I’ve confessed before that I didn’t really enjoy driving the MGF when originally launched. A lack of steering centre definition, inconsistent steering weighting, and on 15” wheels there was unwanted steer when applying the throttle and uncertainty about grip levels especially in the wet. The cars released to the press for test drives were much better (thanks to my colleague Alan’s efforts at ‘optimisation’), but I still felt uneasy.
The chance to develop TF helped us to address most concerns and move the car on (albeit with the loss of ride quality). But these cars are now getting old and times have changed. Even the most mundane cars are now very competent and resistance to roll, consistency of handling and steer response is surprisingly good in the (ever bigger) SUV type of vehicle.
For one reason and another, the majority of my driving time recently has been in my Rover 75 (oh so relaxing) and a Ford Galaxy (don’t ask). Travelling to a job recently gave the opportunity to use our TF160. Ah, feeling connected felt good. The roll angle is minimal, the steering response is linear, and it is just simply fun to drive. Why am I surprised? It had been a while since I’d driven it and the comparison to a standard TF was stark. Our car has the VHS Bilstein monotube damper kit, lowered seats, uprated anti roll bars and known nominal geometry (courtesy of our adjustable front lower arms). It isn’t perfect. The structure doesn’t have the robustness of a Porsche Boxster and big impacts can cause trim creaks. But the ability to dial in a change of direction and absorb mid-corner bumps without correction was ever so satisfying.
Simple pleasures with the hood down, on decent roads, when the sum of the parts really does add up.