Driving Experience of the 2019 MG 6
MG, or "Morris Garages," is a British car manufacturer established in 1924, known for producing roadster cars. Today, we present a driving experience of the latest model from this company, which is now under the management and funding of China's SAIC Motor. Let's take a closer look at the all-new MG 6 2019 and see how it competes with well-known sedans in this segment like the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, and Kia Cerato.
Exterior Design
The exterior design of the MG 6 is strikingly beautiful, featuring a European aesthetic, particularly evident in the fastback style at the rear, which sets it apart from competitors in this category. A closer look reveals a clever blend of design elements from other vehicles.
- The large front grille resembles that of Mazda vehicles.
- The fastback design is inspired by Mercedes cars.
- The headlights come fully equipped with LED technology, featuring daytime running lights similar to those found on Mazda.
- Side lights activate automatically during turns.
The fully equipped MG 6 comes with 18-inch alloy wheels and chrome accents along the sides. The roofline gently slopes towards the rear, giving it a coupe-like appearance. Additionally, the rear features LED lighting reminiscent of Mercedes designs.
The trunk offers approximately 424 liters of space, which is among the most practical in its class due to the fastback design and rear glass hatch that provides easy access. The trunk's capacity can also be expanded by folding down the rear seats.
Interior Design
Upon entering the cabin, you'll immediately notice its sporty design, which rivals the modernity and elegance of competing vehicles. The interior features a dual-tone leather scheme in black and red, carbon fiber accents, round air conditioning vents, a sporty flat-bottom steering wheel wrapped in red-stitched leather, and aluminum pedals.
While the construction feels sturdy, a closer inspection may reveal some disappointment with the materials used inside the cabin, as lightweight plastics are used extensively throughout, and even the carbon fiber is merely a plastic imitation.
Technological Features
The fully equipped MG 6 features keyless entry and ignition, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity, and support for Apple CarPlay. However, it lacks a navigation system and compatibility with Android Auto, as well as any form of smartphone mirroring.
The climate control system is dual-zone, with controls located below the screen, while temperature information is displayed underneath. There are two USB ports for mobile charging located beneath the climate control buttons.
Additionally, a rearview camera and parking sensors assist in detecting obstacles behind the car, albeit with somewhat limited clarity. The fully equipped MG 6 also features an electronic parking brake with an auto-hold function, a cooled center console, and a sunroof.
The instrument panel includes a display that shows information for both the fuel gauge and engine temperature. Steering wheel controls allow the driver to change information on the display and manage the audio system and Bluetooth connectivity, while a stalk behind the wheel controls the cruise control.
The seats are comfortable, with the driver's seat featuring electric adjustment. Despite the fastback design, rear passengers will find adequate headroom and legroom, surpassing some competitors in rear passenger space. The rear seats also benefit from air conditioning vents, though there are no USB ports for mobile charging.
Driving Performance
The driving experience of the MG 6 reveals two sides to this vehicle. The first is when driving in normal mode using the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, where the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine generates 167 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque, providing sufficient acceleration.
Shifts are smooth, and the steering has a good weight and responsiveness, with commendable grip on the road. The suspension system is well-suited for this class of cars, offering decent isolation from engine noise and external sounds.
When compared to competitors like the Kia Cerato and Toyota Corolla, the MG 6 showcases stronger performance, though it falls short against the Honda Civic with its 180-horsepower turbo engine.
The second aspect of the vehicle becomes apparent when the transmission is switched to sport mode, where the gauges turn red, and paddle shifters behind the wheel are engaged. Interestingly, the transmission seems to develop a mind of its own, hesitating to shift gears, and the engine revs remain high even when the accelerator is released for a duration.
Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes 7 seconds, with a fuel consumption rate of 5.8 liters per 100 km.
Conclusion
In conclusion, like many other Chinese cars, the MG 6 demonstrates that Chinese manufacturers are on the right track, delivering modern and attractive exterior and interior designs. The technology continues to evolve, and they focus on providing the driver with an engaging and bold driving experience. The MG 6 is truly a remarkable example of this progress.
With a price of 73,000 AED, it is a good vehicle, but with other established models in the market such as the Kia Cerato priced at 78,000 AED and the Honda Civic at 84,000 AED, it faces significant competition.
