THE world got its first glimpse of MG Rover's new sports car at the Brussels International Motor Show as singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor took the wraps off the MG TF.

The car is a new generation of the MGF and boasts a new exterior appearance, all-new suspension, high performance engine and lower carbon dioxide emissions. The company hopes the new roadster will build on the success of the MGF, which has been the best-selling sports car in the UK for the last six years.

A four-model range provides drivers with the 1.6-litre TF115, a 1.8 TF135, TF120 Stepspeed with multi-function CVT sports auto and the range-topping TF160.

The TF115 has a top speed of 118mph, reaches 0–60mph in 9.2 seconds, returns 39.8mpg and emits 169g/km carbon dioxide. Figures for the TF135 are 125mph, 8.2 seconds 0–62mph, 35.6mpg and CO2 of 189g/km.

The TF120 Stepspeed's statistics are 118mph, 0–60 mph 9.7 seconds, 33.9mpg and 199g/km CO2. The TF160 has a top speed of 137mph, takes 6.9 seconds to go from 0–60, returns 37.6mpg and emits 179g/km CO2.

The TF carries a sharper, more aggressive purposeful look and has a new front bumper shaped to reduce front-end lift. A new coil sprung suspension and multi-link rear axle replaces the MGF's inter-connected Hydragas system to allow a more responsive set-up.