MGF (Mark 2)
2000 MGF (Mark 2)

2000 MGF (Mark 2)

For classic car enthusiasts, the 2000 MGF (Mark 2) is a standout for its mid-engine layout, unique Hydragas suspension, and balanced driving feel. While it was not a retro car, the MGF brought back the MG roadster to a new generation with an innovative but affordable approach.

A silver convertible car parked on a paved road near a grassy area with trees in the background.
A light blue convertible car parked on the side of the road with a wooden fence and bare trees in the background.
A smartphone showing a photo of a blue convertible car parked in front of a house with white walls, two windows, and a small porch, surrounded by a gravel driveway and some outdoor plants.
Interior of a convertible car showing black leather seats, a manual gear shift, and a dashboard with various controls.

Nuts & Bolts

  • 2000 MGF (Mark 2)

  • First registered: September 2000

  • Registration number: X339 KBE

  • Colour: Wedgwood limited-edition

  • Mild factory facelift

  • Body-coloured windscreen surround

  • Smoked-clear front and side indicator lenses

The 2000 MGF is a more refined and usable version of the mid-engined roadster, with an improved interior and the popular VVC engine as a desirable option. Launched in late 1999, the "MY2000" (model year 2000) facelift brought several aesthetic and functional updates.

Improved interior

The most significant changes were to the cabin, which received new and more supportive seats, redesigned switchgear, and a contemporary alloy-themed console. The instrument faces were also changed from cream to silver.

Engine options

The 1.8i engine was available with a 5-speed manual gearbox, but the more sought-after option was the 143 bhp Variable Valve Control (VVC) engine. The VVC provides more performance and is highly regarded by enthusiasts. A CVT Stepspeed automatic gearbox was also introduced in 2000, but it was not popular among purists.

Exterior refinements

The 2000 model saw subtle styling changes, including the windscreen surround painted in body colour instead of black and smoked-clear front indicators replacing the orange ones.

This Culbirnie Classic is the Wedgwood limited-edition, one of only 100, painted in the distinctive Wedgwood Blue with a specification including leather seats, CD player, chrome detailing and 16-inch alloys as well as a rear spoiler.

Upgraded parts

The facelifted cars generally benefited from revised electronics and an improved electric power steering system, addressing some of the issues found on earlier MGFs.

Mid-engine layout

As with all MGFs, the mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout provides excellent weight distribution and responsive handling that sets it apart from rivals like the front-engined Mazda MX-5.

Hydragas suspension

The MGF's unique interconnected Hydragas suspension system provides an impressively comfortable ride for a sports car, a feature that distinguishes it from the later, firmer TF model.

The MGF uses a special interconnected Hydragas suspension system, giving it a remarkably comfortable and compliant ride for a sports car. This was a key differentiator from rivals like the Mazda MX-5, though some contemporary testers found the handling less "raw".

Unique ride and handling

The MGF offers a rewarding and fun driving experience for a relatively low price, making it an accessible entry point into classic sports car ownership. The VVC models and special editions carry a small premium but are still excellent value.

“We like the revised interior with a redesigned centre console and silver-painted instrument dials, although not such a fan of the dials' new font and lack of MG logos. “

— Culburnie Classic Cars

The open trunk of a silver car showing a black interior with a small netted compartment on the side and a large battery on the right.
A smartphone shows a photo of a blue car with a black convertible roof parked in front of a white house with a gravel driveway and garden.
2000 MGF (Mark 2)