MG GS launch review

Back in 2012 Motor Trader accompanied a small group of UK dealers to China to test drive a pre-production version of the MG3 hatchback and tour the factories operated by its Shanghai Automotive parent. The trip also included an unexpected sneak preview of a picture of the GS, the brand’s first ever compact SUV; a car every dealer said they wanted to sell as soon as possible.

Fast forward four years and the GS has finally reached UK showrooms. The brand has high hopes for the car and has got off to a strong start with a database of 5,000 prospects who have registered interest having seen it displayed at MG’s flagship showroom in London’s Piccadilly and at the London Motor Show where it proved to be a genuine head turner for visitors; many of whom would have been surprised to see the brand was still around and that it was now selling an SUV rather than a two-seater roadster.

MG Motor remains one of automotive retailing’s best kept secrets. It has been back in business in the UK since 2009 and has a base at Longbridge where semi-knocked down cars shipped in from China are assembled on its production lines. Motorsports fans will be familiar with its long standing commitment to BTCC, which will run for at least another two years. However, with annual sales of only 3,152 units in 2015 and just 78 dealers covering the UK, the average car buyer is still pretty much unaware that the iconic brand is still in contention.

For Matthew Cheyne, head of sales and marketing, this is the opportunity to put the brand back on the map and pave the wave for next year’s all-new B-segment SUV.

“This is easily the best car we have ever produced as we have benchmarked it against the best,” he said.

The GS is almost exclusively a retail car aimed squarely at young families with Cheyne anticipating between 700-800 sales this year, rising to 1,000 in 2017. Curiously, despite launching into the sweet spot of the new car market, the MG3 will remain MG’s biggest seller.

There’s a lot riding on the success of the GS and MG should be applauded for its no-nonsense positioning. Specification levels are high across just three trim levels, only one 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine is being offered and there is no 4X4 option. MG’s confidence in the model’s build quality is reflected by the introduction of the brand’s first five year/80,000 mile warranty package.  But what will attract customers is its sub-£15,000 starting price, £3,550 cheaper than the entry-level Nissan Qashqai.

“Our strategy is to be affordable. We need to bring young customers into this brand and the GS will do that,” said Cheyne.

Behind the Wheel

As a latecomer to the compact SUV sector the GS needs to hit the ground running in terms of pricing, practicality and looks. The £14,995 to £19,495 pricing across the three well specified trims is ultra competitive for a car that is longer, wider, higher and boasts more boot space than the market leading Nissan Qashqai. Furthermore, it looks good with the Longbridge design studio delivering a sleek profile, attractive rear and muscular bonnet. The cabin is roomy with plenty of knee and head space for passengers travelling in the rear.

So what’s it like on the road? We tested the range topping £20,995 which mates the standard GM-supplied 1.5-litre petrol turbo to MG’s first automatic transmission; a seven-speed DCT gearbox. Even with a light foot the low end gear changes felt a little harsh but proved more seamless once underway. The 166PS 1.5-litre petrol engine is lively and particularly good on the motorway where its high torque will be appreciated by towers. Around town the ride is comfortable with the firm suspension coping well with poor surfaces, however on the open road it can feel a little too bouncy over undulations.

Ultimately the GS is a compelling alternative compact SUV that does not feel or look as cheap as its pricing suggests. It also paves the way for a B-segment SUV which wil be introduced in 2017 and will become the brand’s best seller.