| First Drive | Goodwood Moving Motorshow | 2011 MG6 |

MG's first all-new car under Chinese ownership, the MG6, is almost here. We tackled Goodwood's famous hill to see if the new hatchback deserves the famous octagon badge.

In the Metal

The front end of the 6 has a hint of Volkswagen about it, with two creases flowing up the bonnet from the grille, adding plenty of emphasis to the large MG grille badge. The rear end features a swooping fast-back design, somewhat akin to Rover's SD1 of the 1980s.

Inside, the car is spacious if a little dark. We're assured that there are further revisions planned for the car's UK launch. Luggage space is good, with a decent-sized boot.

What you get for your Money

Pricing remains a closely guarded secret, although MG did confirm that it sees cars such as the Mazda6 and Skoda Octavia as its rivals, putting the price somewhere in the sub £25k bracket. Expect prices to start around £13,000.

Our test car featured air conditioning, an iPod/mp3 connection and cloth trim seats. MG suggests that this is the lower end of the scale, with reversing cameras, satellite navigation, full leather and more all on the options list.

Driving it

Once behind the wheel, the 6 continues to make a good impression. The seats are supportive and comfortable, with all the controls falling within easy reach. There's plenty of soft-touch plastics, and fit and finish is pretty good. Some of the buttons for the stereo are rather scattered across the facia, and the instruments on this early spec car seemed a little cheap. MG is however promising improvements on this come the UK launch.

All round visibility is good, although the view through the rear window is slightly restricted.

Setting off, it's quiet. Almost too quiet. As a car with sporting pretentions, we expect it to offer a touch more audible feedback. Engine response is good though, and is matched by an equally impressive gearshift. The 6's trump card, however, is its ride and handling balance. Although yet to have undergone full fettling for British roads, it's a neat handler, with well-weighed steering. It's keen, responsive, and reminiscent of MG Rover's Z cars of the early 2000s. Most importantly; it's great fun to drive.

Worth Noting

MG's Chinese owner, Shanghai Automotive, has recently opened an international design centre at the company's base in Birmingham. Home to over 280 employees, the design centre has been subject to £5 million worth of investment to date.

Summary

This brief drive was an interesting taster of the future for MG. Given the evidence, things are looking positive. Although some interior tweaks are needed, the MG6 is shaping up to be an impressive car.