The heritage is evident in the treatment of the curvaceous bonnet, exposed headlamps and the design of the grille. But the styling of the MGF is utterly and boldly modern; a form that is sleek, purposeful and well-balanced.
The mid-engine layout is echoed by the low, raked bonnet line and wedge-shaped styling which, combined
with the rounded, muscular wing panels, creates an image of exceptional power. In essence, the car’s beauty lies in its simplicity and freedom from fussy detail. It has a pedigree unique in the world; so there’s no need to shout about it. Features such as the rear quarter inlets and the vents on the rear deck panel are there strictly for functional, not cosmetic, reasons.
The MGF looks just as seductive with the hood up or down. Fit the optional, glossy black hard top (conveniently, you don’t even have to remove the hood), and you suddenly own a startlingly good-looking sports coupe. Designer Gerry McGovern sums up the philosophy: “We believe we have created a product that will re-establish the kind of sportiness that MG have always been known for. I find the F extremely satisfying. lt’s the miracle of getting MG back on the road:’
THE designers of the MGF felt that it was critically important to know what its future customers wanted from
an MG built or today. So, long before the first prototypes emerged, they invited sports car enthusiasts to give their views and expectations. These potential customers were quite clear about what was needed. The new
car had O FI'4 G to offer all the glorious fun and affordability of its illustrious predecessors. But t also had
to be a sports car for the 1 990s. Able to compete with the best of its rivals, and prove itself to be better. A true class leader, in every respect. So the MGF engineering team went back to first principles, and asked the fiercely-debated question. Which design delivers the best sports car handling and performance? Side by side, the prototypes were evaluated; front-engine, rear wheel drive; front-engine, front wheel drive; and mid-engine,
rear wheel drive. The third option emerged a clear winner. Which s why the MGF, unlike ts production forebears (but like a Ferrari), has a mid-engined, rear wheel drive layout. And why it means Fun with a capital F.
The heritage is evident in the treatment of the curvaceous bonnet, exposed headlamps and the design of the grille. But the styling of the MGF is utterly and boldly modern; a form that is sleek, purposeful and well-balanced.
The mid-engine layout is echoed by the low, SI G raked bonnet line and wedge-shaped styling which, combined
with the rounded, muscular wing panels, creates an image of exceptional power. In essence, the car’s beauty lies in its simplicity and freedom from fussy detail. It has a pedigree unique in the world; so there’s no need to shout about it. Features such as the rear quarter inlets and the vents on the rear deck panel are there strictly for functional, not cosmetic, reasons.
The MGF looks just as seductive with the hood up or down. Fit the optional, glossy black hard top (conveniently, you don’t even have to remove the hood), and you suddenly own a startlingly good-looking sports coupe. Designer Gerry McGovern sums up the philosophy: “We believe we have created a product that will re-establish the kind of sportiness that MG have always been known for. I find the F extremely satisfying. lt’s the miracle of getting MG back on the road:’
I Headlamp. Rear light cluster. Air intake duct. Fuel fuller cap. Exhaust tailpipes.
THE- TIMELESS
The MGF is everything that true sports car enthusiasts have been waiting for. The jewel-like enamelled badge is worn by a car which has been taking the motoring world by storm ever since it was revealed at the Geneva motor show. Whilst the style has a sense of fun and cheekiness, there is also an underlying strength and purpose; perfected by the careful execution of detail features.
The grille and lamps, critical in creating the “face” of the MGF, took months to design. Retracting headlamps were considered, but rejected; MGs have always featured exposed headlamps. The latest technology reflector delivers exceptionally powerful illumination. The front lens has a clip-on fitting to minimize replacement costs in the event of damage.
The rear light clusters integrate smoothly with the clean, rounded forms of the rear end design. At the side, the intake ducts allow air flow to assist engine cooling, and are also finely shaped to harmonize with the overall design. The finish of the fuel filler cap exemplifies the careful attention to detail. The MGF’s designers went to great lengths to ensure that the gear knob feels as good as It looks. When you choose to drive a car for the sheer pleasure of it, you expect it to deliver a closely involving experience; where the mere tactile feel of the steering wheel in your hands is critical. There has to be a dialogue, where you and the car are involved in an intimate communication. come to hand like second nature, making driving fluent and effortless. The gear knob is precisely positioned within easy reach, and feels extremely satisfying in the palm of your hand. All major switches and controls are at your fingertips, exactly where you’d expect to find them. The traditional ivory instrument dials are clear and easily read at a glance. Beneath your foot, the drilled accelerator pedal has a wonderfully light, precise action. You can’t help having fun in the MGF Touch and functionality mattered greedy to the MGFs design team in perfecting the steering wheel. The drilled accelerator pedal is the classic racing design of the 1930’s, and will be appreciated by drivers who like to heel and toe. You can keep cool even with the hood up, with the MGFs optional air conditioning system. The 20 watts per channel electronic stereo radlocassette player also has RDS.
Luggage accommodation is generous for a sports two-seater, with room for two full set of golf clubs.
The large glove box is lockable to keep oddments secure, and has cassette stowage.
Drinks holders are provided in the centre console.
The magic of the MGFs interior owes a great deal
to its “dual cockpit” design, the centre console
and fascia enwrap driver and passenger individ
ually, almost to the point of feeling cocooned.
