Review: MG TF (2002-05)

Overview

Released in August 2002, the MG TF 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.

Compared to its predecessor, body rigidity for the TF increased by 20 per cent, while MG claimed that the revised suspension system provided improved handling and reduced stopping distances. Visually, the TF could be identified by its revised front bumper, air intake, projector headlights, side air-intakes, sill extensions and extended bootlid with integrated spoiler and LED lights. 

K-Series engine

The 1.8-litre K-Series four-cylinder engine had an aluminium block and cylinder head, double overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder. For the TF, however, the engine was offered in three output states with the names referring to the brake horsepower outputs: 120, 135 and 160. While the compression ratios for the 120 and 135 variants was 10.5:1, the engines for the 160 variants had variable inlet valve timing (‘variable valve control’, or VVC) and the compression ratio was raised to 10.6:1.

Suspension

The TF was 3943 mm long, 1626 mm wide, 1261 mm tall and had a 2376 mm long wheelbase. Furthermore, the TF had double wishbone front suspension and independent, multi-link rear suspension. Unlike its F predecessor, the TF had conventional steel springs rather than its predecessor’s Hydragas dampers.

Safety equipment

Standard safety for the MG TF equipment included dual front airbags, ABS and front seatbelt pretensioners.

Euro NCAP crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , the TF received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 26.03. In the frontal offset crash test, protection from serious chest and leg injury for the driver was marginal. In the side impact test, there was a slight risk of serious chest and abdomen injury.

Features: MG TF 120, 135 and 160

Standard features for the MG TF 120 included 16-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system with CD player, air conditioning, ‘Daytona’ cloth sports seats with leather bolsters, remote central locking, tilt adjustable leather steering wheel, leather-wrapped gearshift and handbrake gaiter, power windows and heated mirrors, a tilt adjustable steering wheel, an alarm and immobiliser.

Beyond this, the TF 135 added ‘Sebring’ cloth sports seats and front fog lights. The TF 160 was further equipped with 11-spoke alloy wheels with sports suspension, 304 mm front brake discs with four-piston calipers, Alcantara cloth sports seats with leather bolsters, chrome door handles and mesh air vents.

2004 MF TF 80^thAnniversary

In January 2004, 80^thAnniversary editions of the TF 120 and TF 160 variants were released. The interior of the 80th Anniversary editions featured red alcantara leather seats and door trims, and chrome interior highlights (dashboard, door trims, handbrake, gearshift and steering wheel); a wind breaker was also fitted as standard. Externally, the 80th Anniversary editions could be identified their eleven-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels with shadow chrome finish, upgraded AP brakes with red painted calipers, front fog lights, chrome door handles, mesh vents, red coloured hood and ‘Pearl Black’ metallic paint finish.

2004 MG TF Coupe

In June 2004, a limited number of coupe models were produced for the TF 120 and TF 160 variants. These coupe models were fitted with a removable colour-coded hardtop (with rear-window demister) in addition to the canvas soft-top and were distinguished by their Oxford leather upholstery, wood and leather-wrapped steering wheel, interior wood trim and rear wind deflector. Furthermore, the TF 120 was fitted with additional features to make it equivalent to the TF 160’s features, such as the TF 160’s alloy wheels, front fog lights and chrome exterior highlights.

2005 MG TF 120 Spark and TF 160 Spark

In January 2005, Spark editions of the TF 120 and TF 160 variants were released. The Spark editions could be identified by their blue retractable hoods and rear wind deflector; they were also fitted with eleven spoke alloy wheels, upgraded AP brakes, front fog lights, chrome door handles and mesh inserts (though these features were already standard for the TF 160).

The Spark editions were available in ‘Kinetic Glacier White’ or ‘Supertallic Nocturne’ metallic paint finishes. Inside,

• the Glacier white models had an ash interior finishes, blue leather door and seat inserts, and chrome finishes for the door trim, centre console and steering wheel; and,
• the Nocturne (blue) models had a beige interior finish, Oxford leather sports seats and door inserts, and traditional wood finishes for the door trim, centre console and steering wheel.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: MG TF