Motoring

with Toby Aiken

A modern classic?

A little while back, I tested the most recent iteration of the Morgan Plus Four with a new and improved engine-gearbox combo, along with a few other additions that I can’t make up my mind whether I’m in favour of or not.

From the outside, it still looks like the traditional Morgan that to a large extent it is, but inside there are a few additions that, while subtly hidden, are still notably different from previous models.

Three new ‘mod cons’

We’re talking about three ‘mod cons’ that realistically have been near-standard on most other cars for decades. Yes, this Plus Four had air conditioning, remote central locking and… Bluetooth!

Now in reality, I don’t mind these additions. Once you’ve accepted that a Morgan now comes with power steering, you’ve accepted that you can have a sports car that looks and feels traditional, while embracing the modern conveniences we have come to know and love. And as I write this, I am more inclined to think I am accepting of these new additions.

Although in fairness, the Bluetooth is not the slick interface that supports Apple CarPlay… this is more Bluetooth circa 2007 that simply transmits data rather than supports two-way interaction and control, but it’s a step up from the old version anyway.

The air con is also more than fine. Let’s face it, the weather in England means we will not always be able to drop the roof when it’s warm out, and the amount of air circulation you get from a Morgan window is minimal, so air con makes sense. As does the central locking. None of them detract from the driving experience, and oh my word is that an experience.

The handling is immense

The V6 Roadster was always a temptation over and above the Plus Four. The latter has a two litre 4-cylinder powerplant, whereas the Roadster benefited from a 3.7 litre V6. Now, the Plus Four, while still powered by a two litre unit, gets its power from a BMW-sourced turbo engine, coupled with a fantastic 6-speed manual gearbox. And the handling is just immense.

A two-seater rocket

With more than 250 horsepower and a 0-62 time of a smidge over 5 seconds, this two-seater rocket is the best combination of power and handling that I’ve experienced from the Malvern manufacturer. It still gives the most smiles per mile of nearly any small two-seater and I remain well and truly in love with it.

Add to this the gorgeous paint job and styling additions and it was a real wrench to give this back at the end of the week. I know it’s a pipe dream, but this has convinced me that one day I want to own a Morgan. Although probably not this one, with its £85k+ price tag!