2018 MG6 Review: Hybrid Saloon With 33-Mile EV Range

The 2018 MG6 marks a bold return for the MG badge in the family saloon segment, drawing inspiration from its Chinese sibling, the Roewe i6. This model aims to inject excitement into a market dominated by established players, offering petrol and plug-in hybrid powertrains alongside a sporty demeanor. While it shines on twisty roads, compromises in refinement and build quality temper its ambitions.

Design and Exterior Styling

Externally, the MG6 adopts a conservative yet familiar silhouette, evoking mid-2000s Japanese saloons with its elongated hood and subtle curves. The front fascia features a distinctive ‘Star Rider’ diamond-pattern grille that provides a touch of aggression, flanked by slim LED headlights. This setup nods to MG’s heritage while aligning with modern crossover cues seen in the ZS SUV.

Wheel arch flares and 17-inch alloys add muscularity, but the overall profile lacks the sharpness of contemporaries like the Mazda6 or Volkswagen Passat. The sloping roofline aids aerodynamics but slightly compromises rear headroom. In hybrid guise, badging differentiates it minimally, maintaining a unified look across variants.

• Grille and lights: Diamond mesh and LEDs for a premium hint.
• Side profile: Clean lines with blacked-out pillars for sportiness.
• Rear: Full-width taillights and dual exhaust tips on petrol models.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Step inside, and the cabin greets with a driver-focused layout, highlighted by a flat-bottom steering wheel wrapped in leather with red stitching. Sport seats in red-and-black upholstery offer decent support for enthusiastic drives, though longer journeys reveal average padding.

Hard plastics dominate the dashboard and door tops, a step up from predecessors but lagging behind European norms. Carbon-look accents and metal pedals add flair, yet rattles emerge under scrutiny. Space impresses: front legroom and headroom suit taller drivers, while the rear accommodates adults comfortably despite the coupe-like roof. Air vents and a USB port back there enhance usability.

Tech shines with generous kit: a 360-degree camera, voice commands, and dual-zone climate control come standard on higher trims. The infotainment screen, borrowed from related models, supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the interface feels dated.

Engines and Performance

Power comes from a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 169 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Acceleration to 62 mph takes around 7.2 seconds in testing, with strong mid-range pull ideal for overtaking. The gearbox shifts smoothly in traffic but can hesitate under hard acceleration.

Handling impresses with agile turn-in and balanced chassis tuning, courtesy of MacPherson struts upfront and a multi-link rear. Steering is light but precise, fostering confidence on B-roads. Ride quality absorbs bumps adequately, though 17-inch wheels transmit some harshness.

The star is the eMG6 plug-in hybrid: a 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbo (from the ZS) pairs with an 82 bhp electric motor for seamless power delivery. Electric-only range hits 33 miles, matching rivals like the Golf GTE, with total output prioritizing efficiency over outright pace.

• Petrol 1.5T: 169 hp, 0-62 mph in 7.2s, top speed ~130 mph.
• eMG6 PHEV: ~260 hp combined, 33-mile EV range, smoother low-speed operation.
• Fuel economy: Petrol ~40 mpg combined; hybrid up to 200 mpg (claimed).

Safety and Practicality

Safety kit includes six airbags, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), and lane departure warnings as standard. Euro NCAP testing wasn’t conducted for this model, but related MG products score four stars, suggesting solid protection.

Boot space measures 423 liters, expandable via 60/40 split-folds, suitable for family hauls. A minor gripe: the parcel shelf fitment feels flimsy. Towing capacity reaches 1,500 kg braked on petrol variants, with the hybrid slightly less.

Ownership Costs and Rivals

Priced competitively—starting under £20,000 in the UK at launch—the MG6 undercuts foes like the Ford Mondeo or Skoda Octavia. Warranty spans seven years/80,000 miles, a segment standout. Servicing intervals are 12 months/10,000 miles, with parts affordability aided by SAIC ownership.

Rivals include the Peugeot 508 (sharper dynamics), Hyundai i30 Fastback (better tech), and VW Golf Variant (superior build). The MG6 appeals to value hunters seeking fun without premium pricing.

Driving Experience Deep Dive

On track previews in China, the MG6 exhibited playful chassis balance, with minimal body roll and grippy front-end bite. The dual-clutch box excels in sport mode, though low-speed jerkiness persists. Noise insulation is average; engine growl enhances involvement, but wind rush intrudes at speed.

Hybrid transitions are imperceptible, with EV mode silent and torquey for urban runs. Braking blends regeneration smoothly, though pedal feel lacks the feedback of pricier hybrids.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Engaging handling, strong hybrid credentials, generous equipment, long warranty.
• Cons: Cheap interior plastics, unremarkable styling, transmission hesitations, average refinement.

Who Should Buy the MG6?

Ideal for budget-conscious enthusiasts prioritizing drive over luxury. Families valuing hybrid efficiency and space will appreciate it, especially against costlier PHEVs. Those demanding top-tier fit or bold looks may look elsewhere.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the 2018 MG6 reliable?

MG’s seven-year warranty suggests confidence, with owner reports generally positive on mechanicals, though early dual-clutch issues noted in some markets.

How does the MG6 hybrid compare to rivals?

Its 33-mile EV range trails leaders like the BYD Qin Pro (62 miles) but beats entry PHEVs on price.

What’s the boot space like?

423 liters standard, growing to 1,400+ with seats folded—practical for weekends away.

Can it tow?

Yes, up to 1,500 kg braked on petrol models, suitable for light trailers.

Is the MG6 fun to drive?

Surprisingly so, with agile responses belying its saloon roots.

This 2018 MG6 revitalizes MG’s lineup, blending heritage sportiness with electrified efficiency. While not flawless, it delivers value in a crowded field.