FAMOUSLY at the close of the Beijing Olympics, London mayor Boris Johnson promised that at the 2012 Olympics wiff-waff would be coming home, the table tennis born in the dining rooms of British aristocracy and dominated by Chinese athletes.
Staying at the top in any sport hard work but getting there is even harder. Competing at gold standard teaches just what level of excellence is required.
The road to domination is a journey full of learning, something we should keep in mind while considering the MG6 1.8 Turbo TSE, latest from a marque born in the UK and now coming home from the Far East.
Wide tracks, flared arches and styling features hardly at one with any utilitarian fears which may have been harboured over what would be perceived as a car for the European market. Remember how basic Korean imports used to be?
This Octavia sized car, living somewhere between Focus and Mondeo, has the looks to turn heads not just because it is still something of a novelty but because it truly is good looking.
On top of that there are fans who long for the Morris Garages badge to be back in the mainstream which SAIC, the company that scooped up the mortal remains of MG Rover, is well able to deliver as China’s biggest car maker, one with ambitious plans for Europe.
So what powers the 6? Ah, yes. Remember the K-series engine? Well the N-series is an update with a turbo. Even so, the MG6 is essentially a new car, yes the front sub frame is, for the sake of production line logistics, related to the old 75 as is the fusebox but the rest is original.
It’s not especially quick but adequately warm and feels lithe and handles corners well with a reasonable ride. Pace will be satisfying enough for most while comfortable for passengers making the most of a roomy interior.
The downside is that fit and finish does not quite make the pace dictated by European rivals. The leather trim is low-grade and switch gear is basic looking and surfaces hard. This is where MG will have to pick up its game.
However the TSE is well priced and you do get a lot for your money, like heated seats, navigator, Bluetooth, electric windows, twin climate control, tyre pressure sensor four airbags and alloys.
The 6 has ABS brakes with EBD as standard along with a stability control system.
Dynamically the MG6 is impressive, with more accomplished fit and finish it will be hard to fault this car in its class.
MG is certainly back in the race if not quite up to Olympic standard.
FAST FACTS
MG6 1.8 Turbo TSE
Price: £18,995
Mechanical: 158bhp, 1,796cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 120mph
0-62mph: 8.4 seconds
Combined mpg: 35.6
Insurance group: 14
CO2 emissions: 184g/km
BIK rating: 26%
Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles