Having enjoyed an MGZT160 for over 2 years it's now time to move on - and I think I fallen for the Crossfire - I'm now used to superb handling, comfortable seats and heads turning - will the XF match my expectations - has anyone else moved from a classic British sports saloon to the XFire?

 

I had an MG ZT180, and let me tell you that the Crossfire is years ahead of that old and slow car, you won't regret it, not now, not ever.

 

Some reviewers say the ride is harsh and that you feel every bump in the road. What are your thoughts? Also what's the fuel consumption like?

 

Fuel consumption is a little higher, but this car is a lot faster than the MG.

The suspension is set to a softer ride, the MG is really stiff, at least mine was with the OEM 18" wheels.

 

The ride is excellent. I've owned and driven 5 Corvettes up to including 1988. As expected the Xfire ride is far superior than any of those cars. The ride is very solid and yes you feel the bumps but the real test is how the car handles the bumps. Handles the bumps excellent. No teeth jarring ride.

You'd expect a sports car to be a little stiffer than most cars but again, the real proof of a solid car is how it handles the bumps. The car doesn't shake like some. I would not call it a hard ride like some. Just right!!!
A Cadillac ride will be too much of a compromise in road stability and cornering ability and not be as much fun to drive as the Xfire.

 

Two questions................................
#1. Having such a sheltered life..........................what does a MGZT even look like????
#2. I was wrong...............it was only one question...........................

As to the handling of the Crossfire, talk to some of the autocrossers about how they like the handling ON THE COMP LEVEL!!!
But I can tell you on the "Play Racing".....up and down mountains with the co-pilot holding on with white knuckles..............It's great suspension and I enjoy it and I am glad I have the Pilots.
All Season..................I don't think so....................... I have had more than one person say the AS Contis SUCK in the rain!!! Maybe they are good in the snow and mud, ????????

 

Fuel economy is excellent for such a large engine. My best to date is 427 miles on a single tank. Normal range is about 330. I tend to cruise on the motorway between 85 and 99, with the occasional blast up to 135 or so. There is some slower driving through the roadworks and in towns.

Using RON98 fuel does not seem to be any better than RON95.
Note that the XF and MG are very different cars. You are gaining performance and handling (my mates MG is fast but can't keep up on any road), and losing practicality. If you want extra performance then go for the SRT-6 if you want an XF.

Depends on your budget and seating requirements. Also consider the 350Z or the Impreza/Evo. RX8 has 4 seats. Audi S4 good alternative. There are some good finance deals at the moment.

It is worth taking your time to make the right decision.

 

An MGZT looks like this (attached). Mine's the mild 160BHP version, but they do a rear wheel drive one now with the Mustang 4.6Ltr V8 in it. It's a last gasp attempt by the UK's only remaining mass car manufacturer to produce a true sports saloon. However with 80K on the clock I decided it's time to look around - what caught my attention (apart from its good looks) is that you can pick up a low mileage (<10K) Crossfire in the UK for about 21GBP, which ain't bad for such a special car. Oh and its NOT a BMW or a Porsche (boring!)

 

What is the name of the manufacturer and are they associated with any of the other big names?
Has some BMW front end and some lines of a Jaguar.

 

Some of my posts are getting deleted. I wonder if startech thinks Im trying to get that thousand dollars so i can put 5 percent down on their engine upgrade.

 

but oh yeah, that mg looks really cool. the hood sorta makes it look like it has natural eye lids over the outside headlight. damn, its 6:30 am, i gotta get to sleep. Stupid texas holdem.....