SINCE its launch in 2011 the MG6 has been single-handedly flying the flag for the reborn marque as the only all new model on sale in the UK since it was taken over by Chinese car maker Shanghai Automotive.

It is due to be joined later this year by the MG3 hatchback which should add some much-needed pep to the embryonic range.

In the meantime, though, some new life has been breathed into the MG6 with the introduction of a diesel version as the company seeks to boost its appeal to fleet managers and business users.

More than half the cars sold in the UK are oil burners and not having one in the range will have clearly been restricting the MG6's sales potential.

So it's overdue arrival is a welcome addition, not least because a diesel option instantly addresses what have been the MG6's biggest shortcomings - its relatively poor economy and emissions levels.

Whereas the existing petrol powered car offers 37.7 miles per gallon on average with carbon emissions of 174g/km the 1.9-litre turbo diesel unit boasts a much more competitive 53.5 miles per gallon while kicking out a much improved 139g/km - achieved, at least in part, by the addition of an automatic stop/start system.

Coupled with these figures, which will mean lower fuel and tax bills, the extra durability of a diesel unit for high-mileage motoring will make it a much more attractive company car proposition.

MG has also deliberately kept the options list to a minimum so as not to attract extra taxation, and the top speed is limited to 120mph to help to keep insurance costs down.

As a result the company, whose UK headquarters is on the site of its predecessor's Longbridge plant in Birmingham, are confident that well over half of the new models will be sold in the fleet and business sector.

While the diesel undoubtedly offers big economical improvements, however, it has not come at the expense of performance.

Power is only marginally less than that of the petrol version and the 0-60mph sprint still comes up in less than nine seconds while the diesel, typically, offers more pull across a wider rev range.

On the road, in fact, you'll notice little difference when you put your foot down. The response is pretty quick and decisive.

An extra sixth gear is also added to the manual transmission of the diesel which keeps the revs down at high speed and makes motorway cruising more refined.

All of this means that there's still plenty of oomph for the driver to take advantage of the characteristically sporty and engaging MG set-up.

The taught chassis does make for a slightly firm, though not uncomfortable, ride but it also offers excellent grip and body control in corners and makes this an enjoyable car to drive.

And while there is no estate option - so often the choice of the fleet manager, especially those with sales reps to cater for - there is still plenty of room in the MG6.

The boot is both wide and cavernous, offering an impressive 498 litres of load space, and will certainly cope easily with a set of golf clubs - that other cargo seemingly so beloved of the business customer.

The cabin too offers comfortable room for up to five adults and the controls are largely simple and easy to navigate and operate.

Equipment levels are good, with many creature comforts included as standard to compensate for the small options list.

This range-topping TSE trim gets 18-inch alloy wheels, dual zone aircon, electric windows, satnav, rear parking camera, MP3 compatible stereo with Bluetooth, USB and aux-in connectivity and cruise control.

But while you won't be found wanting for too much kit, it has to be said that the quality of the fixtures and fittings is not quite up to the standard of the MG's more established rivals.

Plastics are largely scratchy and the leather upholstery is not of the same standard as many.

The same observations would have been true, however, of the big Korean brands on their early ventures into the European market and look at them now.