• Summary

    4 out of 5 4.0

    What does this car say about you?

    Some people see it as a Rover with a bodykit making me a Rover driver. I don't care. Other people see it as what it is - a fantastic hot hatch with different suspension, brakes, engines, gearboxes, etc. It's something different to the usual Fiesta Zetec S or Clio

    What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

    They really like it

    Would you buy this car again and why?

    Yes, definitely. More modern cars feel far too detached for my liking. If you're driving a car you should feel like you're driving!

    What are you likely to buy next?

    Either an MG ZS 180 or if I can justify the cost a V8 MG ZT 260

  • Buying experience

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Type of dealer you bought from?

    Didn't buy from a dealer

    Did you buy this car new?

    No

    What price did you pay?

    £4,800

    When did you buy the car?

    March 2006

    Did you get a good deal and why?

    Yes. The car was immaculate with a full service history and an independent warranty. It was also black - the exact colour I wanted. People have lost faith in the brand since MG Rover went bust hence the drop in prices.

    Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

    Good looks. Fairly quick (8.6 sec to 60) and cheap to insure. Said to be fun to drive and to handle well.

    What was the dealer like?

    N/A

  • Driving it

    5 out of 5 5.0

    What's it like to drive?

    Wonderful. Far nicer to drive than my previous Mk 4 Astra. Weighty steering with plenty of feel. Nice heavy clutch. Really grips the road. Crude but so much fun

    What's it like to park?

    It doesn't have a great turning circle which is a pain but the visibility out of the car is superb

  • Living with it

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Have you had any problems with the car?

    Not yet! I always read about the supposed poor build quality of MGs but mine is rattle free (even with a subwoofer) and everything fits nicely. Nothing has dropped off or broken - far more than can be said for my previous Mk 4 Astra

    What's most practical about your car?

    Five doors and a hatchback. The seats fold down but the base doesn't come up. It's a handy size as it's usefully bigger than its rivals such as the Fiesta, Clio et al

    Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

    The half leather sports seats and leather steering wheel