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2002

MG TF 135

The MGF sharpened up, and Britain's favourite roadster again.

MG02 TFF
MG TF 135
Photo: Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The story

MG Rover gave the MGF a new nose and tail and replaced its gas-and-fluid suspension with ordinary coil springs, which made it feel much sportier. It outsold the Mazda MX-5 in Britain until the company failed.

Inside

Much as the MGF, with sportier seats and silver trim.

In period colours

Tap a colour to respray the drawing.

Trophy Blue
Did you know?

After MG Rover collapsed, its new Chinese owners restarted TF assembly at Longbridge for a few years.

Meanwhile, in 2002

The Queen's Golden Jubilee was celebrated, and Top Gear was relaunched in a new format.

Best-selling single of 2002: Anything Is Possible by Will Young

Buying and running

Before you buy a 2000s car

  • Check the service history, especially for timing belts, clutches and cambelts where fitted.
  • Electronics, air conditioning and suspension repairs can be expensive.
  • Many parts are still made, but some low-volume models rely on specialists.

General notes, not specific to this model. Check the model's own history before buying.

Rivals of its day

Picked automatically: cars on sale at the same time with similar size, speed and price.

Vauxhall VX2202000 · 136 mphCompare
Morgan Aero 82000 · 160 mphCompare
MINI Cooper2001 · 124 mphCompare

See the real thing

These open in a new tab: the car on Wikimedia Commons, the interior and the badge as Google image searches.

Flat out 020406080100120140 MPH
127 mph
First builtEarly 2002
Age today24 years since launch
Built atLongbridge, Birmingham
On sale2002–2005, revived 2008–2011
Years in production6 years
Number madeAbout 39,000
Kerb weight1,000 kg (approx.)
Fuel economy32 mpg combined (approx.)
Engine1.8-litre K-series four, mid-mounted
Power134 bhp
Top speed127 mph
Speed rankingJoint 64th fastest of 164
0–60 mph8.2 seconds
Price when newFrom about £16,000
In today's moneyAbout £34,000
Designed byPeter Stevens

Today's money: the launch price adjusted for inflation to 2026, using the Office for National Statistics price index.