IT'S good to see a different badge in the car park - especially one that most of us had thought of as long-gone.

And even better when that name has a pedigree in British motoring history as long as your arm. That's why MG is rightly welcomed back to what is now a hugely competitive marketplace.

Owned by China's Shanghai Auto group, the range at the moment comprises just two models - the MG6 GT which is a hatchback and the MG6 Magnette saloon. But plans are well ahead to expand the range.

I opted for the GT, which with British drivers' preference for opening tailgates in this sector seems the version with most hope for luring buyers from the rivals.

So what are the MG's closest competitors? Priced between £15,000 and £21,000 and straddling the gap between Focus and Mondeo in size terms, the nearest direct opposition is likely to come from Skoda or perhaps Hyundai and Kia. Tough acts to follow then.

This car was the topline 1.9 DTI GT SE - price £20,195 - which comes with ample kit including air con, parking sensors, Bluetooth, sat nav and leather seating. It has to be said, though, that the leather looks rather too similar to my old aunt's vinyl sofa from the Eighties.

Anyway, moving away from the trimmings, what's the MG like to drive? Mainly good news here, because the 1.9 diesel engine is a cracker with loads of low down power and enough urge to see of many larger engined cars without busting the bank at fuel stations.

With 148 willing horsepower, it disposes of the 62mph sprint in just under nine seconds and will go on to 120mph.

All this and realistic fuel consumption in the mid-40s, although the official figure is a more optimistic 53.5mpg.

The engine isn't the most refined diesel in the world, but it settles down at cruising speeds thanks partly to a high sixth gear. One of the its trump cards is its fast throttle response - not always the case with oil burners.

Road-holding via the front drive layout is pretty free from bodyroll and steering offers reasonable feedback, meaning that the new MG has managed to capture some of the driving fun of its illustrious predecessors.

There's a shade more road noise than you'd hope for, and this can become wearing over long distances.

However, there are no complaints over cabin space. There's ample room for four adults or even five and the rear hatchback boot is among the largest in its class, being capable of absorbing 458 litres of luggage. The rear seats fold to make the space still bigger.

The cabin itself doesn't, however, have the quality mouldings and fitments that you'd find in a comparative European model and the test car had a few irritating rattles that indicated poor fit.

It's good to see the famous MG octagon badge being proudly worn once again. The 6 GT just needs a few minor tweaks to put into strong contention in this fiercely fought sector.