M O D E L S :   MG TF160 - Test report

Being a webmaster and organiser of a rather famous MG-tour here in Belgium, has its advantages... at last. Besides going to bed way too late and always running behind a camera, I got the opportunity to have an MGTF for a couple of days. It's in the middle of a really hot summer, and I could imagine that the 160 brake horse powers are on their best on a fresh but sunny morning, somewhere in January or February... but no need to complain. Let's have a look what we've got.

After MG-Rover released the really nice and stylish Elegance version and the sporty and young 'Cool Blue' version, I was more thinking about something more agressive, more 'ultimate driving machine'-ish.... it could be the heat of this summer. Anyway, I opted for this MG TF160, Anthracite coloured with a top condition alcantara interior and -time to become jealous- the Technomagnesia gunsmoked ULW wheels. Yes indead this must be the one I would go for when I am ordering the TF of my dreams. The question is, would it be my dream, or would it be a bit disappointing.

 

T h e   L o o k

What could I say about the TF's look without directly bumping into the opinions of the F-style minded (or even loving) MG-drivers. Yes there are people who appreciate the lines of the F above the style of the TF and that's good. I've got no problem with that, but I am one of the group that do like the look of the TF. Another thing is, do you like the look, or better style of this TF. Maybe you're more thrilled by the Elegance, exhausting luxerous style as no one else. To quote my mother: this one is bigger than your F, you do have more space in there (pointing into the direction of the interior). I must admit, she doesn't really know much about cars, but my dad thought the windscreen was positioned more horizontally..... the only conclusion I could think about is that the car was looking more sporty than the F we own.... maybe it's just the colour.

Good point, the colour is nice, and it is amazing how many shades you could get through the day, depending how much the sun is shining. When getting out of the car, my attention was automatically caught by the extra wide sills and the more appealing side air vents. Must be a good sign for a so called sport(y/s) car.

MGTF 160, Anthracite with gunsmoked ULW wheels

Allthough the Alcantara leather interior is really my cup of tea, I don't think it is that ideal in an open car.... it could be dusty and a hell to clean, but my main concerns are about the combination between suncream and Alcantara.... I didn't tested it, but the nice, clean look could be easily spoiled. On the other hand, they do give you enough grip, especially compared to full leather seats.

   
All Black passing by and the overall nice interior

The console and door pods had a bit of a disapointing look with that black/brown-ish finish... it gave us the impression that it was made from dark polystyrene foam... of course it isn't, but I would choose the alloy or carbon finish.

 

P e r f o r m a n c e    a n d    H a n d l i n g

When choosing an MGF/MGTF nothing goes above the VVC pulling power. Getting out of a mild modified MPi and getting away with this one is something different, especially if you realise this is a standard car. Accelerating goes well through the revs, nice up to 7000rpm; shifting gear up as the red zone is marked at 7125rpm. A slight dip can be noticed around 4000rpm, but this is nothing to be worried about. At speed, flooring the accelerator pedal doesn't really give you a thrill.... more torque could improve this. Moving on from a stand still will give you more the effect of being pushed back in the seats. So if you would fancy some sprints from one to the other traffic light, then this car can be your toy to play. Getting safe from behind a lorry in front of that lorry was never a problem, the range where the car can accelerate is so wide.

During our test session we didn't reach the cars topspeed, just because there's other traffic on the road and we don't want to loose a driving license... or the car ;o) However doing something in the neighborhood of 200km/h with the hood down was off course no problem for these 160 horses. Shifting up to fifth gear at a speed of nearly 180km/h looked good to get the car launched to reach its top speed.

Do you remember the road holding of the standard MGF at 120km/h and above? No need for additional splitters and other tricks to get a safe feeling in this car. At lower speeds on a more bumpier road surface you notice that this isn't the luxery of a hydragas equiped car. You can not call it 'bad' at all... it is just like every other car with a set of sporty dampers and springs. Strange how spoiled I am by the hydragas system, although I am the first to say: bin that old system. Inspired by "it ain't no bend if the tires ain't screaming" we throw the car in some curves to see what the car is capable to. Body roll is off course limited and the set of tires do warn you in time... can it come better than this? As some describe the suspension as rock hard, we only could conclude that the suspension never started to annoy us and we still do have all our fillings in our teeth. Even more, if the car isn't used as a daily car and you do like cars like the Lotus Elise and the Vauxhall VX220 you may decide to get the car lower and the suspension a bit harder.
Most impressing must be the improved stiffness of the chasis (thanks to the stronger side sills). While in the F the dashboard, windscreen and rearview miror can tend to lead their own life (especially if the hood is down), everything handles as one car in the TF. Going over a bad road surface doesn't let the rearview mirror shake different from the driver... it is really like a good cabrio should be.

 
Impressive brake calliper at the front and the ABS system under the front bonnet.

A good suspension and nice road holding isn't everything you need to feel safe in your proud. A set of good functioning brakes to rely on is essential. A downside was that these pads were squeaking a bit (in no way embarassing when driving through the centre) but to stop the car they were in top condition. The red callipers at the front could really bite the disks to lock the front wheels... resulting in the kick in of the ABS. Slowing down from a highway speed isn't off course a problem and as we didn't test the car on a track, we could conclude that these brakes are worth to be fitted on this TF 160. I would love to know how they are performing on the Nurnburg Ring.

   
MGTF seen from different angles

 

E q u i p m e n t ,   P a r t s   a n d   O p t i o n s

A more sensitive chapter as the MGTF left some parts in Longbridge. Don't start trying to fit something in the pocket on the back of the seats... the pockets are gone. Every self respecting family car has a growing number of places, boxes and pockets where you could store all kind of stuff, the new TF has no more seat pockets.... they were unreachable from the backseat and of no use for these passengers ;o) Imagine, and it won't be difficult, you are in a situation with a flat tire. Nine out of then it is raining and in the middle of the night (it's probably freezing cold to), so you popup the front bonnet to get the spare wheel. "Damn, the light isn't working", you are stumbling.... to be honoust, there isn't a light anymore (like there was on the MGF) and even worse, the spare wheel has been replaced by a kit, called Rover Instant Mobility System.


Instant Mobility System replacing the spare wheel

This car had a nice Sony headunit and you could enjoy it, as the speakers in the T-bar behind the headrests are usefull when driving. The standard Rover windstop was, as we expected, doing its job just perfect. Every MGF owner should be invited to have a testrun with the TF in the dark, 'cause these light clusters are so much better than the older F items... maybe some people would just order a new TF to get home safe in the dark.

 

C o n c l u s i o n

For those upgrading their MGF and driving it like a sports car, the MGTF 160 is the way to go. For those people new to the MG Roadster scene, you will ENJOY this car from the very first minute (if you're not spoiled by other more powerfull, more expensive cars). You could love the look of this tested car, if you don't, you're not alone. Some like it, others don't, that's just personal taste. If you're not after exploring limits, have a testdrive with the TF 135.... you'll see that it won't be slow either and many good things of the 160 apply to the 135 as well.

Thanks to MG-Rover Belux,
Mr. Rubens in particular