MG TF LE500 Reviewers comments

Quality improvements are evident throughout the car, from the improved plastic component mouldings to the way the car is put together. The latter being evident in a number of ways, from the instant the doors are closed with a reassuring 'thunk' rather than 'clang and rattle', then to the complete absence of rattles, creaks or squeaks when driving on many 'B' roads and country lanes.

The car rides well on the carry over suspension from 2005 that only a few will have previously experienced the benefits of. This is the softer more compliant suspension set-up and the benifits are extremely appreciated. Now all can feel the benefits compared to the hard riding 2002 to 2004 TF models. Performance is sharp and brisk, not quite as quick as the limited 133bhp testifies too, yet the LE500 loses none of the enjoyment factor that made the previous TF so popular, despite the engine having to comply with EU4 exhaust compliance.

Other changes in the engine have also made the engine more reliable and should have put to bed the spectre of failed head gaskets that affected far too many MGFs and which tainted the TF, although the TF did not suffer anything like the same failure rates. The engine seems to run more quietly, with none of the pronounced engine tappet noise that was so distinctive with the old TF models. It also runs at a lower opperating temperature, so again less stress on the engine components.

Equipment levels on the LE500 are the highest offered on a TF and include air conditioning, leather, colour coded hard top, rear parking sensors, front fog lamps, wind stop, tonneau cover & CD player with MP3 compatability and Ipod connector.

Seen in the introduction bright orange with black wheels, the car stands out from the crowd and passes scrutiny from the attention it seeks. In some of the other colours the impact is not so great, which will suit many, and here the slightly re-modeled front bumper with a re-shaped grille with curves that tend to hark back to the 'friendly face' of the MGF, is the only real visual clue to this being one of the NAC MG TFs!!

All these changes aside it is in the driving of the car that generates a smile and a pleasure to drive for longer than needed for the pleasure of the drive. The car is softer riding and markedly more comfortable than the 2002 to 2004 models as mentioned, yet has lost none of the 'play-ability' that made the old models such a pleasure to negotiate 'tight bends'.

Allied to the willing 1.8 litre N series engine that encourages you to use the throttle, yet well within the capacity of the big AP Racing brakes to haul you back, you have a car that reminds you what a two seat open top MG sports car was and is all about.

Remember this is not a new car but it is extremely competitive at £16,399 on the road with the long standard equipment list, mid 30's mpg on average and well over 40mpg available on a run. It is a car to put MG back in the new car lists in just the same way the MG RV8 did in 1992 with the knowledge that a new modern was just three years away. Today we have almost the same scenario with the TF holding station until the new and fully up to date MG Sports car arrives, but which will be supported by other new MG saloons, making the MG future brighter than it has been for a while.

Following the 500 LE models, 60% of which are already spoken for, MG plan to launch a base spec TF 135 that will be cheaper due to the reduced specification. If the reduction in price is as significant as we hope circa £14000 then this should be a highly competive entry price point. Nevertheless the MG TF LE500 stays true to the MG roots of being an affordable and economic sports car that still offers excellent value for money while putty a pretty broad smile on your face, 'Fun really is back'!!