The MG has had something of a chequered past in recent years. A once-proud British brand, it evokes more misty eyes than most from car fans of a certain age.

But in the last decade or so the brand all but vanished, a victim of an ever-changing industry in which Far Eastern marques have thrived often at the expense of famous European ones.

Ironically, MG has been saved by a Chinese company. SAIC, the Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation, has taken over the marque and is busy building up a series of models. Tested here is the MG6, a new model recently launched. It is related to the Rover 75, which is no bad thing for the 75 was highly-regarded.

It’s an interesting vehicle, the MG6. It sits between Focus and Mondeo sizes, but costs nearer the former making it an attractive proposition. Style-wise, it’s smart enough and it has enough presence to make people look twice. OK, it’s not cutting edge, but it looks OK.

It is the first offering from the rejuvenated MG Motor Company. The previous few years have seen the development of the business and its facilities alongside production of the MG TF. But now it is back with a brand-new product and a production line in the UK, albeit for completion in Birmingham rather than starting from scratch.

The MG6 is a good resume of MG’s approach for its new beginning, paying homage to driving enjoyment like its cars of old but underscored with value.

I must admit I was apprehensive. Tarted-up models rarely shine, but this is much more than a tarted-up 75. It is solid, well-built and drives well. The ride and handling is impressive and the engine is capable. It’s a shame it didn’t have a sixth gear, like most cars of this class.

Style wise, it could have been a little fresher and distinctive but there’s very little in the way of harking back to the past. It is a clean, smooth design.

Look closely and you can see the barrel-sided effect last seen on the 75 which helps the strong stance, and although it is less pretty from the rear, MG have done a fine job overall.

Climb inside and there is a feeling of space. With a crucial extra few centimetres over the standard C-segment template the MG6 offers a little bit more, although this is somewhat tempered by the choice of dark colours for the cabin finishes.

The dashboard is conventional with clear instruments and a centre stack carrying the major controls. One feature I admire is a measure of how many gallons of petrol the car has consumed on a trip. A useful feature in these cost-conscious times.

The cabin plastics are a little mixed and a shade behind Korean rivals although the build quality appears sound. Equipment levels are above standard, with the top-spec TSE models getting satellite navigation, climate control, Bluetooth and a reversing camera. Even the entry-level S model is well kitted-out.

At launch the engine range is limited to a 1.8-litre turbo-charged petrol unit producing 158bhp, and while some will be searching in vain for a diesel option from the start, the petrol has a lot going for it. Regardless of model the 1.8-litre unit is matched to a five-speed gearbox driving the front wheels, and in keeping with the sporting edge to the MG brand it gives the MG6 a strong turn of speed.

With a 0-62mph time of 8.4 seconds it is rapid if not hot-hatch quick, but on a suitable stretch of road it has more than enough power to make the journey interesting. Driven in a more sedate fashion it is respectably refined, but when stretched to deliver maximum performance noise levels do increase. That will be of little relevance however when the first bend looms in the windscreen, because the MG6 is certainly worthy of its well-known badge, thanks to the responsive and able steering and suspension. Initially the steering is surprisingly heavy, but after a few miles it becomes clear this is merely a reflection of the accuracy and consistency it offers. Even when driving in town or in traffic, well-weighted controls are less taxing for the driver. And when the conditions are just right, the MG6 is thrives on challenging bends and demanding conditions.

Stack the MG’s performance against its rivals and the results are something of a mixed bag. On paper the top speed and acceleration are par for the course: by limiting the MG6 to 120mph, its insurance grouping is lower, contributing to the impressive overall figure of 14E.

The fuel consumption is a fraction below average while the emissions are a relatively high 184g/km, although both of these will be significantly improved with the diesel engine to follow.

More important however is the fact that the MG6 is spacious, fun to drive and well-specified. With prices starting at £15,495 for the impressive S model it stands fair comparison with other high-value brands that can’t offer such a good driving experience. For that reason, the MG6 is a car which brings a smile back to British motoring.