Since its launch in 1995, the MGF despite getting a regular ribbing from us hardcore sports car nuts has sold in massive numbers. 77,000 MGFs have been produced, with over 40,000 sales in the UK making it Britain's best selling car in the sports sector for the last six years.

Today MG announce the successor to the F with the new MGTF. The TF - designed by Peter Stevens - has evolved from the popular MGF and features a new exterior appearance, an all-new suspension design, higher performance engines and a host of new paint, trim and hood colours.

Rob Oldaker, MG Rover Group's Product Development director, explained: "The MGF has proved to be an amazing success having dominated its sector for the last six-years. The introduction of the new MGTF will enhance this popularity further. I have no doubt that the new TF, with its fresh new design style, new suspension with revised rear linkage geometry and a rich choice of feature specification and colour will produce even more exhilaration and retain MG's sales pole position."

There are obviousl family connections with the X80 coupe unveiled in 2001 with the styling suiting the smaller TF more so than the range topping X80. The distinctive headlamp units will incorporate projector lamps and the indicators. A number of enhanced customer choice items include new paint colours including 'XPower Grey' and 'Le Mans Green'.

Four models now give customers a greater choice when buying an MG. Designated by numbers close to their power output the four-model range comprises the 1.6-litre TF115, the 1.8-litre TF135, the TF120 Stepspeed sports auto and the range-topping TF160.

The new TF incorporates a number of substantial changes, which includes a new suspension design. A completely new suspension system has been included together with ABS to provide a more involving driving experience and one that should appeal more to enthusiastic drivers, particularly now that MG's image has been beefed up with harder edged cars throughout the range.

The new MGTF will debut at the Brussels Motor Show on 15th January 2002.

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