2017 MG GS First Drive REVIEW – A Great First Impression, But One That Fades
THE MG GS SUV HAS TOUCHED DOWN IN AUSTRALIA, AND WITH IT COMES A LIST OF QUESTIONS.
Let's get those questions out of the way: No, this isn't anything like a classic MG roadster. Yes, it is built by the relatively new Chinese operation, but run by a different mob to those who had a crack locally with the MG6 sedan in 2013. No, it's not a total dog... though this is not a purebred example of the species.
Instead, the MG GS is a model that represents the furthest departure yet from the brand's British heritage. It's classed as a medium SUV, although more similar in size to Nissan's Qashqai and the Mitsubishi ASX. Also, pricing is closer to even smaller machines such as Nissan's Juke and the Toyota C-HR.
Vehicle Style: Medium SUV
Price: From $22,990 to $34,990 drive-away
Engine/trans: 119kW/250Nm 1.5 litre or 162kW/350Nm 2.0 litre | 4cyl turbo-petrol | 6sp manual, 6sp or 7sp automatic
Fuel Economy claimed: 7.4 l/100km or 9.6l/100km
OVERVIEW
There are four models in the range, starting with the sparsely-equipped GS Vivid, a manual-only model priced from $22,990 drive-away with 17-inch wheels, Bluetooth and parking sensors as standard, but no niceties such as cruise control, a reversing camera or steering wheel-mounted audio controls which are reserved for the next rung up the ladder.
Buyers with a little more in the budget can get hold of the GS Core for $25,990 drive-away, adding all of the above plus a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, a 6.1-inch stereo with better speakers and iPhone USB connectivity (but not Apple CarPlay) as well as practical touches such as a cooled glovebox and rear cargo blind.