NEW SHAPE, NEW suspension and an optimistic future. MG is back in town with the new midengine car MG TF and ready to meet is rivals, front engine sports car Mazda MX-5 and midengine concept Toyota MR2.

The MG TF is based on the MGF, but the 2002 version is much more than just a facelift. New front is what you might call a facelift, but a new line of engines, a new suspension, ABS and a lot of others news make the TF a new car.

First of all the new steel-suspension is interesting and will definitely be of big importance to the handling of the car; with “real” springs and telescopic shock absorbers – said in other words, with conventional suspension MG tells us they really want the car to handle just as sharp and sporty as it looks.

Our opinion:
“ON THE PAPER new MG TF is the very right sports car. Midengine configuration, smarter looks, but most important of all with a new “racing-suspension”, besides new engines, some with a lot of power compared to the competitors, ABS-brakes etc.
We think the new car is a serious contender to the other fine sports car in the field. Welcome back, Mr. MG – we are looking forward to meet you at the test track”

FACTS
· Newcomer MG TF versus Mazda MX-5 versus Toyota MR2 SMT
· Midengine versus frontengine versus midengine
· Rear-wheel drive versus rear-wheel drive versus rear-wheel drive
· 4-cyl. inline versus 4-cyl. inline versus 4-cyl. inline
· 1.8-litre versus 1.8-litre versus 1.8-litre
· 135 bhp versus 146 bhp versus 140 bhp
· 8.2 sec.* versus 8.4 sec. versus 9.2 sec.
· 203 km/h versus 208 km/h versus 210 km/h

*) 0-60 mhp


Images:
1) New MG TF – new front, typically mid engine scoop at the side of the car.
2) TF interior.
3) 15 or 16-inch wheels under the TF wings.
4 + 5) Mazda is still launching new special editions – both are unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show.
6) MR2 interior – no news for this season.
7) Typically MR2 driving style – sliding all day long