MG TF LE500 : CHINA IN YOUR HANDS

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Can the oriental MG TF cut the mustard in the modern automotive marketplace? Steve Walker takes a look.

The lines closed at Longbridge in 2005 and a tear or two were shed as the British volume car manufacturing industry breathed its last. Foreign brands continue to run car building operations on these shores and now MG must be grouped together with them. Following the demise of MG Rover, the Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) stepped in to snap up MG and now a part of the Longbridge factory is alive again, assembling the parts for the MG TF LE500 as they arrive from China.

The TF LE500 will, of course, be familiar to anyone with a passing knowledge or MG cars. Versions of this roadster have been available since the MG F made its debut in 1995. The car was revised into MG TF form as MG Rover laboured through its death throws and now, following a brief stint pushing up the daisies, it's back. The problem for the TF LE500 is that the market has not stood still in its absence. There has been no proliferation of affordable two-seater sportscars but there's no shortage of desirable and more modern alternatives to the TF LE500 available for similar money. The car's Chinese ownership also means that it can no longer count on the substantial goodwill that the car gained as an MG Rover product simply because it was British. The engine is an old stalwart if ever there was one. The K Series engine has found its way into some diverse cars down the years from Rover saloons to trackday specials from Lotus and Caterham. There's still something to be said for it when mid-mounted in the TF and producing its 134bhp. Doubts have been expressed about its long term reliability down the years but SAIC claim to have made modifications to the unit designed to stave off any problems. It's certainly a charismatic engine that revs highly and sounds pleasant in the TF with the hood down on a summer's day.

"There could well be enough nostalgia for the MG brand to shift this reasonable car in numbers."

The TF has always had a relatively high seating position for a compact roadster and that's carried over into the latest version. Otherwise, the weighty steering and gear change give the car a certain old-school charm. The handling of the TF has always been enjoyable and little is likely to have changed over time. The car rides quite firmly but feels nimble in its preferred habitat of twisting B-roads. The changes made to the TF LE500 aren't easy to spot. This looks like an MG TF from the MG Rover days but that's nothing to get too disheartened about as the car's classic roadster proportions and clean lines still hold water - if that isn't an unfortunate term to connect to a car with a folding fabric roof. If you actually want to remove the TF's manually-operated hood, there's a simple series of steps to go through but putting it up again in a hurry could be more straightforward. The interior of the TF lets the side down a little as despite the addition of a few modern trim materials, it does feel dated. Build quality isn't too shabby and the car is as practical as a two-seater convertible is likely to get but the switchgear and design of the TF lags behind more modern products. The MG TF LE500 is distinguishable from the old TF by its revised headlamps, honeycomb mesh grille and LE500 badges. There's more of the LE500 motif inside the cabin where piano black trim graces the centre console and door trim. Leather seats are standard on the car too as are some natty chrome kick plates. The people behind the rebirth of the MG TF in LE500 guise aren't expecting too much from the car. SAIC's plan is to introduce the MG name back onto the market with this model before pushing ahead with an all-new model range. Only 500 LE500 models will be available and there's a good chance that enough buyers with a soft sport for the MG brand will be forthcoming. The only comparable car at this price point is the Mazda MX-5 which has the edge on the TF in most of the areas that matter. The TF will need to trade on its value proposition and comparative rarity in order to succeed. Emissions and fuel economy weren't the major issues they are today back when the MG TF was in its pomp. It performs adequately from this perspective but its 35.8mpg economy and 185g/km emissions will make it relatively pricey to run. The MG TF was getting on a bit the last time we saw it and it seems doubtful whether the minor revisions made by MG's new Chinese owners will persuade many punters to give it a second look. This may not matter too much as only 500 of the TF LE500 models are due to be made available. There could well be enough nostalgia for the MG brand to shift this reasonable car in those kinds of numbers. The MG TF still has something to offer but it's most likely to succeed as a budget roadster competing at the lower end of the market. It is good looking and fun to drive but the price being quoted is too close to the impressive Mazda MX-5 and numerous modern, sporty superminis for comfort. Negotiate a big discount with your dealer and the TF could be a goer. If such deals aren't forthcoming, the return of the TF could be short lived.

Facts At A Glance
CAR: MG TF LE500
PRICE: £16,399 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 11 [est]
CO2 EMISSIONS: 185g/km
PERFORMANCE: Max Speed 125mph / 0-60mph 9.0s [est]
FUEL CONSUMPTION: 35.8mpg (combined)
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Driver's airbag, ABS [est]
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Heightmm 3910/1780/1270 [est]