Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) Driving a Plus 4 GDI

Those nice people at MMC invited me over for a test drive so I put the Plus 4 GDI through its paces. I was never a fan of the 2.0L Duratec, finding it a tad stodgy but the GDI could well be the best trad of all with a bit of the zip from the Sigma 4/4 but with added torque to push you along without trying too hard. The steering was well weighted and the whole car had a balance that eludes the nose heavy Roadster. Pretty much everything else would be familiar to drivers of late vintage trads and if the satin rimmed dials on the dash were not to my taste the cockpit was leather trimmed to a standard beyond that of my similarly priced Elise.

And talking of Lotus, would I flip for a Mog? Well not at the moment, not whilst I'm still enjoying the way the peerles handling and peachy 220 bhp devours French D roads. But never say never and if I get the urge make mine a 2.0L GDI in BRG

As an accomplished serial car swopper, it's only a matter of time.

BRG?
What about Aston Martin Racing Green............

You must come back from the dark side of the force!

I am having a drive in the factory demonstrator tomorrow and likely to place an order if it comes up to the standard I expect it too. Only downside is the lack of throttle bodies that would bring it up to about 200bhp but rumour has it that this will be an aero racing upgrade next year. No contest for me then between an Elise and the GDI, although the roadholding and handling comparison is a different argument. Have to say mine will be an Ivory car, first one was BRG.

Andrew255, it would be good if you could give us an update on your test drive, I too have a 4/4 and am hoping to have a test drive in the factory demonstrator in the next week or so. Any impressions would be appreciated.

What can I say, fabulous car and I have ordered one.
The engine has a lot more torque compared to the 4/4 and there was no need to rev it to keep ahead of other traffic. What I wasn't expecting was, and don't ask me to explain it, was that the engine had character. Sounded good, smooth, enough power and just felt right. Gearbox is really nice, short throw, precise gear change, and a relatively short gear lever which I like. Slightly wider track and still turns in quickly but just a bit more stable than mine and the steering feel was very similar to my 4/4, I was expecting it to be heavier with the wider wheels and tyres. Brakes were good although the pedal travel was longer than I would have liked and the roller throttle has gone!
Build quality looked good and unfortunately for my bank balance it just spoke to me.
As has been said on this forum before the car will find you and you may prefer to stick to your 4/4 or move to a Roadster, which I have also driven, but this is the one for me.
Good luck in your search.

Thanks for your report, it was very informative. I'm glad that you found it was the car for you.

Since I asked your opinion I have had a test drive in a 2013 plus 4 (impressed) and the new plus 4 (underwhelmed as it was quite unresponsive compared to the 2013 model). The new plus 4 only had a few miles on the clock so maybe it wasn't indicative. I am hopefully driving the factory demonstrator soon and as this has probably been broken in it might give me a better idea. Hopefully it will as I have crossed the roadster off my list.

I've not driven the 2014 version +4 but I've now had my 2013 +4 for 6 weeks. I bought her with 6,700 miles on the clock ( an ex Morgan Co car ) I have added nearly 3,000 miles already including the trip to LMC. My impressions are that since LMC she has loosened up she seems more eager and the exhaust a bit more rorty. I am very impressed with the acceleration and speed through the gears, easy to overtake without changing up. Loads of torque pulling strongly from 1500 rpm. The steering (electric) is very precise but with rather more turns lock to lock than I would prefer, probably the same gearing as the non power steering version. No tendency to oversteer or under steer. The ride is quite hard but not too much so, the road holding is excellent with the Avon CR ZZ tyres even in the wet I have had no problems. The brakes are superb. Fuel consumption seems to vary wildly from 42 imp to 32 imp depending on whether the hood is up (not very often) or down. The fuel gauge is useless showing virtually empty after using only 36-7 litres. Oh and it is painfully slow to fill up. The heater is fantastic, very hot. The engine runs quite cool showing 85 degrees and rarely rising enough to set the fan going and when the the fan does run it quickly brings the temp back down. The A/C, yes I know, but it was already fitted is ok but not super cool and it noticeably affects the engine when on tickover. The seats lacked lumber support but this was quickly sorted by sliding some 4" x 2" foam behind the seat back in the lumber area. I am truly surprised by the efficiency of the headlights certainly the best of any car I have had ! The easy up hood is quite waterproof and yes I have seen a lot of rain but I am getting the drips from under the dash onto the centre tunnel. All in all I love this little car and wish I had insured it for more miles

Sorry I missed you Keith at LMC. Interesting your comments about the headlights....I fitted a pair of Lucas Tri Bar lights to replace the standard Wipacs and they were dreadful. I've since replaced with Cibies and Osram Night Breaker bulbs and the lights are extremely good both on dip and full beam. My brother in law, my passenger for Le Mans, couldn't believe how good they were compared to his Volvo.

Good luck with sorting the drip out under the dash....thought mine was sorted but restarted on the trip!

Perhaps we'll catch up at TOTH.