MG 6 Magnette
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10th August, 2011
Following the recent release of the MG 6 GT sports
fastback, the four-door MG 6 Magnette offers a new spacious sporty saloon adding a second model
to the range from MG Motor UK.
The Magnette revives the name of one of the most famous saloon cars to bear the famous MG
octagon badge. For drivers looking for a four-door saloon with impeccable road manners along with
an involving, distinctive sporty character, the latest MG offers the perfect recipe.
Until now the sports saloon sector of the market has been dominated by much more expensive
German and Italian brands. Now the MG Magnette offers an affordable, British alternative in this
select arena.
The Magnette delivers the great driving dynamics of a sports car in a four door saloon body.
Although capable of carrying five adults, the feel of the car from a driver perspective is one of
great agility and sportiness.
Car 'clinics' have revealed that the MG 6 Magnette will appeal to the executive and company
car driver in addition to private drivers whose lifestyles do not require the additional
cargo-carrying capability of the GT fastback.
MG is a brand with a famous history but now has an exciting future. The MG 6 Magnette joins
the MG 6 GT sports fastback at the beginning of this new chapter in the MG story.
Like the MG 6 GT, the Magnette was designed by a team led by Tony Williams-Kenny and the
engineering and development team was led by David Lindley. They and their teams are based at the
MG Birmingham site where final assembly of both models also takes place.
A UK design and engineering staff of more than 300 professionals are based at the Birmingham
operation. MG is owned by the Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) which is the
largest automotive company in China.
China is now the largest car market in the world with more than 18-million car sales in 2010.
SAIC’s automotive sales reached a record 3.58-million units in 2010 and the company is on target
to reach 4-million sales by the end of 2011. By comparison, total car sales in the UK in 2010
were just over 2 million, with likely sales for 2011 being under 2 million.
MG 6 Magnette – tradition made modern
The iconic MG brand has an 87 year history. MG is characterised as being desirable yet
affordable. It’s about fun and great driving dynamics, whether the individual model is a saloon,
or open-topped sports car.
These historic characteristics are as true of the latest generation of MGs as any of famous
historic cars.
The MG 6 Magnette is a spacious five-seater. Like the MG 6 GT, the new Magnette has the
advantage of being larger than cars in the C sector of the market, yet more compact than
competitors in the D sector. This broadens the potential customer base for the MG 6 models and
offers tremendous value for money.
There are three trim levels: S, SE and TSE, all with very high levels of standard
specification – only metallic paint is an optional extra. The Magnette has an extremely generous
boot – at 498 litres – offering another plus-point over many rivals.
With front McPherson strut suspension and a multi-link rear set up, the MG 6 Magnette handles
like a much smaller sporty car which belies its size. Low running costs, with particularly low
insurance group ratings (in the UK); mean that the MG 6 Magnette is a practical five-seater
family car as well as delivering a rewarding, involving drive.
Seven external colours are offered: Pitch Black, Regal Red, Union Blue, Granite Grey, Platinum
Silver, Arctic White and Champagne, which is exclusive to the Magnette.
There are two internal trims: Charcoal Cloth and Graphite Leather.
