For the first time in 16 years, an MG->ke56-branded vehicle is returning to the market, only this time, it's not the old MG we've come to know.

MG Motor UK Limited is a British car manufacturer that's owned by Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation and headquartered in Birmingham, England. It's not the same MG from decades past, having been founded only in 2006 after acquiring the original MG Rover and all the rights to the MG name.

With a new lease on life, MG went ahead and overhauled their vehicle line-up, starting with the new MG6.

As the first all new MG to come out to the market in 16 years, the MG6 represents the beginning of a new generation of models for the reborn British brand. The model offers modern British sporting style with a spacious and advanced interior that fits right in with the type of cars that are being sold these days.

The name might still be the same, but the new MG6 is a completely different model born in a completely different time.

Find out more about the MG MG6 after the jump

2011 MG Motors MG6

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2011 MG Motors MG6
  • Engine/Motor: TCI Tech turbocharged four-cylinder gas engine
  • Horsepower: 158
  • Torque: 158
  • Transmission: five-speed manual transmission
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior and Interior

In bringing back the MG6, MG wanted to build a car that's of high quality, fun to drive, and offers great value to the consumer in an attractive package.

To their credit, MG seems to have all the points of their objective, particularly the car's new looks. Carrying a fastback body, the MG6 offers strong lines, curved edges, and sporty features that reflect a fresh and renewed character. The company's old octagonal logo is prominently featured on the car's front grille with distinctive halogen lights offering a sporty appeal that we've come to know from MG. More than just bringing the company's sporting heritage to its next generation models, MG wanted to establish the MG6 as a car that not only looks the part of a modern fastback, but also carries technological features that are right to the times.

Inside the car, MG engineers wanted to have class leading interior space, superior rear passenger legroom, and enough head-space to make for a spacious and comfortable ride.

Performance

The MG6 GT is powered by a 1.8-liter TCI Tech turbocharged four-cylinder gas engine that produces 158 horsepower and 158 lb/ft of torque mated to a five-speed manual transmission. The car can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 8.4 seconds on its way up to an electronically limited top speed of 120 mph.

Safety

Safety standards was another key point in the new MG6. To ensure that it's up to snuff as far as regulations are concerned, MG went all the way to give the MG6 plenty of safety features - and then some.

There are driver, passenger, and side airbags. There are side intrusion beams on the front and rear doors, ISO-fix child restraint mountings for the rear seats, remote control door locking, a perimetric alarm and immobilizer system, rear inertia reel 3-point belts, front seat belts with a warning lamp on fascia and audio warning, and an alarm with a battery backed up sounder.

Pricing

MG is offering a number of trims for the MG6 with prices ranging from £15,495 to £18,995, which is about $24,300 to $29,800 based on current exchange rates.

Competition

The new MG6 is entering a very competitive market, although it might be prudent to temper expectations a little bit given the car's noticeable absence in the past years.

Having said that, one model that could be a good competitor for the MG6 is the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. Make no mistake, the MG6 still has to travel through that unenviable road to redemption in order to hit the level of the Giulietta, but at some point, you have to have a goal and strive to reach it.

The MG6 compares favorably to the Giulietta in a number of aspects. For our money, we like the look of the MG6 better, and we think that it's got more potential in the long run.

What the Giulietta has over the MG6 is the number of powertrain options it has at its disposal. The first is a 1.4-liter TB engine that produces 120 horsepower. Then there's the 1.4-liter TB MultiAir engine that cranks out a total of 170 horsepower. Similarly, diesel options are also available, including the 1.6-liter JTDM that pumps out 105 horsepower and the 2.0 JTDM that makes 170 horsepower. Finally, the top of the line Giulietta will be the 1750 TBi that develops a maximum output of 235 horsepower.

In the end, it all boils down to picking between safety and traversing the unknown with the MG6. If you ask us, we'll probably stick with the Italian fastback, but we're doing so while having the MG6's brochure in our back pocket.