MG IM6 information & reviews

[tonyrome]

In my experience, in-car audio is usually heavily compromised by external noise. This is where the IM6 should do well, as it has double glazing and a noise cancellation system. However, the perceived quality is always heavily dependent on the quality of the source. There's not much point in a high end unit, if the source is either heavily compressed or, with respect to those who like it, music which has little or no dynamics. That's why the best test of an audio system is classical music, with a lot of detail and dynamics.

 

[NikLiverpool]

Right so I drove around an hour today with the DAB. What I noticed is no disruption at the signal. At no point it lost connection or moved over to FM.
Sound quality though was heavily compromised when checked vs spotify. I presume that this is due being DAB? Not sure and my knowledge on the matter is limited.

 

[Don H]

Right so I drove around an hour today with the DAB. What I noticed is no disruption at the signal. At no point it lost connection or moved over to FM.
Sound quality though was heavily compromised when checked vs spotify. I presume that this is due being DAB? Not sure and my knowledge on the matter is limited.

Pleased to hear that Nik, your report would suggest that it is indeed an Ariel problem with my car - I’ll get it checked, thanks

 

[MikeJS]

Right so I drove around an hour today with the DAB. What I noticed is no disruption at the signal. At no point it lost connection or moved over to FM.
Sound quality though was heavily compromised when checked vs spotify. I presume that this is due being DAB? Not sure and my knowledge on the matter is limited.

I was looking at it closely today and did notice that it tends to favour FM more than DAB compared to my last car.

 

[lokych]

In my experience, in-car audio is usually heavily compromised by external noise. This is where the IM6 should do well, as it has double glazing and a noise cancellation system. However, the perceived quality is always heavily dependent on the quality of the source. There's not much point in a high end unit, if the source is either heavily compressed or, with respect to those who like it, music which has little or no dynamics. That's why the best test of an audio system is classical music, with a lot of detail and dynamics.

People look for different things. For me, a well-tuned car audio system, first and foremost should have a well calibrated EQ to compensate for the small space, glass reflections etc. The net result should be sharp stereo imaging which can be adjusted to centre around the driver or all round. No muddiness or muffling. Everything should just sound crisp and clear. Frequency response is slightly secondary. The sound should feel "open". I don't need piercing trebles or thumping bass. Although extension is very welcome. A good midrange for voices would be the most important. And the last factor, which ties in with non-extreme frequency response, is sound that doesn't fatigue when listening. At the end of the day, its going to be used in long journeys. It is a nice companion rather than constant chatterbox. Now you may wonder about the fatigue aspect. There are various theories about harmonics etc which makes sound more or less pleasant. these harmonics can manifest from reflections or bad EQ. Another aspect is that we don't hear with our ears, but with our brains. Our ears detect the sound waves, The audio centre in our brain processes that into sound we recognise. Our audio centre fills in a lot of gaps. For example in low quality telephone speakers, the frequency response is limited. Yet we recognise voices etc and perceive a wider frequency range that is produced or detected because our brains fill in this missing information. So low quality material can tire the brain out leading to fatigue. I must confess, I didn't test the audio system when i test drove the car. I trust it is adequate.

 

[lokych]

I thought I would also wade in on the handling issue. I had only test driven the car for about 30min. Mainly around A-roads and a few roundabouts. I am not a trackday demon and my experience of vehicles is limited. The best handling car I have driven in my limited experience is tha Mazfa RX8. Basically a go cart. The Alfa Romeo Giulia comes a very close second with more torque and obvious room, and the comforts of an automatic. My current Stelvio is the 3rd. An SUV that handles like a hot hatch. Just slightly less responsive than the Giulia. Other than that, I am also a motorcyclist and do a lot of touring and some track day training. I rode sports bikes and tourers mainly.
As comparison, The 3 cars I mentioned are responsive and provide a lot of feedback from the road. The best defining feature especially the RX8 is you feel you are dead centre on the car. The car turns around you like a pivot. No over or understeer unless you choose to accelerate or brake. In many ways similiar to a motorcycle. But they can give too much feedback sometimes. My Stelvio's steering bucks on tramlins on the road. Ok, good to know its a bad surface. Still it can make long journeys intrusive.
the IM6 launch edition though is a long range cruiser through and through. but still provided more feedback than I thought it would. Steering is a bit insulated, but not devoid of all feel. But again, very neutral handling. Points and goes wherever I point the steering an nose. No over or understeer. Very refined and unfussy. Handles twisties well too. Its in fact so good that it does it without a fuss. Like a swan serenely gliding on the water while the legs are furiously paddling.
Some motor journalists just like to show off that they know what "handling" means. But sometimes, especially when you have little kids and a wife prone to motion sickness, refinement is what you need. And in fact i can do more with the IM6 than the Stelvio because you feel it less. It is less of a car and more like a bullet train.
So to anyone concerned about handling, let me assure you. What I value most about handling, is good grip. direct and precise response to steering input. minimal body movement. Which makes it a car that is highly controllable in a wide range of circumstances and driving. A car which is difficult to upset. Which makes it safe.
This to me, in the real world, is what handling is about and should be about.