Engines and performance

The MG TF range offered a wide choice of engines to suit different budgets and expectations. The 1.6-litre version, known as the TF115, was the entry point to the range and proved adequate for relaxed summer cruising. It delivered usable performance but lacked the urgency and excitement found in the more powerful variants.

Those seeking a more spirited drive naturally gravitated toward the TF160. This version used a variable valve control (VVC) 1.8-litre engine producing 160hp, and it had the performance to match the car’s sporting intentions. It sprinted from 0-60mph in around 7 seconds and had the rev-hungry character enthusiasts loved.

The TF120, equipped with a 1.8-litre 120hp engine and a CVT automatic gearbox, was something of an oddity in the line-up. While smooth and stress-free in traffic, it lacked the engagement and responsiveness of the manual models and was relatively rare in the UK market.

Despite its mid-engined layout and rear-wheel-drive configuration, the TF remained accessible to drive, with good balance and composure through corners. Grip levels were strong, but the car’s handling was safe and forgiving rather than razor sharp. Ride quality, particularly on models with sportier suspension, could be quite firm on rough roads, but it remained a rewarding car for B-road blasts and weekend escapes.