MGF 1.6cc 2001
History Of The MGF
Launched in Britain in September 1995, the MGF quickly became Britain’s bestselling sports car. With a mid-engine rear-wheel-drive configuration it fought off strong competition from the Mazda MX-5 and Toyota MR2 to prove that when it came to affordable sports cars the British motor industry still did it best.
At the car’s heart is the once ubiquitous Rover K-series engine in two power outputs. The standard car with the 1.8 litre 118bhp unit will satisfy many owners but the lack of power steering and ABS encouraged many to go for the more powerful model with a 143bhp VVC (variable valve control) engine and both items fitted as standard. In February 2001 MG introduced an entry-level 1.6 litre producing 110bhp and a 1.8 Trophy 160 SE with 158bhp. If performance isn’t a primary concern the 1.6 is no bad buy, coming with power-assisted steering as standard and offering excellent economy.
The power steering feels perfect in town but is a little too light when driving at speed and the Hydragas fluid suspension struggles when pushed hard, although the car retains a predictable and gradual tendency to understeer on the limit.
Despite its size the MGF offers a decent amount of boot space split between a space behind the engine at the back and some under the car’s nose. MG claims the rear boot can accommodate two sets of golf clubs, but I’d try your clubs for size before you buy. Interior space is restricted to a small glove box and a tray for coins and keys behind the gearstick.
Front seats are supportive but the footwell space is tight. With the roof up and two large adults on board it can feel very enclosed. Fortunately, dropping the MG’s roof is a simple task via a couple of catches. It takes seconds and can be done while still in the car. But the car’s “built to a price” origins show and you’ll find the roof isn’t lined, leaving its rather ugly framework on show. Folding the roof when cold can crack the plastic rear screen; most cars suffer light scratches that can hamper rear vision.
A removable hard top is available and although a £1,200 option when new many buyers chose one. Expect to pay about £400 more for a used car with one. But check the soft top is still in good condition. If the roof was folded when wet and then left it can suffer some damage, and replacement is expensive.
