Although the standard stereo system installed in the MGTF is adequate, you can make big gains by installing a better quality head unit and replacing the standard speakers. However, for the ultimate in ICE, Richard Meridith shows us how to add a 10″ Pioneer Subwoofer into the boot like this:
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Read on for more details!Richard writes:
I used to have the system in my Rover 200is and it fitted in easier than that did!
The power cable and the amp connecting leeds run down either side of the car to reduce any interference between the two. The size of the
grommets that are fitted under the bonnet are massive and easily allow the power cable through into the inside of the car.
Once inside the cables run easily down the side of the door wells under the carpet. The amp is earthed of one the chassis bolts just under the rear T bar.
Running the speaker cable to the boot was a lot easier than you might think – there are a number of rear grommets in the rear of the car just
under the soft top storage compartment. The cables can run alongside within the bodywork frame and from here the wires can lead straight into the boot fitting neatly just past the bonnet releasing mechanism.
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Once inside the boot, the sub box can fit under the bonnet release mechanism and it will hold the sub in place. With subwoofer in this position you can get the best sound quality from because the audio is directed fowarard towards the drivers position.

The sound from the sub is pretty good even though the sound has to pass through the engine compartment – it still gives real body to the bass sound and specially powerful with a none ported box.
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If any body has any questions they can get me on richmeredith645@aol.com
Hopefully Rich and his car will be at the MG Silverstone 2003 event so you can see (and hear!) this for yourselves!

Last week, the Rover MGTF – the UK’s best selling sports car – became the first 2 seater roadster to get a 3-star pedestrian protection rating in the latest Euro NCAP tests. And the high standard of safety didn’t stop there. It was also awarded an excellent 4-star occupant protection safety rating. The success of the pedestrian rating – a very impressive achievement given the stringent test criteria – is due in part to the fact that the engine is mounted behind the passenger seats, thus enabling the MG engineers to design a large, safe crumple zone which reduces injury if impacted from a head-on collision.
Here are the results of the NCAP tests:
Frontal: 10.48
Side: 15.55
Occupant safety protection total: 26.03 (a 4 star **** rating)
Pedestrian safety protection: 19.34 (a 3 star *** rating – beating all other 2 seater roadsters tested)
Adrian Guyll, vehicle safety protection manager at MG Rover Group, said while sports cars are enjoyed for their motoring freedom, customers can be confident that our engineering development fully ensures the MG TF performs extremely well in safety tests. “Quite apart from its high four-star occupant safety rating, the three-star rating for pedestrian impact – two stars better than the competition – is an exceptional performance and one that will be respected by MG owners and the general public alike.”
Click here to see the NCAP results.

So, a light dusting of snow in the UK, and the roads and rail network seem to grind to a halt. But snow need not mean misery on the roads!
Here are some awesome video clips from Robert in Amsterdam who proves that the MGF and MGTF are fun cars no matter what the weather:

Snow Skid Video 1
Snow Skid Video 2
OK – this is something I’ve never managed to do the whole time I had my MGF – pull the hood up while driving the car. In fact, even when stationary, I don’t think I could even pull the hood up whilst sitting in the drivers seat. Must be my short arms! Anyway, here is proof that you indeed fold the roof up while driving!
Fold Roof Up Video 1
Fold Roof Up Video 2
CAUTION/DISCLAIMER: DO NOT TRY THE ABOVE ON A PUBLIC ROAD!

If you’re an MG owner, or are considering buying an MG, one thing you should definetly look into are the various MG Clubs. Apart from the usual benefits of a magazine, local meetings, potentially cheaper motor insurance (be warned though – they are not ALWAYS cheaper!) and access to a wealth of knowledge about your car, it can also offer heafty discounts off a brand new MG!
There are a number of different MG Clubs – this page lists all of the different clubs and how they are related to one another. With so many, it can be difficult to choose. However, the MG Owners Club and MG Car Club offer the new car discount scheme, so they are slightly more attractive!
Since late 2001, anyone who joined up to the MG Owners Club or the MG Car Club for a period of 6 months or more, has the opportunity to purchase an MG with employee discounts! The scheme is revised regularly, but as at January 2003, discounts were somewhere in the region of 10%. Details of discounts for the MG Owners Club can be found here and MG Car Club can be found here.
I’ve just signed up with the MG Owners Club – I’d read a review that it offered lots of hands on advice for MGF and MGTF owners (until I get my own MG again, I’ve temporarily adopted Xena as my own!), so I thought I’d give it a go. Only 6 months ’till I can get my discount! Roll on July!