WHENEVER I book an MG for a test drive I am taken back to my formative driving years and my much loved MG B-GT... but how things have moved on.
Gone are the basics of yesteryear to be replaced by top-of-the-range technology and a great drive.
In fact, MG has such confidence in this aspect of its cars that it proudly boasts: "You don't park an MG, you simply allow it to rest until next time".
The model supplied for the test - an estate version - was deceptively nippy for its size and could prove an ideal family car with its four doors and plentiful storage spaces.
But it is not a car to be categorised into just one market as it would have equal appeal to the business driver due to its ease of drive, comfort and good economy figures.
And as one might expect, safety features highly on the MG wish list with numerous airbags, and energy-absorbing crush zones to protect all the occupants in the event of a crash.
Added to this are high specification tyres, tyre pressure controls and an Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution - all features which are aimed at accident prevention.
Comfort is another aspect that has tested the MG technicians and they have certainly proved their worth.
After just a few seconds of adjustments to the driving seat it was very easy to find the perfect position with seat height, rake, lumbar and steering column reach all sorted.
Then it was down to the drive itself.
The MG ZT-T held every bend, accelerated extremely well for a car of its size and performed to a high degree both on the open road and in and around town.
This MG may not have quite the sentimental appeal of my old MG B-GT, but with better safety, better handling, better specification and better driveability, it is clear that moving with the times is not all bad.
FAST FACTS
MG ZT-T +190 Estate
Price: £23,095
Mechanical: 190bhp, 2,497cc, 6cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 137mph
0-62mph: 8.2 secs
Combined mpg: 28.4
Insurance group: 16
CO2 emissions: 239g/km
BiK rating: 33%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 6yrs paint; 6yrs anti-rust