I know where there is one though. The Ford dealer in Penarth Road Cardiff is one of the 30 odd MG dealers around the UK and has one or two tucked away in the corner of its forecourt. I drive past them every day but have never actually sen one moving.
Since it was relaunched into the UK a couple of years ago I think its fair to say that sales haven't exactly set the world alight, numbering just a few hundred. Many of those were sold to AVIS as rental cars. I wonder if anyone has actually spent their own money on one?
Its difficult to understand what the Chinese owners motivation is, why they're bothering at all. Presumably they're trying to earn some kudos by creating a few jobs here assembling them and trade on the tenuous link to MG still being in some way British. Home market sales have been strong so why bring the cars here at all, if all they can hope to achieve is sales of a few hundred a year and don't seem to be putting any effort behind it..
The 6 was launched with virtually no advertising and got mostly panned by the press, although you could sense a determination by motoring scribes to give it the best chance they could. Its not a bad looking car at all, but until the recently launched diesel came along had to struggle on with only one less than inspiring petrol engine pitched against opposition awash with engine and option options.
If you did buy one then all you can expect is shocking depreciation and lots of whistling through teeth and shaking of heads when you try to trade it in. Which is a shame, because who wouldn't like to drive around in a stylish MG? I know I would, but the 6 isn't the one. I need to see lots more and for the brand to achieve some market credibility before I put the barge-pole away none of which is about to happen soon.
Which brings us neatly on to effort number two The MG3.
Due to be launched soon It should certainly have wider appeal, but is hardly likely to be worrying MINI. Again only one engine at launch, and still only 30 dealers. Its not exactly going to be an exciting buying experience. It will certainly fail, but not this time because its a poor car- I think it actually looks really good - but because in this highly contested and image conscious segment it really does need some intelligent and widespread marketing shove. And if the 6 is anything to go by, that wont happen.
So two new MG's. We should all be excited and buying them by the lorry load, but we wont. There are no dealers, no awareness and SAIC have made a huge mistake in assuming that most Brits give two hoots about the MG name. We don't You have to be my age to remember, and the memories aren't good, and besides, I'm too old for a 3 and not daft enough to buy a 6.
These cars should have been launched as a new brand. Kia and Hyundai can tell you how that works, unknown a few years ago and now taking over the world. Imagine what would have happened if they had come here with Morris or Austin badges? It would have ended in tears, and that I'm afraid to say is how it will end for MG.
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