1.6i –
Surprisingly good, but can feel a little asthmatic at the top end. Pulls well
from low down in the rev range however. A good motor. Looks a little odd without
colour keyed exterior trim IMO, especially as the MY 2000 has a colour keyed
windscreen frame (earlier models were all black)
1.8i –
Has the edge on the 1.6 at the top end, difficult to separate them during normal
driving. More tuning mods available for the 1.8 and 1.6 than the other models as
the VVC head and MEMS limits what can be done, if you are into personalising
your F, this is the one to go for IMO. Generally an excellent all rounder –
recommended.
VVC –
1.8i has the slight edge over VVC on pull away, but the VVC more than makes up
with greater torque from mid range all the way to the higher rev limiter.
Despite being a significant development of the VTEC principle (WAY cleverer than
the Honda version which is very crude in comparison), it delivers the extra
power smoothly across the rev range, so you don’t get the ‘thump in the back’ of
a VTEC. This means the car goes a lot faster than it feels and has left some
people disappointed. Personally, this character makes it an excellent daily
driver, again recommended.
Stepspeed –
a 1.8i with an autobox, pushbutton gear change is IMO a gimmick, more fun to be
had by using the auto shift like a WRC car, ie nudging it forward to change up
and back to change down. Even so, it is still a bit gimmicky IMO, especially as
it is imperialistically the slowest of the bunch. If you do a lot of urban
driving then I suppose I can see the point, otherwise, my advice is to stay away
there’s more fun to be had elsewhere.
Trophy 160 –
Basically a VVC with re-worked breathing (intake and exhaust), this car
liberates another 15PS from the 145PS VVC. This means that the extra performance
can be easily achieved on a stock VVC with a sports exhaust and a K+N air
filter. Where it scores big time over the VVC is the excellent brakes and
suspension, which is a lot lower and stiffer than normal, giving improved
handling (at a small ride comfort price). The exterior styling is a matter of
personal taste, personally I think the spoiler is too angular for such a curvy
car and despite being the best looking splitter available, I remain to be
convinced.
Common faults.
VVC cam bolt –
This was the subject of a
recall (unofficially, it was done at the same time as the seat belt
escutcheons). If you are after an early VVC, make sure this was done.
Inner rim tyre wear –
Caused by poor ride height /
tracking settings, easily cured but needs regular checking.
Petrol smell in the cabin
– If this is the case,
WALK AWAY. Caused by dodgy fuel tank or breather hoses and VERY difficult to
cure.
Flickering brake lights –
Easy cure this one,
plunger switch mounted inverted above brake pedal has a self adjusting mechanism
which can ‘wind itself up’ making it hyper sensitive. Give plunger a short sharp
tug to re-set.
Split rear screen – Caused by flinging the hood
back with the screen zipped in place on a cold day. Replace screen from someone
like Mike Satur (less than ½ price and better quality item than MGR dealer!)
HGF (Head Gasket Failure –
)
Number of causes,
mainly alloy block with steel liners which can be a few microns out of true
causing undue pressure on gasket (this has been cured on later models). Coolant
leaks / poorly done coolant replacement as part of a service, can cause air
bubbles in system and thus hot spots on the gasket, made worse by high engine
bay temperatures in mid engined MGF (Elise too). Thermal shock of thermostat
caused by very cool return flow from radiator (long pipe run under car adds to
cooling), during warm up causing thermostat to open and close thus creating more
cool pulses (vicious circle). Later 2 causes can be partially eliminated by
repositioning the thermostat, replacing the circlips on the coolant hose joints
and not thrashing the car from cold (hey, you’ve got an oil temperature gauge –
use it!).
Leaks –
Early
3 seam hoods are worse than later 1 seam ones (which are pretty much sorted),
boot can also leak (generally through light cluster gasket).
Misconceptions
Poor build quality,
most Fs are OK (none are brilliant), some are a bit crap. Press has had a few
bad reports from owners of ‘lemons’ and has used this to slate the MGF big time
(a complete U-turn from their early glowing reports). Don’t expect German build
quality standards, and some elements could have been better designed (manual
wing mirror adjusters, the odd squeak and rattle), but overall it’s pretty well
made.
Hairdressers car, In the derogatory sense, used to describe a car that is more
fashion than function, think MINI one and new Beetle. Whilst the F is not the
fastest car in the world, it knock spots off all the directly priced competition
(exceptions – new MR2 is slightly better handling and slightly quicker (not top
end), Elise knocks spots off MGF, Trophy 160 is in same price bracket). You have
to spend a lot to get a better performing sports car, we are talking Z3 2.8 and
upwards / Honda S2000 / V6 Alfa Spider money, £25,000 plus
Throughout its 77 year history,
MGs have always been true to their values, representing the definitive
affordable, fun, British sports car. This latest range from MG allows customers
to fully realise their ambition, offering industry leading combinations of
interior trims and options, innovative technology and a truly rewarding driving
experience.
