dus toch 
The new MG5...
SO, we had a press statement issued by NAC-MG last Friday telling us of an important mid-sized car that was due for release at the upcoming Shanghai Motor Show. What transpired, however, was neither important, nor new - and that's a real shame.
Yes, the Chinese car buying public got their first glimpse of the MG ZS, sorry, MG5 at the show, and seemed to approve of what they say. For us more jaded Europeans, the sight of the ZS, sorry, MG5, was disappointing to say the least - if only because it was a case of last millennium's old news. Don't get me wrong, the MG ZS, sorry, MG5, looked great in Ignition Blue with the nubile model draped over it, but if NAC-MG wants to get serious about exporting cars, this is not what we want to see.
Of course, in reality, it probably won't get shipped back here, and if it does go into production (assuming Honda doesn't blow a gasket), then it'll serve as a great replacement for Nanjing's insipid SEAT Ibiza-based supermini.
Contrast this car to the one unveiled on Roewe's stand. Although ostensibly a concept, the Roewe W2 is little more than a pre-production 450 wearing bling alloys - and gives us yet another frustrating view of what could have been in the MGR-SAIC joint venture had things not gone tits up in 2005. You see, this car is a China-optimised RDX60, and although it's a little conservative for European tastes, one can't help but conclude that MGR was moving in the right direction with RDX60.
Anyway, that's all in the past now.
...once the TF's up and running and back
on sale, and assuming it makes money,
expect to see some more exciting
roadsters go on sale.
I had an interesting chat with a good friend who has an 'in' at Longbridge. Although NAC-MG still has some way to go in the Birmigham factory, progress is being made in CAB1, as the TF's production line is brought together with the body assembly and paint shop to sit under one roof. In fact, said friend, uttered - the ZT could indeed go back into production with what's left there...
He's already seen a pair of pre-production TFs in white (which although a prototype colour, he reckons they look fantastic) rolling down the line looking good on their 16-inch alloys with AP Calipers nestling underneath. These latest TFs also seem to hit the mark, quality-wise, too - with the bits of mesh back in place (that had been removed under Project Drive), and interior plastics now very much where they should be.
NAC's dealer network is going to have to show its hand soon, though, because if the number of people who email me is any indication of potential interest, then they'll be pretty busy, and should already be getting prepared. Still, another of the site's correspondents has confirmed that NAC-MG will be making an announcement soon on that regard.
So, despite rolling out the ZS, sorry, MG5, at the Shanghai Motor Show and making themselves look disinterested in moving forwards, NAC-MG and Longbridge are moving in the right direction after all - and just to get you even more excited, once the TF's up and running and back on sale, and assuming it makes money, expect to see some more exciting roadsters go on sale. My friend's seen the renderings, and reckons they look great...
