LATCHING on to the prospects of a reasonable summer, MG has unveiled a special edition TF Spark with key features including embroidered Alcan-tara sports seats and a new charcoal grey hood fabric in case of rain.

There is also a windstop, a special device designed to deflect wind from behind the driver when the hood is down.

Only 1,000 are planned for the UK market, but the special edition can be fired up from a choice of engines, either the 115Ps, 135Ps or 160Ps.

The 115 Spark manages the 0-60mph dash in 9.2-seconds and is capable of a combined economy return of 39.8mpd.

The 135 Spark is a second faster and loses about three mpg at the combined rate, while the 160 Spark cuts the speed dash down to 6.9-seconds but loses just a couple of miles-per-gallon combined due to some fine engine tweaking.

Specification details offer a unique embroidered MG badge on the seats, alloy inserts on the centre console and on the doors, while there is an alloy finish-black leather steering wheel, chrome ashtray and handbrake button, a Momo leather/alloy gear knob and, for the audio fan, a Sony system with CD player.

Outside signposts are the chrome Spark boot badge, front, side and rear mesh grilles, bright door handles, front fog lamps and the charcoal grey hood.

The specification also includes large front disc brakes and callipers, and 11-spoke alloy wheels with what is known as "shadow chrome" finish, a recent design feature.

The TF Spark is available in four coats, either firefrost red, a new colour for the range, XPower grey, starlight silver or sonic blue, also a new and exclusive colour on this model.

All colours are supported by the same charcoal hood and ash grey interior.

Prices start at £17,445 on the road for the 115 Spark, rising to £18,995 for the 135 Spark and topping at £21,195 for the 160 Spark. There are a few optional extras available for those who prefer something firmer overhead: a black hard top for £1,150 or body-coloured or white hardtop for £1,295.

There is also air conditioning for £1,125, as well as an airbag for passenger reassurance and safety for another £275.

Updated: 09:19 Friday, July 30, 2004