG6 come only in one guise. The six speed manual transmission that runs throughout the MG6 range is decent enough though, and the sixth gear will come in handy for motorway driving. It’s not the most refined gearbox on offer in its class, but it gets the job done without too much of a fuss.

Punchy diesel has enough power, but isn’t the most modern

When it comes to deciding how you want to power your MG6, you’ve only got the one option: a 1.9 litre diesel engine. If you’re looking for power, there’s more than enough on offer from this engine to keep up with day-to-day needs, as well as having enough bite to put a smile on your face on country roads. With 148bhp, and a 0-62mph time of 8.4 seconds, it’s not going to break any records, but it’s more than enough grunt for most drivers.

Best Efficiency

One area in which the diesel engine really disappoints, is in its eco-credentials. Compared to a lot of engines on offer in rivals, the diesel on offer in the MG6 is far from the greenest. The latest model features 119g/km of CO2 emissions, which is much improved over previous models, but it’s still going to cost you money every year to tax.

It’s not the best in the class when it comes to fuel efficiency either. With up to 61.4 mpg on offer it’s still pretty respectable, but if you want a true money-saver, you’re probably better off looking at more efficient offerings from the more conventional manufacturers.

Respectable NCAP, decent safety equipment

Unlike most cars in its class, the MG6 failed to achieve the highest possible 5-star NCAP safety rating. With scores of 73% in adult safety, 71% in child safety, and 42% in pedestrian safety, the MG6 falls some way behind the safest cars in the class. Nevertheless, it was still enough to achieve a 4-star NCAP rating. There’s also side, front, and passenger airbags, ABS, and electronic stability control as standard throughout the range. It’s not the safest car in its class, but it shouldn’t leave you feeling too worried.

Decent value for money, so long as you avoid the cost of new-car depreciation

The MG6 offers buyers reasonable value for money, though it’s not the cheapest car to run day-to-day. It offers great value at purchase point, as it’s cheaper to buy, and better equipped. But compared to the market leaders, you won’t be getting the best value in either road tax, or fuel efficiency. It’s still reasonable to run, but if you’re a hard-line money-saver, it might be worth considering competitors.

Insurance

Insurance costs in the MG6 are decent, though again, they’re not the cheapest in the class. The entry-level 1.9D S is the cheapest model in the range, in group 14, whilst the most expensive is the range-topping 1.9D TL in group 17. It’s worth considering that you can get a Ford Focus in group 6, and the latest Vauxhall Astra also offers group 6 insurance for entry-level models.

Depreciation

Depreciation is a large factor with the MG6, but only if you choose to buy from new. With first year depreciation as high as 40%, you’re better off opting for an inspected used equivalent.

The MG6 is a solid option for family buyers who want space, practicality, and good equipment levels, for a reasonable purchase price. It doesn’t have the interior quality, fuel efficiency, or the looks of some rivals, but it’s nevertheless a fun car to drive, even if it is more expensive to run day-to-day.

Buying a used MG6 online with Carspring

If you’re after a used MG6 for sale, it can all feel like a bit of an ordeal. What, with long days spent around gigantic car supermarkets, or time spent trawling through classified websites, looking for that ideal used MG6. Carspring makes it simple. Buy your next used MG online with the touch of a button. Simply decide on the model you want and choose how you want to pay.

Looking to finance your used MG? Not a problem, we work with our carefully selected finance partners to ensure that, if you’re paying monthly for your used MG6, you know you’re getting the best rates. What’s more, with any Carspring used MG6, you also get our 14-day money-back guarantee and 6 months’ free Carspring Warranty. Plus, you don’t have to leave your home. We’ll deliver your used MG to you at a time and place of your choice.

*This is an approximate figure based on the range of the car’s list price and the AA’s average 1st-year depreciation cost of 40%.