What's it like inside and how much?

There's plenty of space for four people, and the boot is large and well-shaped, but the dashboard layout is rather fussy.

A bigger concern is the interior quality. Fit and finish fall well short of the standards we've come to expect in this class (in fact, most superminis have plusher interiors) and some of the materials in our test car were already showing signs of wear and tear.

How much will it cost?
The 6 is competitively priced, starting at 15,495 for an S-spec car that's equipped with air-conditioning, stability control, four electric windows and a stereo with aux-in and USB sockets.

A further 1500 buys the mid-level SE model, which adds satellite-navigation, rear parking sensors, cruise control and Bluetooth. Meanwhile, range-topping TSE cars cost 18,995 and get leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control and a reversing camera.

MG has managed to keep insurance costs comparatively low by limiting the top speed to 120mph: the S spec car sits in group 13, and the SE and TSE in group 14. However, the engine averages just 35.6mpg and the resulting 184g/km of CO2 will deter most company car drivers.

What's next for MG?
A saloon version of the 6 follows in June, and a new 1.9-litre turbodiesel engine will be offered from next spring.

There is also likely to be an MG3 supermini, based on last year's Zero concept, before the end of 2011. In the longer term, MG is considering launching a 4x4 or crossover model.

What Car? says
Good to drive, but quality and emissions make it hard to recommend