BANBRIDGE MOTOR AND SPORT SHOW - 13th & 14th August 2011

Saturday 13th August 2011

We had booked the SD1 in for both days before the Rover 75 and MG ZT owners Club decided to attend, but it was agreed that we could be part of their stand on both days.

On Saturday 4 members attended.  We arrived at the venue (field) just before 11.am.  Upon entering the field we were allowed to park wherever we wanted.  At this point I have to say that my husband probably picked the worst spot in the whole field.  We were the closest stand to the stage and so were deafened when the singer was preforming, we were surrounded by cow pats making it tricky to move around without standing in one.  On the plus side we had a good overview of the other exhibits and we were close to the toilets.

As usual the day began with the cars being washed and polished.  It never ceases to amaze me the amount of cleaning products that some of the club members can fit into their boots.  Once the cars were gleaming, although one member did forget to wash his wheels, it was time to walk for a walk around.

Who let the side down by forgetting to wash the cow pat off their wheels?

As is often the case, our first stop was the burger stand and I have to say that the burgers left a lot to be desired.  With our stomachs filled we made our way around the trade stands, The AutoGlym stand held the attention of our members for quiet some time and a few purchases were made.

Although this show was open to all cars including motor sport cars, modified cars, classic cars and vintage cars it was the classic cars that caught my eye.

Here are a few of the vehicles that caught my eye as we strolled around -

A few participants from the 2011 Scally Rally had their vehicles on display.  After talking to them we decided that it would great idea to enter The 2012 Scally Rally.  So the hunt for a Rover 75 for £100 began.

The following photograph is of one of the participants in the 2011 Scally Rally

We watched the NI Fire Service demonstration until it began to rain.  The shower passed quiet quickly but some of the exhibitors were beginning to leave.  About an hour later when the next shower of rain started at around 4pm we decided to call it a day.   Despite numbers being lower than what I had expected we tthoroughly enjoyed the day. 

Sunday 14th August 2011

A few members met at our house before 10am so that we could get cars loaded up with the barbecue and foodstuffs.  We headed of just after 10am to meet the other members at The Moira Roundabout.  Our plans were to leave there at 10.15, however by 10.30 two of the members, including the club secretary still hadn't arrived, we received a phone call from him to say that they had been delayed and then diverted thanks to roadworks, he told us to go on and they would make their own way.


We set off in convoy with the SD1 leading the way, followed by the Rover 75 tourer, followed by the Metro 100 with the Rover 25 at the end.  We made good progress and arrived at the venue at 11.15, where another MG was waiting for us.  The other 2 MG's arrive shortly afterwards.  We were allocated a spot well away from the stage much to our relief.  Glancing around it was clear that a lot of the cars that were on display yesterday were back today and that numbers were up.

As the lads washed and polished the cars I set up the barbecue in preparation for lunch. 


 

With the cars all washed and the food cooked it was time to fill our bellies and recharge our batteries.  The food went down a treat and was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone including Ruby (the dog).  The burgers were much better than the ones that we purchased yesterday, even if I do say so myself.

After we ate some of the club members went for a walk around whilst the rest of us stayed around the cars and enjoyed an great afternoons craic in the sun whilst watching the rain clouds pass over us.  Unfortunately the clear skies and sunshine didn't last long.  There were a few short light scattered showers late in the afternoon and then the rain came on pretty heavy around 4.30pm.  As some of the members had other commitments we decided that it was time to clear up and hit the road.   


This was the first year of this 2 day charity event.  The nominated charity was NI Chest Heart & Stroke Association.  It was billed as one of the largest shows of 2011 in Northern Ireland with exhibitors attending from all over Ireland and the UK.


The organisers of this show had planned long and hard for this show and there was something for everyone including demonstrations by the NI Fire Service, Live music, Formula One simulator and various things to entertain children including a bouncy slide and bouncy castle and the Red Bull Dodge Truck and 3 teams of promotions girls were in attendance both days giving out free sames of Red Bull.

Another great day out with a super bunch of guys.

VIEWING THE NEW MG 6, SALTMARINE CARS, DUNGANNON - 11TH AUGUST 2011

  

We got a text message from the Regional Secretary of The Rover 75 and MG ZT owners club at 3.30pm stating that if we wanted to see the new MG 6 to meet with him at Saltmarine cars at 7pm.

We left home at just after 6pm followed by another club member in his recently purchased Rover 75.  Following a fuel stop we hit the M1 and had an uneventful trip to Dungannon.  We arrived just before 7pm.

The club secretary and his wife arrived shortly after.   We chatted outside for a while to see if anyone else would arrive before having a look around the 2 cars that were on display in the forecourt, then we headed into the showroom to look around.

Once inside we received a very warm welcome from the sales team before being left to browse around the cars.  On display downstairs there was a  MG MAGNETTE 1.8 TURBO in GRANITE GREY and a MG 6 SE 1.8 TURBO IN REGAL RED.

We all gravitated toward the Magnette and spent a long time looking around it, checking under the bonnet, checking out the boot space and testing out the front and rear seats.

Before heading upstairs to see the cars on display up there I took a few photographs of the advertising in the showroom.  

By the time we were ready to go upstairs another club member had arrived, bring the total to 4.  Not a bad turnout given that we were only given a few hours notice.


When upstairs we were all drawn toward the Pitch Black MG 6 Turbo so much so that we all walked past the Platinum Silver car, barely giving it a second glance.

The men left no part of this car untouched, every square inch was examined and scrutinised.

The photograph below shows the LED rear lamp cluster

The following photographs show the fuel economy figures, prices and specifications and features.

The photograph below show the 17” twist alloy wheels

As we were leaving I just had to get a photograph of our 75's and MG ZT's out on the forecourt under the used car sign.

Before we departed we had a chat with the salesman who told us that there would be an official launch night where we would be able to test drive the car.  He also gave us MG branded tax disc holders, pens and brochures.

MY OPINIONS

The first all-new MG to out of the Longbridge factory gates in 15 years,  designed and engineered in the UK.  

• A nice car but it didn't make me go "wow"
• To me it shows resembles to Mazda, Toyota and Ford Focus.
• The front is dominated by the new style octagon MG badge.
• Looks much better in real life than it does in the brochures or adverts.    
• The interior is a little plain and dull, lacks the wow factor.
• The seats (front and rear) are very comfortable. 
• The cabin is spacious with plenty of leg room in the front and rear.
• A large boot, however the high rear end would make loading anything large or heavy difficult. 

I think it's fair to say that the general consensus was that it's a good car, however it might be over priced given the current economic climate.  With the rising fuel costs the MG 6 could struggle to make a real impact on the market, however that should change with the launch of a diesel version.


It saddens me to say this, but I think the old MG ZT was a more interesting and a nicer looking car.  I also think that give the current economic climate that they will have difficulties selling these cars.