Morgan Motor Company, a quintessentially English car maker, may not be as it seems. Despite its English heritage, the company is largely owned by an Italian firm and has an Italian CEO. Additionally, its cars are powered by German engines and the ash wood for its frames comes from a forest in Leicestershire. However, Morgan has had to evolve with the times in order to continue providing its unique brand of English motoring.
In 2020, Morgan introduced the new Plus Four and Plus Six models, which may not look modern at first glance, but are actually quite advanced. These models feature a new bonded aluminium spaceframe and emissions-friendly BMW engines. The Plus Four has a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, while the Plus Six has a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine. The Plus Four is available with a manual or automatic gearbox, while the Plus Six is automatic-only. Both models share a bonded aluminium chassis, but the Plus Six has a wider body.
In our road test of the Morgan Plus Six, we found that it offers a satisfying blend of classic looks and modern mechanicals. The light weight and six-cylinder BMW power result in strong performance. However, we noted that the chassis could use a touch more rigidity and greater sophistication at the limit. We also mentioned that the Plus Four, which is cheaper than the Plus Six, offers a sweeter all-round experience.
The interior of the Plus Six has undergone some changes compared to earlier models. The addition of airbags required a redesign of the dashboard, but it remains sympathetic to the pre-update style. The centre of the dashboard still features an analogue clock, tacho, and speedo, although the digital display in front of the driver is more commonly used. The secondary controls and heating and ventilation knobs work well, although there are no telltales for fan and heating settings. Overall, the interior is well-designed and hides the essential features, providing a classic sports car driving experience.
The Plus Six also offers an optional Sennheiser audio system, although there are no touchscreens in the car. The audio system includes conventional speakers in the doors and rear storage area, as well as invisible speakers behind the dashboard and in the lower compartment panel for the bass. However, wind noise can be a challenge for the audio system at higher speeds.
In terms of performance, the Plus Six benefits from its lightness and aerodynamics. It has the same engine and gearbox as the Toyota GR Supra, but weighs significantly less. The Plus Six recorded a 0-60mph time of 4.4 seconds, which is identical to the Supra. The Plus Six also offers a wonderful powertrain and a well-calibrated gearbox. The brakes may feel unassisted at first, but they are easy to modulate and the ABS functions impeccably well.
The handling of the Plus Six is a blend of classic and modern characteristics. While it shares some traits with lightweight sports cars like the Caterham, it doesn’t offer the same level of precision and feedback. The steering is medium-weighted and lacks some feedback, but it is responsive and instills confidence. The ride is relatively comfortable, although it can feel brittle on bumpy roads.
In terms of running costs, Morgan cars are low-volume and hand-built, which makes them more expensive than mainstream alternatives. Prices for the Plus Six start at £90,390, but options can significantly increase the price. However, Morgan cars hold their value exceptionally well. Fuel economy is excellent given the performance potential, but the small fuel tank limits cruising range.
Overall, Morgan seems to be thriving by using mainstream powertrains effectively and continuously updating its cars. While the Plus Six may not be as affordable as some alternatives, it offers a unique driving experience that appeals to individualists. The cheaper and lighter Plus Four is also worth considering.