Martin Williamson reports back on his impressions of the current MG movement in China (photos by Anthony Allen)

Octagonomania can mean so many things to different people. Reading the forums highlights how the North Americans still perceive MG as a two seat, open top sports car with poor electrics – not surprisingly given they last saw a new MG in 1980 from Abingdon. The British have enjoyed more recent offerings from Longbridge, but we spend our time debating whether a re-badged Rover is a true MG, or whether a proper MGB has chrome bumpers. What we share, though, is the love of ‘getting grease under our fingernails,’ to quote a certain BBC presenter currently filming in China.

But what excites the newest breed of enthusiast? A quick scan of the internet leaves one somewhat puzzled – their forums are a hive of activity, but it’s all Chinese! Do they argue over whether an MG3 Xross is better than the MG3 SW? Are their forums riddled with questions about head gasket failures?

I found myself booking a ticket to Shanghai to find out more. Well, I happened to be going over on business anyway – my work in reliability is now in demand in China as rising labour costs and increasing legislation are forcing up the cost of manufacturing. The playing field is rapidly levelling out.

The last time I had been to China was in 1996 to Beijing. That trip reinforced all the stereotypes of their manufacturing methods and quality levels. But 15 years is a long time in terms of progress, as I was about to find out. Where once cyclists flooded the streets, cars now dominate, and the demand for Western brands is at an all time high.