A new medium SUV is soon available for Australia and its known as the MG GS. It’s up against the Honda CRV, Mazda CX-5, Nissan Qashqai, Nissan X-Trail, Toyota RAV4, Suzuki Vitara, Hyundai Tucson… and the list goes on! Stylish it is, and with all the latest technology that goes along with a choice of model variants the 2020 MG GS is sure to be a popular winner.
Boasting a useful 463-litre boot and a decent 2720 mm wheelbase, the 1700 kg MG GS is a seriously good SUV that will suit the small family and the person keen on some outdoor leisure activities. The back seats fold flat, so it swallows a mountain bike or a couple of sets of golf clubs with ease. As with most of the MG’s rivals the GS offers the buyer the choice of FWD and AWD variants. The on-demand all-wheel drive uses a computer program to shuffle the engine torque to the rear axle when the front tyres slip – much in the same way as the Honda CR-V does. The new MG GS boasts a front suspension with MacPherson struts, while at the rear is an independent multi-link setup that gives a nice ride quality. The steering is nice and accurate; it’s an electric power steering system that is well-weighted on all accounts. Grip is commendable with the GS equipped with high-quality Michelin Primacy tyres (235/50 R18).
Out on the open road the new MG GS rides quietly and has nimble handling for getting the job done through the corners. If you own an AWD version, then the skills for light off-roading duties are handy for scampering down country roads and up to the ski slopes.
On the standard new MG GS you can expect some nice features which include: 17-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry with push button start, a 10.1-inch colour infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You also get electric folding and heated door mirrors which is a nice classy feature for a base model car. Mid-range MG GS models adds some more features like a rear parking camera, 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic wipers and satellite navigation.
Head for the flagship MG GS and you’ll get a loaded SUV that boasts some very high-end features. These are exclusive models with two leather interior options, front and rear LED sequential indicators, electric and heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, ambient lighting and a panoramic sunroof. Few other SUVs offer the same bang-for-buck items.
A new MG GS flagship model delivers a special driving experience with lots of padded plastics and leather garnishing on almost every surface. The switchgear feels solid and of a high quality, and the workmanship is excellent. LED interior lighting gives a nice ambience, and with mood lighting technology you really are spoilt. The premium Bose audio system delivers superb sound. Seating comfort is very good, and with the Alcantara leather seats you’re sure looking good. A multi-function steering wheel is present and some of the buttons are knurled for even greater visual impact. The full-length glass sunroof adds even more ‘Wow” to the cabin’s pleasant ambience. The top model boasts all the best infotainment goodies and has a large 10.1-inch centre touchscreen with quick selective action. Features like satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto all make life enjoyable in the new MG GS SUV. Drivers will also enjoy the modern 12-inch digital driver’s display with its classy HD graphics.
What’s under the hood? An entry-level MG GS get the sprightly 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine with 126 kW of peak power and a healthy 250 Nm of torque available. Premium models get a bit more power in the form of the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol with 170 kW. This is strong power and equals that of another class leader, the Mazda CX-5 turbo. Expect a 0-100 km/h sprint time of around eight seconds, which is really sharp SUV segment. Torque for the 2.0-litre peaks at 360 Nm and is available from 2500 rpm. A six-speed manual gearbox is fitted as standard, with a seven-speed DCT transmission available on luxurious models. DCT (double clutch transmission) models also feature a choice of driving modes for even further driver satisfaction.
The back seats are great, with ample headroom and legroom the order of the day. The seat backs both recline and fold flat, and rear occupants enjoy their own air vents and grab handles. LED reading lights and 2 x rear USB points are also present. A flip-down centre armrest with cup-holders and storage compartment is another nice back seat feature.
MG GS models are solid, safe buys, and given that the outgoing MG GS has a five-star ANCAP crash rating this latest model should be as good, if not better. Six airbags, adaptive cruise control, lane assist, blind-spot alert, lane-departure warning, a 360-degree camera, active emergency braking, and rear cross-traffic alert are just some of the awesome features on-board. There’s also a feature that alerts you with an audible chime if you go to open your door into the path of oncoming traffic or cyclists.
As a complete package the new MG GS shines brightly and is definitely a worthy contender for best medium-size SUV – particularly in flagship mode. By the way, all new 2020 MG GS models come with an MG customer care package delivering a seven-year/unlimited km warranty, roadside assistance and servicing plans.
The 2020 MG GS models are likely to include the:
For any more information on the 2020 MG GS or, for that matter, any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of MG dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!