MG TF

Our verdict

It’s back after a stout Chinese injection of cash. But the TF is getting on a bit and the hip replacement is relatively minor…

Comfort

The mid-mounted configuration means there's space enough for the pair of seats and the TF LE500 is actually a bit softer than it was before, so it rides pretty well. But it feels slightly old - you could tour in it, but you'd have to be committed.  

Performance

The LE carries MG's ‘N'-series 1.8-litre engine with 135bhp, but it's really the old K-Series with a metal headgasket and some reliability tweaks. Saying that, it's a perky, willing little motor - one of the reasons that it kept going for so long - and it suits the car. The usual figures don't really tell the whole story; 0-62mph in a lowly 8.4 seconds and only 127mph top end fail to mention that the LE is fun. A good beginner's sports car. 

Cool

MG fans will be pleased its back, but the LE500 has been surpassed in so many ways that it hasn't really got much to offer the boulevardier. The big problem? You can pick up an almost identical MG TF from last time around for a quarter of the cash. 

Quality

Sorry to say that the cash injection didn't seem to reach the cabin. There are exposed screw heads, wobbly bits, and the mirror covers on our test car snapped off. And it just feels so damn old. But not old-school, just geriatric. No, ta.  

Handling

Surprisingly good. The TF is softer than before so it won't shatter your spine, but it still has plenty of grip when you push and the steering is responsive and quick. It misses on the final 15 per cent of push - but it goes to show how good the original set-up really was. 

Practicality

The front boot is usually full of spare (probably helps with the handling balance) and the bit at the rear behind the engine is a backpack-sized 210 litres. There are also a couple of lockable boxes behind the front seats, but don't expect them to swallow suitcases. Not bad for a two-seat sports car though.  

Running costs

Insurance should be relatively cheap, the TF is easily fixed and the car can easily get mid-thirties mpg - so this shouldn't be a hard car on your wallet. But you can pick up a tidy MG TF for well under £5k - that's a lot of running before you hit the LE500s £16,399 OTR cost.