A Little Morgan Time

It has been a few years since a Morgan graced my driveway, but with recent changes made to the Plus Four, it was all the excuse I needed to call up the good folk in Malvern. All too soon a pickup truck with enclosed trailer appeared at the bottom of my driveway, a sparkling Fly Yellow example hidden within. The unloading on my quiet country lane created its usual stir with dog walkers and passing neighbours keen to take a look.

A few reminders were needed from the delivery driver, as there are some foibles, or perhaps unique design points that a Morgan owner needs to know. Roof folding must be done in a certain sequence, switchgear is not always in an obvious location, you get the idea.

So, what’s new? There have been some design changes which incudes new lighting, wings, front splitter, rear diffuser and mirrors. The look is the same however, Morgan being keen to retain the car’s timeless appeal.

What hasn’t changed is the powerhouse of an engine which sits proudly under the distinctive louvred bonnet. The BMW turbocharged 2.0-litre lump produces a heady 255bhp and in a car weighing a little over 1,000kg, the performance is breathtaking. The 0-62mph sprint time of just 5.2 seconds gives some indication of the car’s acceleration and let’s not forget there is a top speed of 149mph, for the very brave.

The test car came equipped with a slick 6-speed manual gearbox, though you can specify an automatic. City drivers may well wish to tick that box, but I would recommend the manual, as it suits the Morgan perfectly. The pedal box is narrow, so expect to rest your left foot on the clutch pedal.

Amongst the myriad of options now available are air conditioning and heated seats. Both were fitted to ‘my’ Plus Four. Whilst I could happily do without the former, the latter were enjoyed due to the unseasonably cool summer weather. The heater is much improved too, so there is no excuse not to lower the roof all year round in dry weather.

Most convertibles can be driven in light rain and, on one of my forays into the Dales, the rain clouds gathered. All too soon I realised that not only was the windscreen getting wet on the outside, but it was also on the inside, greatly impeding visibility. I was forced to stop and put the roof up, which somehow always seems harder when under pressure. There are poppers to pop, clips to engage. I was distinctly damp when finally ready to hit the road once more.

The rain got heavier, and I was soon driving on exceptionally wet roads, but no matter. You see the latest Morgan cars even have traction control, to keep you on the straight and narrow. With grippy Avon tyres, I continued on my travels at a fair old lick, without any drama. The heated front windscreen ensured I could see where I was going too, as my damp clothing was creating some steaming issues.

Roof up travel gave me the opportunity to try out the optional Sennheiser Audio system. You connect your smartphone via a USB and then play your music through the rather special speakers. It is a quality system, and you find the volume needs to be set quite loud, as an enclosed Plus Four is quite a noisy place to be.

Ride comfort is better than I remember, firm yes, but rarely uncomfortable. You are always aware of what is going on under the wheels and that just adds to the unique driving experience. You feel connected to the Plus Four, with the super sharp and direct steering becoming an extension of your arms, the slightest movement having a direct impact on the direction of travel.

Push hard into a corner and there is scant body roll and grip at all times proved to be excellent, no matter whether the roads were wet or dry. The more I drove the Plus Four, the more I was happy to push it towards its limits.

Let me also now pause to consider the German-sourced engine, now powering that most British of cars. I have already mentioned the surfeit of power, but also worth mentioning is the engine’s tractability. I developed a soft spot for third gear, which was happy to pull strongly from as little as 15mph. Let me say that I am sure it would still have been pulling with vigour had the UK speed limit have been exceeded!

Fifth gear was fine for relaxed A-road cruising, but six was so highly geared that I can only imagine it being useful on the motorway, not the natural habitat for any Morgan owner.

I would also like to mention the rather enticing ‘Sport’ button. Once pressed the throttle response is sharper, and baffles are opened in the optional active exhaust system. Hilarity ensues with pops and bangs accompanying any downshifts and on the overrun.

Well, I loved it!

What else can I tell you about the Plus Four? The fuel tank is a little on the small side and 39mpg is the claimed figure. I would suggest nearer the 30mpg is more likely if the car is driven in the manner its maker intended. Luggage space is limited too, with just a space behind the front seats for squashy bags. Seasoned Morgan owners will doubtless invest in a boot rack and suitably waterproof luggage.

All too soon my time with the Plus Four was over, the car once again safely ensconced in its covered trailer. I certainly enjoyed my time with the car, the experience being quite unlike anything else for sale now. And in a world of workaday SUVs, and with increasing electrification, Morgan cars are to be celebrated.

I accept that the Plus Four will not suit all, but for those looking for a unique and involving driving and ownership experience, I can quite see the appeal. So, if you fancy some good old-fashioned driving pleasure, pop along to your nearest Morgan dealer and take a drive on the wild side. You will be glad you did.

Fast Facts
Morgan Plus Four
Price £74,406 ( as tested £93,220)
2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine
Power 255bhp, torque 350Nm
0-62mph in 5.2 seconds
Top speed 149mph
Combined economy 39mpg
Emissions 165g/km CO2
Key Options
Fly Yellow Paint £1,320
Active exhaust £2,340
Sennheiser Audio £3,120
Leather seats £1,695
Air conditioning £1,325
Dynamic Handling Pack £1,995