Review: MG F (1997-02)

Review: MG Mk.I F (1997-00)

Overview

Released in March 1997, the MG Mk.I F was a two-seat convertible with a soft-top roof. Manufactured in Longbridge, UK, the rear-wheel drive F was powered by a mid-mounted 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engines that were mated to five-speed manual transmissions.

K-Series engine

The 1.8-litre K-Series four-cylinder engine had an aluminium block and cylinder head, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 10.5:1. However, the engine was available with and without variable inlet valve timing (‘variable valve control’, or VVC) – these were the 18K4F and 18K4K engines, respectively.

Dimensions and suspension

The F was 3913 mm long, 1628 mm wide, 1264 mm tall and had a 2375 mm long wheelbase. Furthermore, the F had double wishbone suspension front and rear with a ‘Hydragas’ damping system. The Hydragas system used displacer units (pressurised spheres containing nitrogen gas) in place of conventional steel springs that were connected to the equivalent unit on the opposing axle.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the MG F included dual front airbags and ABS.

Features

Standard features for the MG F 1.8i included 15-inch alloy wheels, two speaker sound system with a radio and cassette player, remote central locking, power windows and an alarm.

The 1.8i VVC was further equipped with leather seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

1998 MG F Abingdon

In September 1998, limited-run Abingdon editions were released. The Abingdon editions featured 16-inch six-spoke alloy wheels with 215/40 ZR Goodyear tyres, walnut leather seats with racing green piping, woodgrain interior trim and a Brooklands green paint finish.

1998 MG F Volcano

In August 1998, limited-run Volcano editions were released which featured a CD player, leather trim and a Volcano orange paint finish.

1999 MG F 75^thAnniversary

In September 1999, 75^thAnniversary edition models were released; these models featured 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, grenadine leather upholstery (seats, handbrake, gearshift, steering wheel and doors) and a grenadine-coloured soft-top roof.

1999 MG F Trophy

In February 1999, limited-run Trophy editions were released which featured 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, leather seats and carbon-fibre interior trim.

Review: MG Mk.II F (2000-02)

Overview

Released in November 2000, the Mk.II F introduced an expanded range with the availability of continuously variable transmissions (MG’s ‘Steptronic’) for the 1.8i variants. Visually, the Mk.II F could be identified by its new alloy wheel designs and clear indicator lenses.

Safety equipment

Compared to its Mk.I predecessor, standard safety equipment for the Mk.II F was unchanged.

Features

Standard features were extended to include a six speaker sound system with CD player, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an adjustable steering column, power mirrors and an immobiliser. The 1.8i VVC variants were also fitted with air conditioning as standard.

2001 MG F Trophy 160

In October 2001, limited-run Trophy 160 editions of the 1.8i VVC variant were released. The Trophy 160 was fitted with 16-inch eleven-spoke alloy wheels with 195/45 uni-directional front and 215/40 rear tyres, competition-based spring and damper rates for the Hydragas suspension (providing a 20 mm lower ride height) and an MG-AP Racing brake system with 304 mm ventilated front discs.

Visually, the Trophy 160 could be identified by its bright mesh for the grille and side air intake, black bezels for the headlights, front bib splitter spoiler and rear deck spoiler. Inside, there were body-coloured inserts in the door trims and centre console, body-coloured leather sections for the steering wheel and unique leather/fabric seats with ‘Trophy 160’ badging.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: MG F