In 1995, the Rover Group
successfully re-launched the MG marque as a world class name in sports cars. The
fundamental appeal of the MGF‘s
design and technology is reflected in the strong home and export sales demand
over the past six years and the excellent residual values of used MGF
models. Demand for the MGF
since its launch was always impressive, with a continuous order bank for the car
averaging 16-20 weeks in the UK.
MG launched the 2000 model
range to incorporate the first significant engineering and style changes to be
made to the car, many developments of which are in direct response to customer
and media feedback.
All MGF
models now benefit from new standard features that include new designs of alloy
wheel, an adjustable steering wheel and electric door mirror controls.
Particular attention has been paid to upgrading the cabin style and offering a
greatly expanded choice of interior treatments and factory options.
Top of the ‘wish list’ for MGF customers was an adjustable
steering column, which is standard across the range. The column angle can be
adjusted either side of the original column setting, giving a total travel of
28mm. A spring counter-balances the mass of the steering column, allowing
effortless adjustment. Other improvements to driving position adjustment include
extended forward travel for the seat and seat cushion for more comfortable pedal
operation by shorter occupants. New, more deeply-sculpted seat foams provide
greater comfort, support and lateral location for all sizes of drivers.
All five MGF
derivatives are now backed with a three-year warranty. The warranty has no
limitation on mileage or items covered in the first year. Warranty is subject to
terms and conditions and is available in the UK only.
The MGF
is the first MG to boast a mid-engined configuration, rear
wheel driven like every drivers car yet boasting near perfect weight
distribution for outstanding grip and handling. The MGF
also was the first to introduce MG-Rovers VVC (variable
valve control) engine, giving athletic acceleration and eager performance.
MGs have always been the ‘affordable
sportscar’ and the introduction of the MGF
1.6i version only serves to impress this fact. The new 1.6i derivative is fitted
with the 1.6-litre, 112Ps, K Series engine (effectively a short-stroke version
of the standard 1.8i, 120Ps unit). The 1.6i offers all the key driving
attributes that have made the MGF Britain’s
top selling sports car, but at a new, highly affordable price of £15,500.
To achieve this move into a new price sector, the new model
has a simplified specification, colour range and options list. However, it
retains important features such as speed-sensitive power steering, driver’s
airbag, rake-adjustable steering wheel, anti-theft alarm, electric windows,
heated door mirrors and 15-inch, eight-spoke alloy wheels – most of these
features are simply not standard on competitor products of the same value. A
3-year/60,000 mile warranty is also included.
With lower purchase, running and insurance costs, the MGF
1.6i provides an attractive new way for
budget-conscious new car buyers to experience the exhilaration of open-top MG
sports car motoring.
1796cc 120ps K-Series engine. Mid-engined,
transverse mounted, rear wheel drive via 5-speed manual transmission.
All-aluminium alloy construction. 4-cylinders, 16-valves. Double overhead
camshaft, lightweight pistons for refinement and performance. Double platinum
spark plugs with 66,000 mile service life. Through-bolt construction for
durability and consistent performance. Remote-mounted oil fill and dipstick tube
for easy use. Stainless steel exhaust system for long life. Three way exhaust
catalyst. Modular Engine Management System controlling all major engine
functions, including: control of catalyst,
engine immobilisation, and radiator fan speed (reducing speed for refinement and
economy at lower coolant temperatures, and providing a cooling down period if
required after ignition switch-off). 50 litre fuel tank.
With MG’s revolutionary Stepspeed transmission
and a choice of driving modes, your MGF can be as relaxing or as involving as
you want.
A first for the sports
car sector is Stepspeed transmission, offering both an automatic capability and
new driving experience. The new MGF
derivative – the 1.8i Stepspeed – is a major evolution of the Continuous
Variable Transmission (CVT), with electro-mechanical control and a number of
enhanced driver functions like stepped gear shifting using special steering
wheel mounted controls, a similar concept to the control used on today’s Formula
One cars. Its selection uses six optimised speed ratios to give a manual
alternative to complement the sports or drive
modes of the automatic.
