MG production resumes

Full-scale production at MG's iconic Longbridge plant has resumed today.

Just 500 LE500 cars, based on a refreshed version of the old MG TF that was first produced in 1995, will be built. They are priced from 16,399.

The LE500 is powered by a 133bhp 1.8-litre petrol engine. It averages 35.8mpg and emits 185g/km of CO2.

It has rear parking sensors, air-con, an MP3-compatible CD, a body-coloured hardtop and leather sports seats.

MG's Chinese owners, SAIC, claims to have already sold 70 per cent of the 500 cars being built, and say that other variants will follow later in the year.

The first LE500s will be delivered to customers in September.