Getting a royal to unveil your next model is a bit of coup, but Prince Andrew's Longbridge reveal of the
new MG6
diesel wasn't even planned.
MG6 Magnette soon available with Avis
The Prince was at MG's European HQ in Birmingham to inspect the Chinese-owned firm's design and engineering centre, including the current MG6 line-up. But eagle-eyed fans at AROnline discovered from the registration plate visible in a press shot that one of the cars was in fact the new 1.9-litre diesel version.
This is the engine the slow-selling MG6 desperately needs (just seven were shifted in November), but until now we hadn't seen it production form. It could indicate MG is planning to bring the UK launch date from the end of 2012, taking some of the pressure off the thirsty 1.8-litre Turbo already on sale.
If you fancy a go in the dynamically competent MG6 the company has linked up with daily rental firm Avis to supply it 100 GT hatchbacks and Magnette saloons.
The boost to sales will also be good for anyone wanting to pick up one cheap when Avis defleets them. Mid-spec SE hatchbacks with under 1,000 miles can already be picked up from £14,000, a saving of £3000 from list.
New MG3 supermini shows promise
Prince Andrew was also shown future models in Chinese owner SAIC's aggressive expansion plans. The MG3 supermini and MG5 Focus rival are both due in 2013, with a Qashqai rivalling SUV due in 2014. The bigger MG7 hatchback based on GM's Epsilon platform (same as the Vauxhall Insignia) is due the same year.
MG has also linked up with GM to make a range of small engines, as well as a twin-clutch automatic gearbox.
And in 2016 comes the car we're all waiting for: a replacement for the MG TF roadster.
All of which allows MG to remain upbeat, despite the achingly slow sales. "We're only slightly disappointed [about the seven cars sold in November]," a spokesman told PistonHeads. "We know we were going to have a slow build. We're all very positive." Someone's got to be!