While you enjoy this pleasurable sensation, you’ll
L 0 0 K, also of course be offered others. The sound of
the fine in-car entertainment system for example. The comfort of optional air conditioning. And the good looks of the interior. The upholstery is rich with MG overtones, with the traditional accent piping and fluted seat materials. A choice of red or black fabrics lets you select lively or understated themes;
half-leather seat facings grace the MGF I .8i VVC. If you feel that leather is the natural attire for your MGF, you can choose this trim option in a choice of stylish colours. Green, Red, Black or Light Stone Beige are available, coordinated to the exterior colour. High
quality hide trim is provided for the seat facings, door casings, gear lever and handbrake gaiters and the steering wheel rim. The finishing touch for a great British sports car.
ENJOY
MGF SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINES
1796cc K-Series engine
Mid-engined, transverse mounted, rear wheel drive via 5-speed manual transmission. All-aluminium alloy construction, 4-cylinder. 16valves. Double overhead camshaft. Lightweight pistons for refinement and performance. Double platinum spark plugs with 100,000 km service life. Through-bolt construction for durability and consistent performance. Remote-mounted oil fill and dipstick tube for easy filling and levels checks. Stainless steel exhaust system for long life. Three way exhaust catalyst.
Modular Engine Management System (MEMS), controlling all major engine functions, including:
closed loop control of catalyst: engine immobilisation: radiator fan speed control, reducing fan speed for refinement and economy at lower coolant temperatures: extended fan control to provide a cooling down period if required after ignition switch-off.
50 litres fuel tank.
1796cc VVC K-Series engine:
additions/charges to above
Variable Valve Control, giving enhanced breathing capability by allowing an infinitely variable range of cam periods between wide limits.
More powerful Modular Engine Management System (MEMS 2J) provides additional electronic control for VVC, MEMS 2J also provides for; full sequential fuel injection, with adoptive control optimising performance, economy and emissions control throughout the life of the engine; distributorless, direct ignition system with one coil per cylinder for consistent, reliable performance. Larger valves, and special aluminium inlet manifold and plenum chamber with increased flow capacity
SUSPENSION
Independent suspension all round with double wishbones, Hydragas® springs, interconnected front to rear. Front and rear anti-roll bars.
— AUSTRALIA
STEERING
Speed sensitive Electric Power Assisted Steering. (All models).
BRAKES
Front: ventilated discs and calipers. Rear: solid discs and calipers. Electronic anti-lock braking standard on all models.
WHEEL AND TYRES
I5” alloy wheels with 6J rims and MG logo, with a different style for each of the 2 models, Front tyres:
1 85/55VR IS. Rear tyres: 205/50 VR IS Temporary spare wheel. Locking wheel nuts.
ELECTRICAL
Electric windows. Heated door mirrors. Column stalk controls for: direction indicators, side lights, headlamp dip/main beam/flash, twin speed wipers with flick wipe and intermittent wipe. Twin horns. Cigar lighter. Styled twin pocket halogen headlamps. Lamps-on warning buzzer. Load space lamp. Courtesy operated interior lights with delay. Foot well illumination. Glovebox lamp. Illuminated ignition slot.
IN-CAR ENTERTAINMENT
Electronic stereo radio/cassette player with auto reverse cassette. Front door mounted speakers and coaxial tweeters. Screw in rear-mounted aerial. CD compatible.
INSTRUMENTATION
Speedometer with trip recorder. Tachometer, Fuel gauge. Temperature gauges for oil and coolant. Warning lights for: brake system failure/handbrake on; main beam; direction and hazard warning indicators; engine bay fan; low oil pressure; no charge; rear fog lamps; SRS airbag warning; ABS failure. Analogue clock.
INTERIOR FEATURES
Full length high centre console, drop down bin and cup holder. Driver’s console with coin tray. Colour-keyed, leather-trimmed steering wheel on MGF l.8i VVC. Sports seats with adjustable head
restraints. Driver’s clutch footrest and heel mat. Instrument binnacle. Screen-mounted dipping rear view mirror. Heater: 4 speed fan: rotary controls for temperature, distribution and fan speed. Stowage; lockable glovebox with cassette stowage in lid; seatback stowage pockets; console stowage bin; Cigar lighter; ashtray; driver’s sunvisor with docket pocket; handbook pocket
in boot.
Interior trim; cut pile carpets; boot carpet; sill finishers with bright tread plates; full depth moulded door castings with carpet kick-strip, integral armrest and pull pocket; co-ordinating door inserts. Internal chrome door handles. Hood well with removable panel for engine access. Jack and tool kit.
SAFETY
Driver and passenger airbags. Seat belt pretensioners activated by airbag Electronic Control Unit. Door side intrusion beams. Fuel tank cage. High tensile steel tubes in windscreen pillars. Impact absorbing front and rear end structure. Laminated windscreen.
SECURITY
Remotely controlled central door locking and super locking, also operates perimetric alarm. Visible chassis number. Combined ignition/steering column lock. Bonnet release located in boot.
EXTERIOR FEATURES
2-door, 2-seater convertible body shell. Woven acrylic fabric black hood with tinted, zip-down rear screen. Optional hardtop with heated rear screen. Turn-key operated boot latch with spring assistance. Tinted glass. Body colour door handles, door mirror and bumpers.
Side intake grilles. Exposed locking fuel filler cap. Twin front wipers with driver’s side aerofoil. Twin washer jets.
Stainless steel exhaust with two bright tailpipes. MG badge front and rear.
