Morgan Plus Four gets (mildly) facelifted for 2024
Reworked suspension and a Nitron-developed handling pack make a sweet deal that bit sweeter
Only last year did Morgan announce a suite of upgrades for the Plus Four and Six. The 2023 model year saw (controversially) the introduction of stability control, beefier brakes and a jazzed-up cabin. Nothing game-changing, but worthwhile improvements that made two highly likeable sports cars even more appealing. Less than 18 months on and Morgan’s announced a second wave of updates, this time for the Plus Four alone - for now, at least.
Unlike the last refresh, which left the styling untouched, Morgan’s had a stab at giving the Plus Four a mid-life nip and tuck. Granted, you’d be hard-pressed to spot the differences from afar, but look closer and you’ll find new bespoke lights with an eight-inch headlight unit that’s better proportioned for the larger CX platform introduced in 2020. Not only are the new lights more powerful (and look even smarter), but both front and rear light pods now incorporate the indicators, cleaning up the bodywork in the process.
On that note, there’s are new front splitter and rear diffuser that are both finished in matte grey to ‘reduce its visibility’, says Morgan. These serve as a nod to the older Plus 4 (before it spelled out the number), many of which didn’t have them in the first place. The wings have been reworked with more defined edges and a flatter surface, while the ‘floating’ number plate up front looks a little less bulky without its dedicated holder. There are new wing mirrors made from aluminium as well, and the badging has been updated with a new italicised typeface. Try not to get too excited.
It’s a light facelift, sure, but that’s only because Morgan has been focusing its attention on the bits you can’t see. Namely, improvements to the suspension with tweaked spring rates and ‘re-valved’ dampers (recalibrating the flow of oil within the shock). Moreover, there’s a Dynamic Handling Pack developed in collaboration with suspension gurus Nitron, that brings a rear anti-roll bar, plus new springs with single-way adjustable dampers and ride height control. The Four was already the more agile of the two Plus models, so that should mean the new handling pack amplifies the fun further.
The interior’s been spruced up a bit, too. After launching a snazzy new lightweight Sennheiser sound system last year, the company has beefed it up with ‘higher-specification’ speakers in the doors which can be dialled up even louder than before. There are also additional speakers behind the seats, and the functionality has been improved with - we suggest you sit down for this - pause and skip features. Audio updates aside, the LCD dash has been improved with more visually appealing graphics, while the interior lighting has been optimised with new fade-in and fade-out functionality. And people say Morgans are basic.
Elsewhere, it’s business as usual, meaning 258hp from a BMW-sourced 2.0-litre turbocharged four-pot paired with either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic. Morgan’s already opened the order books, with prices starting from £62,500 before tax, which, as expected, is a slight increase on the outgoing model. Of course, that doesn’t take into account the as-yet unknown cost of the tempting handling pack and the ‘almost endless’ customisation options for those with grandiose plans. Wonder if anyone’s put that claim to the test…
The magical days of zero depreciation and 10-year waiting lists (if they ever existed) are distant memories - they depreciate like any other car and the use-case for them is really pretty limited - they absolutely aren't a touring car unless you're a multi-day t-shirt wearer with a very understanding partner and while they are fun for day-drives there are plenty of £100k alternatives - both modern and restored classic - so unless you REALLY want a Morgan it's hard to see what else they can do to support sales. The "Mild facelift" is probably hiding a raft of much need quality and engineering changes.
I've had a 4/4 Sport before (which was £29,500 new in 2011 - so £45k with inflation today) and I liked the new car when I drove it ia couple of years ago but I'd find it impossible to justify the current price.
However, I still think separate sidelights on the top of the front wings looks best. Probably not good for pedestrian safety, but then try not to get run over.
They've somehow lost their soul.
It's over 30 years since I had my 1600 OHV but that was cheap, uncomfortable, slow but fun.
The current day cars seem expensive, well engineered but somehow dull.
Not sure where the sweet spot lies - if it exists.
They should offer a more reasonably priced CX package as I always thought that looked pretty good.
They've somehow lost their soul.
It's over 30 years since I had my 1600 OHV but that was cheap, uncomfortable, slow but fun.
The current day cars seem expensive, well engineered but somehow dull.
Not sure where the sweet spot lies - if it exists.
Its evidently a tricky area as I was reading an article the other day about Techart and was surprised at the lengths they went to to retain the OE wheel structure but retrimmed.
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