If the MG6 parked outside cost £12,000 new then it could be argued as a much more viable proposition. Our top spec diesel model is £21,000 and, admittedly, it is packed with kit. Cruise control, auto dimming rear-view mirror, rear parking camera – the list goes on and on.

Unfortunately, the unavoidable truth is that while the car might be a winner for an aspirational family in China where it is manufactured, it falls woefully short of what we have come to expect in the UK.

The MG6 reminds me of the Skoda Estelle – an absolute dog of a car that was the butt of endless jokes in the 1980s. They tried adding all manner of equipment to the Skoda to make it sell here but it was like putting a Jaguar engine in a London taxi.

I can only hope for MG’s sake that they can ‘do a Skoda’ and one day build cars that compete head on with the likes of Hyundai, Mazda and Ford. Until then, a ‘basic’ BMW 3 Series saloon starts at around £23,000 and is light years ahead in every area, apart from equipment levels.

A car should wrap around you when you sit in the driver’s seat. Every control, button and driving operation should be intuitive. Sit in a new Skoda, Volvo, BMW and you feel instantly at home – like you have been driving the car for years.

Before you can push the keyless starter into the dashboard of an MG6, you have to check the car is in neutral, press the clutch and the brake at the same time and then wait for the pre-heaters in the diesel engine to kick in. Usually, it doesn’t work and it’s infuriating.

I started the car on five occasions today and four times it stalled. If the revs aren’t high enough, the MG6 refuses to move. Just me you think? Well, I had a quick Google and came across somebody called Jeremy Clarkson who suffered exactly the same problem when he drove the car.

And then there’s the handbrake. A lot of cars don’t have manual handbrakes these days but I actually prefer it, like the MG6. Except the release button for the brake is underneath the lever on the MG and not on the end, like just about every other car I’ve ever driven.

I’m sure I could get used to this but because the lever lowers into a neat slot, I promise you your thumb will get trapped time and time again! It bloody hurts and I curse the designer who put that idea onto paper. A cigar cutter couldn’t have been more effective. Band Aid please…

I’ve been an MG fan since I was 17. I’ve owned three, crashed one and cried when somebody stole my beloved BGT GT (Reg. MUD 100E in case you spot it somewhere!).

Since then I’ve read the terrible reviews for the MG6 and couldn’t quite believe that it might be that bad. So when the day came for delivery, I was pretty excited at the prospect of seeing the MG badge parked on the driveway again.

Now it’s here I’m desperately try to find something good to write about it. I want the MG6 to be a great car that lives up to the reputation of one of the world’s greatest marques.

First impression aren’t good I’m afraid. A cheap cabin, dated noisy engine and total lack of refinement. The styling reminds me of an ancient Nissan Primera, the ride is all over the place and the whole car reeks of failure.

More tomorrow after I’ve had a lie down…