Welcome Steve.
There are plenty of ex-MG owners on TM so you're among friends.

I haven't heard of the 1.6 coming with aircon. Note that the button is there and will light up when the fan/blower is on, even when there's no aircon.

DaveW
'05 Red Roadster S1
'16 Yellow (Not the only) Narrow AR GDI Plus 4