I HAVE never been one of those people who signs up to loyalty cards or points promotions, especially as I have never wanted a set of glasses and matching decanter from my local petrol station.

But I must admit I wish I had signed up to a petrol station promotion after spending four weeks driving our long term MG ZT 190.

If I had clocked up all my points from the amount of fuel I have pumped into the MG's tank over that period I could have completely furnished my planned new home.

The MG likes a drink and it doesn't care who knows it. It has got that take-it-or-leave-it attitude that makes it stand out in today's motoring world - a car with a bit of character.

From the low-profile tyres mounted on sexy multi-spoke alloys to the mesh grille and body kit, the ZT doesn't try to hide its sporting pretensions.

Which is why I am not surprised that it likes to sip unleaded at a fairly steady rate. Perhaps it is because I have been used to driving some of the most frugal diesel-engined cars on sale before taking the keys to the MG that the drink problem has come to light.

However, as I said in a previous test, you do feel the need to 'drive' the ZT and this need is fuelled by the sweet-sounding V6 engine which sounds better as the revs rise. With nearly 190bhp on tap, the ZT has more than enough power to offer the committed driver plenty of fun.

And this is the whole point. Drivers concerned with their benefit-in-kind tax liability and fuel bills will not give the ZT a second look.

But if you have decided to opt out of a company car and want a vehicle that offers something different from the run-of-the-mill, the ZT is worth taking a closer look at. It will cost you more than the average car to run but if you want to stand out in the company car park, it fits the bill perfectly.