WHEN in comes to reasonably priced sportscars, there have really only been two in the running over the past few years.
Obviously, the biggest seller has been the Mazda MX5 - which is an excellent car - but if this is the kind of open air motoring you fancy, take a look at the MG F and TF as well.
These are basically the same car that has recently been relaunched by the Chinese company which now owns the rights to the name after MG-Rover's demise.
A mid-engined layout means excellent handling balance with superb road holding and grip but the ride can be pretty rough in the more powerful models.
Cheapest will be the 1.6 which has 110 or 114bhp and then there are three versions of the same 1.8 in different states of tune, with either 118, 135 or 160bhp.
Performance is good even in the lowliest versions, with a close ratio five speed gearbox to make the most of each engine's power.
Interior
The steering is full of feel and the hood, which is usually electric, takes only a few seconds to put up or down.
Equipment in most models includes electric windows and central locking and, despite the engine being behind the seats, there is a good amount of stowage space.
FAST FACTS
MG TF 118bhp 1.8
Price: Pay about £2,000 for an '01 Y-reg, £2,700 for an '03 53-reg, or £4,000 for an '05 05-reg auto.
Mechanical: 118bhp, 1,796cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving the rear wheels via 5-speed manual gearbox.
Max speed: 118mph
0-62mph: 9 seconds
Combined mpg: 33
Insurance group: 12
Marks: 9/10
Main rival: Mazda MX5