Talk Morgan Forums Community The Malvern Arms BHM Plus 6 Test Drive

First of all, a massive thank you to BHM for letting me have a drive in their Plus 6 this morning.

First impressions of the car were good, nice to look at and still retaining the classic styling with subtle external changes which certainly make a difference.

Inside the car is a revelation, Leather abounds and everything feels to be higher quality than what I am used to in my current +4. I am 5ft 10 and found getting in and out of the +6 incredibly easy due to the wider doors and abundance of cockpit space.

The gauges are well placed and easy to read although the speedometer has small digits, this is mitigated by the screen in front of the driver that displays the speed when moving. The steering wheel stalks also operate smoothly and are not notchy in operation, the wheel is adjustable for reach and rake, it was nice not to have to choose a compromise in setting up the driving position.

The climate control is also excellent with ice cold air conditioning, the fan vents operate smoothly and have a good feel when used. The seats felt like I was sitting too high at first, however after a short distance the position felt comfortable, the seat base is firm, something I like personally but not to everyone’s taste, my only minus point here is the side support was almost absent as a passenger.

On the road though was where the biggest (and not unexpected) change has happened, I was worried that the low profile tyres (35!) would give a crashy ride, but bumps that make my +4 crash and bang are driven over with next to no fuss, the handling is also impressive with plenty of grip instilling confidence. The steering is direct, quick to respond and well weighted.

With 335BHP available, performance is obviously excellent, however the car never felt overpowered or uncomfortable at any speed, 70MPH was as comfortable as 30MPH, wind buffeting was much less than I am used to which made for a more comfortable drive, the side screens fit well and didn’t squeak either.

The gearbox is a divisive point, I admit I was sceptical about the automatic box and how it fits with Morgan’s character, following the drive I actually liked the automatic it does suit the car very well, allowing you to cruise easily, explore the performance, or using the paddles behind the wheel if you wish. my only comment would be that the selector is a bit bland compared to the leather and veneer surrounding it.

On the whole an impressive car which appears to have been built to a higher standard than what I have in my +4. Quality appears to be excellent with one or two weak design areas, namely the gear selector and the control for the central locking is a bit bland\boring, maybe something could be made that looks like the Morgan Wings for the central locking? There was also the occasional squeak from the underdash panel, but this should be easy to resolve.

It certainly pleased me, even though I am not in the market for one (and I am unlikely to ever be able to afford the asking price) I would be more than willing to change from my +4. I hope that a CX platform +4 will be coming at a price I can afford!

Just my 2p!

Rylan

Images

Nice report Rylan and sums up what I think a lot of people who actually drive the car will think.

Just to clarify are you saying the car tested had "head-up-display?" i.e. the speed displayed on the windscreen?

I think these will come into their own, in a short space of time:

1/. the (expensive) launch models disappear and more exterior colours become available - so that the car can be personalised?
2/. the interior colours can also be specc'd?
3/. the initial price point becomes more accessible as second hand cars come onto the market?
4/. aftermarket mod's become a reality - exhausts, gear-knobs, seats etc. etc.

Mark

Hi Mark

Thanks for the reply, just to clarify, the screen I mentioned is on the dashboard in front of the driver behind the steering wheel, I will put some images on the forum in a minute.

I think the car had a sports exhaust fitted.

I saw the self same car at BHM on Tuesday. I didn't take it out and no doubt the drive is the big selling point but the look both inside and out did nothing for me. I didn't like the bloated look which I don't think suits the trad style!
Still BHM have taken orders for a few I believe so that's good news for them!!

Liked your report Rylan and I like the look of the Plus 6. However for me: the auto box is a no no.

I really enjoyed your review Rylan, really informative and covered seemingly all the bits I’m interested in finding out about.
Big thanks for posting your thoughts
HB

Mark, if you look at Rylan's interior shot, it's the small 'screen' between to two small gauges directly in front of the driver

Whilst at Prescott, waiting for my run up the hill, I was asking the driver what could be displayed & he scrolled through several options - most useful was digital speed, & current gear, can't remember others except oil level (as the engine has no dipstick)

I'm hoping to have a test drive in a couple of months, when my +4 is in for a service. The Plus 6 looks good to me, though I would prefer to change the steering wheel and gear stick. I'd also like to see a Plus 6 with the 18" wheels.