Skip advert
Advertisement

Morgan Roadster

For Morgan, getting a new engine is a big deal. While major motor makers bolt in fresh powerplants on a regular basis, the Plus 8 has used a Rover V8 since the car's 1968 launch.

Owning a Morgan is about compromises, due to its old-fashioned chassis and lack of practicality. But it has its own brand of charm, and installing a modern engine does it no harm at all: the improved weight dis-tribution and power output really sharpen the driving experience. And, unlike on previous Morgans, the waiting list is less than a year.

Advertisement - Article continues below

For Morgan, getting a new engine is a big deal. While major motor makers bolt in fresh powerplants on a regular basis, the Plus 8 has used a Rover V8 since the car's 1968 launch. But all good things come to an end, and with the 3.9-litre unit putting out a relatively puny 190bhp, Morgan decided it was time for change.

As a result, the Plus 8 has a new name - the Roadster - and a new engine, courtesy of Ford's Mondeo ST220. The 3.0-litre V6 boasts 223bhp, but crucially it's far smaller and lighter than the V8. Not that you'd know it from the outside, with the Roadster's looks unchanged from those of its predecessor, as the firm perseveres with a steel chassis and wooden body frame. The platform is at its best over smooth roads - anywhere else, and you'll find you spend most of the time crashing over potholes.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Range Rover Evoque

2018 Land Rover

Range Rover Evoque

22,196 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £19,787
View Range Rover Evoque
Corsa

2022 Vauxhall

Corsa

11,970 milesAutomaticPetrol1.2L

Cash £14,700
View Corsa
Puma

2023 Ford

Puma

29,225 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £13,900
View Puma
Golf

2024 Volkswagen

Golf

30,377 milesManualPetrol1.5L

Cash £16,000
View Golf

Because the cockpit is virtually over the back wheels, this can be quite a bruising experience. On a more positive note, that driving position lets you feel every tiny deviation of the rear end. Initially it makes the Roadster seem skittish and unsettled, but thanks to direct steering and a positive gearchange, the feeling grows on you. The engine's raucous growl is in keeping with Morgan's traditional values, too. This is emphasised by the materials used inside, such as our car's wood-rimmed steering wheel and supple red leather seats. If you like listening to the radio, though, best select your station before you drive off - the stereo is down by your ankles.

But then, the engine note and wind and road noise make in-car entertainment largely superfluous. Other quibbles include the lack of load space - it's impossible to carry more than a flying jacket and change of underwear - and the front discs and rear drums, which make stopping in a hurry rather fraught.

However, you don't buy a Morgan to listen to music, carry luggage or sit in stop-start traffic. You buy one because it's as close as you can get to owning a pre-war motor with modern reliability and performance built in.

Skip advert
Advertisement

More reviews

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £14,480Avg. savings £1,864 off RRP*Used from £6,700
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,672 off RRP*Used from £15,700
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,690Avg. savings £4,685 off RRP*Used from £16,811
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,924 off RRP*Used from £12,200
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports
MST Ford Escort - front 3/4

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports

While not officially Fords, the MST Mk1 and Mk2 Sports should drive as sharply as they look
News
7 Jul 2025
New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Hot Volkswagen Golf GTI for a cool £287 a month
Volkswagen Golf GTI - front cornering left 1

Car Deal of the Day: Hot Volkswagen Golf GTI for a cool £287 a month

The Golf GTI has been a classic from day one – and it’s our Deal of the Day for 8 July.
News
8 Jul 2025