MG Cyberster road test: A credible halo car for the reborn brand?

“Never has an MG been so exotic” – or powerful, for that matter. But is this scissor-doored roadster more than automotive clickbait? Vicki samples the Cyberster on British roads, to find out.

Designed to evoke the spirit of classic roadster hits like MGB, the theatrical and futuristic Cyberster looks to usher in a new age for the now Chinese-owned marque.  

And, as far as Vicki’s concerned, the styling’s bang on the money. Touting flashy, Lamborghini-esque doors, fabulous long-bonnet proportions, and taillights that wouldn’t look out of place on the Millennium Falcon, this new roadster is a far cry from MGs of old. Compared to the twee, overly-retro offerings of the early 2000s — MG TF, we’re looking at you — the Cyberster looks fittingly intergalactic. 

The cabin’s equally eye-catching. With no fewer than three screens angled at the driver, and a heated steering wheel that’s bristling with buttons, it’s not short on tech. However, according to Vicki, it’s not all terribly logical or well integrated. For one, the rearview camera isn’t intuitively located, and the switchgear can be tricky to operate. Oh, and some of the driver assistance systems are more of an irritant than an aid.

Those points would all be moot, though, if the Cyberster was a true driver’s car. But it isn’t. There’s no denying its performance, Vicki’s impressed by the base model’s five second 0-60 mph sprint with launch control engaged. However, that speed isn’t married to a particularly communicative or capable chassis. The DriverReviews host argues that despite its ability to slide the tail out, the Cyberster lacks the grace or precision of something like Porsche’s venerable Boxster. To make matters worse, the suspension isn’t well calibrated to deal with larger bumps and imperfections, plus a hefty 1900kg kerbweight means it’s not as agile as cheaper hot hatches.

But what’s Vicki’s final verdict? Is the Cyberster a classic case of great idea, poor execution? Watch the full review to find out.

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