MG CAR OWNERS FORUM

Salutations everyone,

Are there any differences between the 75 plate Excel 1.8 and the MK2 version that I should be aware of? I've had two MK1 versions in the past nine years.

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks.

I think it's much more refined than the mk1; why not give it a spin?

The MK 2 is an unbelievably fun car to drive.

A few recommendations from Gemini...

An enormous improvement over the Mk1 is the 75-plate Mk2 Excel. You won't believe your eyes when you see how much faster, sharper, and more luxurious the new generation is.
You are already familiar with the fundamentals of hybrids thanks to your two Mk1s over the past nine years. The Mk2, on the other hand, has very new internal technology and design quirks and is based on a substantially upgraded platform.
You can rest assured that there will be no mechanical wear and tear on this practically new '75 plate' (i.e., it is literally just off the assembly line). Rather, tomorrow when you go viewing, make sure to look for these Mk2-specific technological and design features:

1. Make sure the Flush Power Door Handles Are Working Properly

The sleek, aerodynamic flush door handles are a feature of the Mk2; they electronically extend when you unlock the car and retract while you're driving.
In order to find out, try locking and unlocking the car multiple times with the key fob. As the handles retract, pay attention to their sound. If you want to avoid the loud, plasticky "smack" sound that some owners have described, you should make sure they close smoothly, sit flush with the bodywork, and don't judder.
2. Verify the Glass for the Absent Rear Wiper

In an effort to boost fuel economy and aerodynamics, Toyota infamously did away with the rear windscreen wiper on the Mk2 model, stating that the airflow already cleared the rain.
What to look for: Since you'll be driving it in all kinds of weather, make sure there isn't a lot of road grime or water spots on the back window. The lack of a wiper has led many owners to take preventative measures by coating the back glass with a water-repellent material, such as Rain-X. Verifying that the glass is free of scratches is a worthwhile task.
3. Voice Assist and the New Infotainment

The stunning and enormous 12.3-inch Toyota Smart Connect+ touchscreen is standard on the Excel trim. While it is a huge improvement over your old Mk1 screens, it is very software-dependent.
Remember to bring your phone's charging cable tomorrow so you can check it. Make sure Apple CarPlay or Android Auto launches without a hitch after plugging your phone into the USB-C port located beneath the air conditioner. Launch the integrated navigation system and see if it's lagging or freezing. An update from the dealer should resolve any stability issues with the earlier software versions.
4. PDA - The "Ghost Brakes"

The PDA is a brand-new safety feature that the Mk2 brings. Even with cruise control disabled, the car will gently apply the brakes as you ease off the accelerator in the near vicinity of a roundabout or an oncoming vehicle.
Questions to ask: No need to freak out if, during your test drive, the vehicle gently applies the brakes as you near a junction—that's just the PDA system in action! Verify that you can easily turn this feature on and off in the driver settings on the digital dashboard to determine your preference.
5. Rear Space & Smart Boot

The Excel's luxurious cabin is nice, but it lacks the functionality of an estate car, just like your older vehicles.
Questions to ask: The Excel's tailboard can be powered up and down. Make sure the boot lid button opens and closes smoothly by testing it. Keep in mind that the 1.8's boot is approximately 388 litres, thanks to the new hybrid battery layout and body shape; compare this to your previous Mk1 layouts to ensure it meets your daily needs!
The Final Decision

For all intents and purposes, it is a brand-new vehicle with the remaining three years of the original manufacturer's warranty (which, with the help of the Toyota Relax program, can be extended to ten years). Tomorrow, you won't be checking for bugs, but rather, whether you adore the new, futuristic cockpit!
Have a great day tomorrow! If you end up buying it, please inform us!

The only piece of advice I can provide is to invest in a quality set of earplugs because those constant warning chimes will be too much for you to handle. Other than that, Mk2

The constant chimes are perfectly fine with me; in fact, I like them because they make me very careful and, metaphorically speaking, on my toes.

More and more, the "glass cockpit" of contemporary hybrids from Toyota and Lexus resembles the flight deck of a contemporary civilian aircraft rather than a car from the 1960s or earlier.

If you want to drive a modern vehicle from the era you just bought, I think you'll have to take a special course and pass a test in about ten years.

In the future, there will be a proficiency training course that culminates in a digital certificate. Even though most cars will be able to drive themselves, it will still be necessary to know how to manually pilot a vehicle in the event of an emergency.

That, too, will likely require an upgrade every three to five years.

The truth is that there will be an excessive number of people eager to take the wheel. Not only that, but there will be extensive testing, including mental and physical challenges, as well as digital technology training tailored to each vehicle, in addition to the financial hurdle of owning one of those futuristic shuttlecraft on wheels.

Because of the severe consequences for violators of the rules, regulations, and protocols pertaining to driving, the transportation system will no longer put up with disorganised drivers or driving in general.

Reduced occurrences of road traffic accidents caused by human fallibility, stupidity, or irredeemable bumbling ignorance will result from the elimination of all rude and imbecile individuals from the road.

It is only a forecast at this point.
I didn't intend to visit the future - the previous rambling just came out of my mouth...

Although I probably will be planting daisies by the time I return to this comment in ten years, it would still be nice to see it..

Take it for a spin and come up with your own version

Have become accustomed to the constant beeping and no longer pay attention to it.