Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) 2012 Plus 8 Autocar full review

The issue is that Morgans are now at a price point where the alternatives appear to be more finely engineered. My new Roadster is edging £60k with all the options, it's XKR territory, nice used Bentley, DB9 etc. whilst I might not compare these cars to a Morgan, many will.

For me, the choice is simple, I've owned a long list of virtually unusable supercars, a Morgan is one of life's unique pleasures, not one that is easily quantified. I know it won't handle like my Ford GT, or be as quick as my Murcielago was. I don't need it to do those things - I want something more intangible. And I can't wait.

I have to agree with him about the steering wheel, but I guess it's because it has an airbag. Don't like the body colour dash board at all- it looks too down market for a car in this price range. Gerry.

Totally agree Neilda. Its special and unique and hand built.

As it's the 7th Aero incarnation with a much simpler body, the bugs should have been pretty well sorted by now I would have thought.

I suppose in normal motoring terms much of what Autocar reports is true or true-ish, but I don't feel they really get it. What's odd to me is that they 'got' the 3 wheeler and at its price point that has many issue too - no roof, heater, very noisy etc. etc.

I expect many are feeling a bit disappointed about the test - as an Aero 8 Mk 3 owner, I do agree with some of the comments but I absolutely love my car and having driven a new Plus 8 I know it's a great Morgan.

I do agree that the Auto box is not great (at least, to my tastes) and much prefer the manual albeit this is tricky and a slow gearbox while still being very satisfying when you get it right. If the auto really is quicker then what performance figures would a manual give - much slower than expected??

The ride on my Aero in many situations is fine, but I don't like the even lower profile tyres fitted to the latest cars - this does not help at all.

The steering issues are very over-stated to my mind, although there is an impact felt as a result of the electric steering pump responding to demand in all later Aeros and derivatives. The steering seems heavier in the new Plus 8 than my car, and that doesn't help either.

But to me the issues with (almost) no boot-space at all, the dashboard, the poor roof, radio siting, are all backward steps compared to the Aero and the price is simply too high.

Luckily, it does still look great, and as a replacement for an old Plus 8 I expect it's pretty good as long as you've got much wealthier.

I love all Morgans but sadly find the factory's performance quotes increasingly annoying and am a little unconvinced with the strategy on these higher priced cars.

I was at the factory and the test car was there having new rear tires fitted. What the test did not hightlight was that it was an early development car, and a well used one at that.In my opinion it was quite scuffy. So just maybe first impressions of a £85k car where not good and made for a less tolerant test. For sure the interiors are better on the cars going through now.
In my opinion this car should have been in tip top condition before being handed over for such an important test. First impressions are so importing when marketting expensive products.

Martin

I agree Martin, Morgan really should have made very sure that the car provided to any magazine for a full road test was absolutely spot on in every respect. I've been in the test car and its not the best finished off example.

I've grown to quite like the new Plus 8, having been pretty negative about it at the start, but I do think that it is far too expensive to excuse the poor standard of finish and cheap internal components. It may attract a few buyers who are understanding of Morgan's foibles but I would have thought that many looking for a sports car in that price bracket will look at the opposition as being better value for money and less of a gamble. Having just been to the Lotus factory and seen the Evora with a similar chassis construction being built with a far better quality body and interior at a much lower price, you really have to ask questions over the price.

I agree the plus 8 is is expensive for what it is but then so is £60k for Roadster and so the M3W not to mention the supersport (how much more than the plus 8). The only saving grace is that Morgan residual values are amongst the best. Funny another point this road test did not consider. I don’t know the Lotus so can’t comment on that.
Morgan pricing today has more to do with what the brand can stand in terms of price and not what it cost to make + a sensible profit as in the past.
However when selling by brand you have to protect your image at all times and sending a scruffy test car out can only end in bad comments from non Morgan traditionalist

Another thought though, this is tending to increase second hand values, but unfortunately pricing them out of the market for most young people. I had my first plus 8 at 23.

Good discussion though

Martin

You're a bit high for the Roadster, Martin. Prices start at £46,000 (a real bargin )
Ian

I'm at £58k on my Roadster with a few extras.... It's a chunk of change, but it'll be fun.