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At a glance
Engine: 1.8 litre petrol turbocharged TCI-Tech (Turbocharged, intercooled technology), four
cylinder delivering 160 PS (158 bph)
Transmission: five-speed manual
Brakes: Anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)
Suspension: McPherson strut front and multilink rear
Slip Control System (SCS) – traction control system
“Push to Go” start system
Parametric alarm and immobiliser system
Driver and front passenger airbags
Side airbags
Tyre pressure monitoring system (SE and TSE models)
Three-point rear seat belts
Rear ISOFIX child seat anchorage
Side intrusion protection beams in front and rear doors
Hill hold control – prevents the car rolling backwards on hill starts
Alloy wheels
Length: 4,651 mm
Width: (including mirrors) 2,008 mm
Height: (unladen) 1,472 mm
Wheelbase: 2,705 mm
Luggage capacity: 498 litres
Front wheel track: 1,558 mm
Rear wheel track: 1,555 mm
Fuel capacity: 62 litres
Minimum turning circle diameter, kerb-to-kerb: 11.4
Unladen kerb weight: 1,475 kg (S), 1,480 kg (SE), 1,485 kg (TSE)
Gross vehicle train weight: 3,490 kg
Towing limit unbraked: 750 kg
Towing limit braked: 1,450 kg
Combined fuel consumption: 7.9 litres/100 k (35.6mpg)
Extra urban fuel consumption: 6.2 litres/100 k (45.2mpg)
Urban fuel consumption: 10.8 litres/100 k (26.1 mpg)
CO2: 184g/km
Bore × Stroke: 80 mm × 89.3 mm
Capacity: 1,796 cc
Compression ratio: 9.2:1
Maximum power: 158 bhp (160PS)
Engine speed to develop maximum power: rev/min 5,500
Maximum torque: 215 Nm
Engine speed to develop maximum torque: rev/min 1,750-4,500
Warranty: Three years/ 60,000 miles plus six-year anti-corrosion warranty, regardless of
mileage
There is a three year roadside assistance package as standard
Service intervals are 12 months or 15,000 miles
Top speed is restricted to 120 mph and 0-60 mph takes 8.4 seconds
While the S and SE models run on 17-inch alloys, the top-of-the range TSE has 18-inch alloys
High spec even on S-trim
The S model has an high level of standard trim, including electronically controlled air
conditioning, electric windows all round, ICE consisting of radio, RDS, CD player, MP3, USB and
aux-in capability.
Body coloured mirrors and a rear spoiler are also standard.
Even more with the SE
In addition the SE trim models are equipped with satellite navigation, a rear parking aid and
cruise control and the front windows have a one-touch operation. The Magnette SE also has a front
parking aid.
Top TSE has more
A class-leading standard specification on the TSE model has leather sports seats, the
satellite navigation system is displayed in full colour and the reversing parking aid has a
camera with a large display screen. The all-round electric windows feature one one-touch
operation and the TSE has automatic electronic dual zone climate control and the ICE system
receives the addition of Bluetooth. All the windows have a one-touch operation.
In addition Magnette TSE models also have, as standard, an electric sunroof.
Sporty chassis and suspension
The MG 6 Magnette is an all-new car from the chassis up, designed and developed by a team of
professional automotive designers and engineers based at MG Motor UK’s MG Birmingham site.
Chassis engineers were given the task of developing the platform for a car that would be
deliver a mix of suppleness and poise, especially tailored for the European market.
The steel monocoque is strong, but is designed to retain all the dynamic qualities that give
the ride that special MG feel. So on motorways the car is a rock solid cruiser while on twisty
roads the true sporting nature of the car comes to 'life' offering superb ride and handling.
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A unique compact rear suspension unit contributes to the great road holding and handling, but
also allowed the body style to incorporate a huge cargo-swallowing boot. Two sets of golf clubs
can be easily slotted in with plenty of space to spare.
Spacious cabin seats five adults
Comfort and space singles the MG 6 GT out. It is a full five-seater with lots of leg room for
rear seat passengers, three-point seat belts and ISOFIX child seat anchorage points. Drivers and
front seat passengers will appreciate the all round cabin space with a six-way adjustable sports
seat for the driver and four-way adjustable version on the passenger side. Generous leg and
shoulder room help providte a comfortable driving environment.
Engine and transmission designed for MG 6 Magnette
The powertrain for the MG 6 Magnette has been specifically designed and developed for the MG 6
range. The 1.8-litre turbocharged, intercooled engine delivers power on demand with 0 to 60 mph
coming up in around 8.4 seconds and the engine delivers a broad torque spread across the rev
band. Maximum torque is 215 Nm at 1,750-4,500 rpm.
Top speed is electronically limited to 120 mph. This, along with the excellent crash
protection offered by the car’s design, has resulted in insurance experts giving the MG 6 a
particularly low insurance group rating in the UK.
The double overhead cam engine is EU5 compliant.
Progressive power steering
There is a great ‘feel for the road’ with the MG 6 Magnette. This is one of the
characteristics of a ‘driver’s car’ and the MG 6 certainly delivers. Power steering is
progressive without being intrusive.
Anti-lock brakes (ABS) are linked with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and an SCS
slip control system to give great traction control.
Australian Availability
MG sales are best described as slow in the UK, so any export programme that comes along in the
near to mid-term won't include Australia. However, in the long term, if the brand is able to
restore sales to a much higher level then anything will be possible.
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