A CLEANER, greener version of the diesel MG6 is being introduced aimed at making a mark with fleet managers and private buyers alike.

A new version of the firm's 1.9-litre diesel engine now features in all MG6 GT and Magnette DTi-TECH variants, offering lower fuel emissions and improved fuel economy.

The enhanced unit emits 129g/km of CO2 compared to its predecessor's 139g/km, with its combined economy figure up from 53.5mpg to 57.6mpg.

The emissions reduction means the diesel MG6 drops a couple of benefit in kind brackets (down to 20%) and moves into a different tax bracket (from E to D).

It means an MG6 DTi-TECH GT S driver would have a monthly tax bill of £56.47.Its improved fuel economy also sees it nudge closer to class leaders in the segment.

The new engine also features other enhancements designed to offer an improved drive, while overall performance remains unchanged, delivering 148bhp, a 0-60mph acceleration time of 8.9 seconds and a top speed of 120mph.

While the new engine is the only substantial change for the 6 it represents a welcome addition and a boost to the range in the wake of MG starting to see sales figures soar since the arrival of the MG3.

The 6 might be a slower seller for MG but bosses hope the new diesel unit will tempt new buyers to the brand and the firm has embarked on a determined push to boost sales.

The differences between the new diesel and its predecessor are subtle but noticeable.

It feels smoother and more refined and power is delivered smoothly throughout the rev range.

It's also lively and spirited enough to add to the overall driving pleasure of being behind the wheel. The MG6 continues to display something of a Jekyll and Hyde character though, and as well as its new engine would benefit from a new interior, or at least having some aspects of it addressed.

First impressions are it can't seem to make its mind up whether it's premium or budget.

Soft touch plastics on most of the switchgear are almost BMW-like in quality but the odd handbrake and the plastics around it look and feel somewhat out of place, as if they were retrieved from an odds and sods parts bin when the budget was running low.

Other than that though the MG6 offers a roomy and generally comfortable cabin and in many areas is not lacking in quality. 

Buyers can opt for either the Magnette saloon, or GT hatchback versions. The GT might still look like a saloon but is really a semi-disguised hatchback, with a huge boot (498 litres) and the added bonus of hatchback versatility.

It continues to be a well engineered car - work that's been done at MG's Birmingham technical centre.

The ‘fat' saloon shape might not be to all tastes but it's also middle of the road enough to not cause offence - neutral and suitably inoffensive if you like.

Perhaps the MG6's greatest strength is that it's actually a decent driver's car and as such is a worthy wearer of that iconic badge.

It's well-balanced, offers plenty of driver feedback and is generally fun and engaging to drive.

To some extent MG is still playing catch-up with it. Initially launched in 2011 with only a petrol option, the first diesel came on stream in 2013.

This could be something to do with the fact that China (home of MG's parent company SAIC) still doesn't really do diesel - at least as far as the car market is concerned. 

But a look back through the automotive history books reveals plenty of vehicles which died a fairly swift death in Europe because no diesel version was available. Nissan Muranos and Subaru Tribecas are probably rarer sights than Ferraris on Britain's road network these days.

The MG6 also continues to offer a high level of standard equipment. An entry level S trim line comes with sports seats, 17-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning/dual zone climate control, front and rear electric windows, hill hold control and an eight speaker stereo with MP3 compatibility and USB port. 

An entry-level diesel will set customers back £16,995, with ownership of a similar petrol model around £1,500 less.SE trim level adds cruise control, satellite navigation and tyre pressure monitoring.

The range-topping TSE has leather seats, 18-inch alloy wheels, auto dipping rear view mirror, automatic headlights, rain sensing wipers, Bluetooth, brake disc wiping, front parking sensors, rear parking sensors and a rear parking camera.

A recent pricing restructure provides an added incentive to purchase, with all variants currently being available for under £20,000 and MG is also running its ‘High 5' offer - a five-part ‘peace of mind' package.

This five year package includes servicing up to 75,000 miles, warranty, breakdown cover with the AA, a fuel subsidy in the form of £500 worth of fuel vouchers and a finance offer of five per cent APR.