MG GS SUV launches in Australia
Chinese-made, British-designed SUV priced from $23,990 with six-year warrantyFollowing the launch of its MG 3 light car and MG 6 small car in late 2016, revived British brand MG has launched its most important model yet, the GS mid-size SUV.
Slightly shorter than the Mazda CX-5, the MG GS is priced from $23,990 and available in four model grades including front- and all-wheel drive variants, topping out at $34,990.
All models come with a six-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty including roadside assistance, plus capped-price servicing for 90,000km.
The model range and pricing (plus on-road costs) is as follows:
>> MG GS Vivid: $23,990 (119kW, 2WD, six-speed manual)
>> MG GS Core: $25,990 (119kW, 2WD, seven-speed DCT auto)
>> MG GS Soul: $27,990 (119kW, 2WD, seven-speed DCT auto)
>> MG GS Essence X: $34,990 (162kW, AWD, six-speed DCT auto)
MG will offer drive-away pricing on the MG GS until the end of May 2017, with the Vivid pegged at $22,990 drive-away, the Soul at $28,990 and the other two unchanged.
All models except the entry-level Vivid come with an automatic dual-clutch transmission (DCT), while the former gets a six-speed manual.
The top-range Essence X gets a 162kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, while the rest are propelled by a 119kW/250Nm 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, all co-developed with GM.
Fuel consumption is rated between 7.3 and 9.6L/100km.
Measuring 4500mm long and 1855mm, all GS models are fitted as standard with rear parking sensors, LED daytime running lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, six airbags, stability control, anti-lock brakes, corner brake control, automatic headlights, an electric park brake and Bluetooth phone connectivity.
Cargo room in the five-seat, five-door SUV is 483 litres, expandable to 1336 litres with the 60:40-split rear seats folded down.
The Core model gets everything mentioned above and adds a 6.1-inch touch-screen infotainment system with USB port/charge, an auto-hold function added to the electric park brake, a reversing camera, LED brake lights, cruise control, climate-control with rear air-vents, an Arkamys 3D stereo with six speakers and a leather-clad steering wheel with multi-function buttons.
Step up a rung the GS Soul adds an 8.0-inch colour touch-screen with satellite-navigation, 12-volt plug in the boot, 18-inch alloy wheels, six-way electrically adjustable leather-appointed sports seat trim, auto-folding wing mirrors, auto-dimming interior mirror, front fog lights and rain-sensing wipers.
Apart from its beefier 2.0-litre turbo engine, the range-topping Essence X model adds exposed twin exhaust pipes, a part-time all-wheel drive system, auto-levelling Xenon headlights, active rollover protection, power sunroof, hill descent control, steering wheel gear shift paddles and side steps. It can also be optioned with a contrasting black roof for $295.
With sharp pricing, strong equipment lists and an impressive warranty, the only thing missing from the spec sheet is a five-star safety rating.
The MG GS managed a four-star safety rating from ANCAP, missing out on five-stars because of a lack of autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and second-row seat belt reminders, but the company insists it will have this rectified by year's end.
MG currently has three dealerships in Australia, located in NSW and Queensland. MG Motor Australia general manager, Zhu Chao, told motoring.com.au that his company hopes to have around 12 dealerships in place by year's end.
Asked if it was a challenge to get Aussie buyers to consider Chinese-made cars, which have in the past been plagued by safety issues including sub-standard crash ratings and even an asbestos-related recall of more than 20,000 vehicles, Zhu told motoring.com.au things have changed.
"Before, Chinese cars had some bad history here, everyone knows that, we're aware of that.
"But if you look at all the Chinese products – even the iPhone is made in China – it's not to say they're good or bad it's how you control your processes.
"We have joint-ventures with Volkswagen and General Motors. We have tight process control, it's high and serious now.
"We understand that our products need to meet the requirements of this market. I think Australians will put this car on their shopping list," he stated.
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If the price does not contain the notation that it is "Drive Away", the price may not include additional costs, such as stamp duty and other government charges.