1796cc
145ps VVC K-Series engine: additions/changes to above: Variable Valve Contryol,
giving enhanced breathing capability by allowing an infinitely variable range of
cam periods between wide limits. More powerful Modular Engine Management System
(MEMS 2) provides additional electronic control for VVC. MEMS 2 also provides
for; full sequential fuel injection, with adaptive control optimising
performance, economy and emissions control throughout the life of the engine;
distributorless direct ignition system with one coil per cylinder for
consistent, reliable performance. Larger valves, and special aluminium inlet
manifold and plenum chamber with increased flow capacity. Speed sensitive
Electric Power Assisted Steering and Anti-Lock Braking are standard on the MGF
1.8i VVC.
As the brand icon for MG, the mid-engined MGF roadster now features a new level of performance
with the exciting new Trophy 160 Special Edition. It’s specification is
derived from extensive racetrack action around the world and the tuned version
of the advanced K Series 1.8-litre VVC engine, with a wide-bore sports exhaust
system, develops 160Ps – over 10% more power than the already potent 145Ps of
the standard 1.8i VVC model.
Handling and braking capabilities have been upgraded in line
with the greater performance. The Hydragas interconnected suspension has
competition-based spring and damper rates and a 20mm lower ride height, while
the front brakes are new AP Racing units with 304mm ventilated discs and
red-finished, MG-branded aluminium calipers.
A new 16-inch multi-spoke alloy wheel design is standard, with
the special
option of ultra lightweight forged and spun 16-inch alloy wheels. At
the front, the MGF Trophy features a new bib
spoiler and a rear deck spoiler has also been added; these combine with the
lower stance to reduce aerodynamic drag and lift, enhancing performance and
stability. Top speed of the Trophy 160 SE is 137mph and it can accelerate from
0-60mph in 6.9 seconds.
To complement the racecar presence of the Trophy 160 there are
four striking paint colours – Trophy Yellow and pearlescent Trophy Blue (both
created for the model), Solar Red and the popular Anthracite metallic black.
Other distinguishing features include bright mesh grilles for
the front and side air intakes and black bezels around the headlamp reflectors.
Inside the Trophy there are new body-colour inserts in the door casings and the
centre console, sections of the leather steering wheel trim are also
colour-keyed to the body. A special leather/fabric seat treatment with ‘Trophy
160’ badging and an alloy/leather gear knob picks up on the distinctive fuel
filler design.
UK market versions of the MGF
Trophy 160 SE are now on sale at an on-the-road price of £20,995 including a
3-year/60,000 mile warranty.
MG announce the MGF
Freestyle special edition – available in 1.8i, 1.8i Stepspeed and 1.8iVVC
versions, boasting a comprehensive array of features designed to enhance the MGF’s
style and sporting characteristics.
Key Freestyle special
edition features include:
Distinctive 16" multi-spoke alloys
CD Tuner
Black leather seats
Rear spoiler (similar to Trophy 160)
Chrome exhaust finishers
Freestyle rear badge
Front Bib spoiler (similar to Trophy 160)
These features are in
addition to the already high level specification:
Driver’s airbag, electric
windows, electric door mirrors, remote central door locking with superlocking,
anti-theft alarm and immobiliser.
On-the-road
prices for the Freestyle SE are:
The Freestyle SE will be available in Solar Red,
Tahiti Blue, Platinum Silver, British Racing Green and Anthracite colours.
Options include ABS (on the 1.8i), passenger airbag, a body-coloured hardtop and
metallic/pearlescent paint finishes.
The SE is equipped with
16" multi-spoke alloy wheels and painted in "Wedgwood Blue". It
is available either with the 1.8i or 1.8vvc engines. The wide-bore chrome
exhaust hints at the sprinting power and sparkling mid range performance that
makes driving the MGF fun (MG-Rover phrase).
The interior is finished in black leather, which
complements the chrome fascia. Additionally an alloy gear knob is fitted. While
the CD sound system also gains eight speakers.
This model was manufactured to specifically celebrate the 75 years
of the MG manqué. The run was limi
ted to 2000 cars in either Black or Mulberry
Red. The Black cars were also fitted with a Red hood, which I personally makes
the car look particularly stunning. Apart from the unique colours it is
mechanically standard to the main range, except that it is comprehensively
fitted with options (AC being one of them). Leather predominates the interior
alongside the stainless/chrome furnishings. Finally each car has its own
individually numbered MG Limited Edition badges to celebrate the 75th
Anniversary.
This model was to celebrate Abingdon’s
tradition and glorious pedigree of building world famous MG’s. The car was
available in Brooklands Green with a contrasting beige hood and Walnut coloured
tonneau cover. 16" unique alloys with ultra low profile, uni directional
low profile tyres were also fitted on either the 120Ps "K" series or
the 145PS "K" VVC engine models.
Inside Walnut leather is used to trim the
interior. Traditional wood veneer adorns the console and fascia vents; a crafted
wood and alloy gearknob is among the fine details also used to finish the
interior.
