I think so too. I started off looking at the MX5. Basically I'm moving from having a fun car (Alfa GTV 3.0 V6) and a cruiser car (BMW 330d) to having just one (yes folks, getting married is expensive!) so I wanted something fun but still economic and safe (stipulation presented by the misses). The MX5 I liked a lot, but the MG is rate higher by NCAP and the mpg is far better (I do a lot of business mileage, and claiming back for it makes me money!). The driving position isn't as good as the MX5, you do sit a lot higher, but performance wise I preferred the MG. It has more punch and the engine being sat just behind you is grand

Looks wise I do prefer the MG by a long way, and the ultimate deciding factor was the price. For 5k I got an 02 plate 160 TF with 29k on the clock, I was looking at a 97-98 MX5 for the same money mileage. Build quality, the Mazda has the edge, but the MG isn't too bad. For the money I paid I don't expect BMW quality plastics! I've had great fun with the car the last 3 months, obviously aware of the HGF problems so I do my best not to induce "thermal shock", but I've never ragged a car from cold anyway... I like my old Alfa better if I'm honest, but then a VVC 1800 can't really expect to trump a glorious 3000 V6! It's like learning to drive again, the revs are so different and a lot more important, and I'm still waiting for the rear wheel drive to reach up and bite me but it's superb so far