MG’s first ever SUV takes on the Qashqai
Introduction
With its new GS, MG is having a crack at the booming SUV market segment, like so many other car brands recently.
Based on an all-new scalable platform developed with MG’s Chinese owner SAIC, the GS aims to take on mainstream SUVs with its sporty styling and a noticeably cheaper price range.
The GS comes in three trims and the starting price is at least a few grand less than the likes of the Nissan Qashqai, Mazda CX-5, Ford Kuga and Kia Sportage, which MG is targeting.
On paper at least, the MG GS has the performance, efficiency, kit, practicality and pricing to square up to its rivals. But can it actually deliver in these areas?
Performance
There’s only one engine available for the MG GS, a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol unit developed with General Motors. It produces 164bhp, enough for a zero to 62mph sprint time of 9.9 seconds, roughly on-par with equivalent petrol-run rivals.
A six-speed manual gearbox is utilised as standard but in the range-topping Exclusive trim the GS can be fitted with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic ‘box - the first of its kind fitted to an MG.
The GS is front-wheel drive only in the UK, although a four-wheel drive version and 2.0-litre petrol engine may be introduced if the car performs well enough in the market.
The 1.5-litre petrol unit feels like it has to be worked hard from the initial get-go as there’s a lack of punch before you reach about 3,000rpm. Once you’re on the move though, it does feel quite brisk and well suited to motorway driving. The manual gear change has a slightly long throw but it’s slick overall.
Having only one engine to choose could put off some SUV buyers. But because of reasons related to cost, don’t expect a diesel engine to be added anytime soon.
Ride and Handling
The GS feels agile through both low and high-speed corners and drivers should feel particularly confident commuting through a town centre thanks to the car’s steering and clear front visibility.
The driving experience of the MG GS is complimented by nicely weighted steering. It also offers enough feel to give the driver a good understanding of where the wheels are pointing at all times.
The GS feels agile through both low and high-speed corners and drivers should feel particularly confident commuting through a town centre thanks to the car’s steering and clear front visibility.
There’s not much body roll either, but at higher speeds the car does get firm and bouncy over any bumps and undulations.
The engine is also noisy at low revs, but the GS does get quieter when you build up speed and there’s actually not much noise at all during motorway cruising.
Overall, the driving experience of the MG GS does not disgrace itself next to the competition but it’s not a class-leader either with key rivals offering more comfort and refinement. Still, it’s a good effort for a budget choice.
Did you know?
MG will use the platform the GS is built on to create a small crossover that will rival the Nissan Juke.
Interior and Equipment
Head and legroom for both front and rear passengers in the MG’s cabin is plentiful and feels well suited for family transport. One thing to note though is that the rear window is positioned high up and doesn’t offer a great deal of visibility.
Boot space is measured at a practical 335 litres as standard and total load capacity can increase to 1,336 litres if you fold the rear seats completely flat.
The quality of the interior is a mixed bag though and this is one area where the MG’s cheaper pricing shows. While the leather on the steering wheel feels nice and there’s some neat piano black trim found too, most areas inside are covered with drab-looking, hard and scratchy plastics.
In regards equipment, all MG GS models come with alloy wheels, air conditioning, cruise control and automatic headlamps. The mid-level Excite trim and range-topping Exclusive come with considerably more kit including DAB radio, rear parking sensors and camera.
The Exclusive trim adds leather sports seats and a sat-nav system operated via an eight-inch touch-screen which feels responsive and easy to use. The touch-screen device comes with Mirrolink for Android phones but there’s currently no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto support.
Cost
The 1.5-litre petrol engine in the GS records an official fuel economy of 46.3mpg with the manual ‘box and CO2 emissions range between 139 and 141g/km.
It’s the Explore version of the GS that has the headline-grabbing starting price of just £14,995, which is over £3,000 less than a Qashqai with its 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine.
However, if you want an Exclusive model with all the bells and whistles, you’ll have to pay as much as £19,495, or £20,995 if you opt for the automatic transmission.
That’s still less than most other current SUVs in their mid-level trims but not by much. In this guise, the MG also becomes a lot more expensive than the smaller, budget-focused SUVs like the SsangYong Tivoli for example.
The 1.5-litre petrol engine in the GS records an official fuel economy of 46.3mpg with the manual ‘box and CO2 emissions range between 139 and 141g/km. That’s respectable next to other SUVs with their closest equivalent engine, but unlike the MG some alternatives like the Qashqai can offer diesels which record over 70mpg and emit around 100g/km or less.
Our Verdict
The MG GS is a credible first attempt at making an SUV aimed at family motorists. It’s styling is distinctive, the interior is roomy and the engine power and handling will be at least adequate for most family drivers. Other SUVs do have the edge in these departments though and the MG feels way behind the class-leaders for interior quality and refinement.
Whether MG’s first SUV is a wise choice for you depends on how impressed you are with its savings, which become less spectacular with the top trim, and how badly you need the space it offers.
If affordability is a major concern but you’re willing to go for something less practical, the smaller SsangYong Tivoli and Dacia Duster can both offer even greater savings and a more diverse engine line-up.
