We did quite alot of research prior to taking the jump on it, various good reviews online, spoke in depth at the dealer with this being an entirely new platform, not a facelift, every single thing is completely new developed. From the engine, DCT gearbox, even the brakes and suspension.
The last HS was the 7th best selling car In the UK in 2024, the new one was release about October 24. As above, a clear and very different car. So, MG hasn't had the best reputation for reliability, as we all likely know they are an old name bought out by Chinese company SAIC. Who actually do alot of the car development in the UK and then manufacture components in China to be assembled here on some models, or built and shipped in from China on others.
So, with the above. I thought I would catalogue the journey of how it handles family life, real world living with it and was the leap of faith worth it.
Firstly, the buying. I have a Blue light card which allows for a decent discount. Having visited many dealers, MG appear to be one of the few actually supporting blue light workers anymore. It used to be quite a big thing on cars, not so much though anymore it appears. I'll be honest, this swayed me maybe more than it should that actually a company that still has some principles to offer things like this, then actually I want to take a chance on them aswell. The dealers were very down to earth, all very easy and the final OTR price after all discounts etc was 26k on the nose for the top spec Trophy with Metallic paint and DCT auto. I believe this was about 29495 without discounts. With a bit of money down from the old merc sale and change down back of sofa, put a brand new car on the drive with 7 year warranty, 7 year AA break down cover (if you maintain service history), no need to MOT,and first year service and tax for £297 per month.
Luckily, I was ceramic coating the car myself, and during prep I thought I had found an area of Polish that was missed being wiped off I'm the credit of rear door. This was not the case. Appears potentially those pesky valeters or someone at the garage may well have opened the door into something and taken the paint off. Not sure why anyone other than the valet team or PDI tech would be opening the rear door on a new car, but unfortunately I found this:
Naturally, we wanted to get some miles on it, so first drives out and about, setting up everything and getting used to some of the nice little features lead me to an overall very impressed. 65 miles done today, smooth, quiet refined and handled twisty roads fine given its very large size. Some of the reviews questioned its vague steering feel, may I suggest they swap the steering from comfort or normal into sport? I certainly could not fault the handling or feel for a large car on some nice North Wales mountain roads. Engine and box pick up well. Only downside today within those mountains we only got 35 mpg. Cruising at 70 earlier in the day on the motorway however we were in the mid 40s at about 46 mpg. Tight new engine though, perhaps this will become more frugal later on, however we were more than happy with around the 40mpg average hoped for our usual routes and daily commute.
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