HAVING something resembling a giant wedge of cheese on your drive is bound to attract a lot of attention.
The TF is a stunning looking car, but I am definitely not mellow about the colour yellow, so when I saw the livery on MG's sleek roadster, my heart sank.
Maybe it's an age thing. My 21-year-old son, who had previously pronounced the MG TF a better looking car than a Porsche, loved the colour. But custard yellow with a blue roof?
I know I am being picky and there are other areas to be critical of, including a cramped driving position, a harsh ride and awkward pedals. But if you want to be cossetted in comfort and quiet, then go for your pipe and slippers and slip into a Bentley.
In MG Rover's own words, the TF is raw and bold. It is certainly both and also a very snug fit. I now know how Nigel Mansell felt when he had to be shoehorned into the Williams F1 car. But this car is for driving enthusiasts and they certainly get their money's worth.
There are better equipped roadsters like the Mazda MX5, which is actually cheaper than this model, boasts a boot and has a passenger airbag as standard. It is more refined, but the MG is much more fun.
I even managed to get the roof down for a couple of days, although gloves, scarves and sunshades were the order of the day, and there wasn't much feeling in the extremities when I got out. The good thing is that the roof showed no sign of leakage and proved easy to take down and put up again with two simple clamps.
I had driven the 1.6 version previously and was impressed with the performance, but the 1.8 litre 160PS VVC (variable valve control) engine was hotter still.
The Rover K-Series 16valve engine catapults the car from 0-60mph in just under seven seconds with a top end of 137 mph. It's buttock-clenching acceleration that feels even quicker - almost like a go-kart. They only do around 30mph, but you're so close to the floor you feel like you're doing 90.
Handling and cornering are a dream thanks to a new suspension design. The TF dares you to spear it into corners and is not found wanting when pushed.
It clings to the road limpet-like thanks to a combination of low profile 195/45 front and 215/40 rear tyres on 16 in alloys. The electric speed-sensitive power steering is pin sharp, responding to the slightest of hand movement, which makes you feel completely in control.
The five-speed gearbox is also a delight with the postive change adding to the driving fun, and best of all is the roar from the engine, mounted just behind driver and passenger.
Despite its sporty pedigree, running the TF won't cost an arm and a leg. MG Rover claim an average fuel consumption of around 38 mpg and CO2 emissions of 179g/km won't break the bank for a company car driver.
The position of the engine obviously has an effect on the space, so the "boot" is tiny - just room for an overnight bag.
The driving position is OK, and the seats comfortable, if a little cramped. Controls are all straightforward and easy to use and include electric windows and door mirrors, remote alarm/central locking and ABS with racing front brakes with distinctive red calipers.
It's not cheap at £19,995 and the extras fitted to the test model, including the blue rag top (£150), front fog lamps (£175), passenger airbag (£250), windstop accessory (£211) and bright pack (£175) added nearly £1,000 to the price.
Free-spirited, individual and distinctive trumpets the MG Rover brochure - it's hard to disagree.
FAST FACTS
MG TF 160
Price: £19,995
Mechanical: 160bhp, 1,796cc, 4 cyl petrol engine driving rear wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
Max Speed: 137 mph
0-62mph: 6.9 secs
Combined mpg: 37.6
Insurance Group: 16
CO2 emissions: 179g/km
BiK rating: 17%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000; 6yrs antirust; 3yrs paint