Just two months after their massive preview during the 2024 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS), MG is once again disrupting segments with its latest offerings: the MG G50 Plus MPV and the MG3 hatchback. Both are poised to take away attention from its segment rivals by offering more but with attractive prices.
MG G50 Plus
The G50 name is now under MG making it the first MPV of the brand here in the Philippines. One of its key advantages is its 1.5-liter turbo engine paired to a 7-speed dual clutch that together puts out 181 horsepower and 285 Nm of torque. This makes it the most powerful in its class even beating the GAC M6 Pro that has the same powertrain configuration.
The G50 name is now under MG making it the first MPV of the brand here in the Philippines. One of its key advantages is its 1.5-liter turbo engine paired to a 7-speed dual clutch that together puts out 181 horsepower and 285 Nm of torque. This makes it the most powerful in its class even beating the GAC M6 Pro that has the same powertrain configuration.
As for size, the G50 Plus measures 4,585 mm long, 1,825 mm wide, 1,778 mm tall, and has a wheelbase of 2,800 mm. Compared to one of its rivals the Mitsubishi Xpander, the G50 Plus is 230 mm longer, 75 mm wider, 28 mm taller, and has a 25 mm longer wheelbase all while being capable of accommodating one more person in its STD (Standard) and COM (Comfort) trims (only the LUX or Luxury is a 7-seater).
The G50 Plus’s design isn’t far from its look when it was under Maxus. Only it now sports a bigger grille upfront that occupies even the supposed fog light housings and finished in shiny chrome. The rear however has less bling as there’s no chrome bar between the taillights on the tailgate. It’s also cleaner looking now with the MG logo and not an alphabet emblem across.
Exterior amenities include LED headlights and Daytime Running Lights, Power Folding Side Mirrors, 16-inch wheels for the STD and COM trims while the LUX has 17-inch, and roof rails.
The cabin is practical but not spartan. The mid-trim COM and top of the line LUX enjoy leather upholstery to go with the modern amenities in the interior. It has 6-way powered driver’s seat, 4-way front passenger seat, automatic climate control, electronic parking brake with auto hold, keyless entry, push start button, and 12.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto together with 4 or 6 speakers.
For safety, the G50 Plus comes standard with front airbags, ABS, stability control, and rear sensors. Moving up variants will give you side airbags, hill start assist, rear camera, and a tire pressure monitoring system.
The MG G50 Plus will start at PHP 1,048,888 for the STD with 6-speed manual, P 1,188,888 for the mid trim, and P 1,288,888 for the top of the line LUX. Available colors are Moon White, Meteorite Black, Blade Silver, Andes Gray, and Water Blue.
MG3
Just when we thought that sub-compact hatchbacks are a dying breed, MG comes to reignite the segment with the MG3. It beat the upcoming Honda City by being the first in the segment with Advanced Driver Assist features, and even has a hybrid powertrain for its top of the line trim.
Just when we thought that sub-compact hatchbacks are a dying breed, MG comes to reignite the segment with the MG3. It beat the upcoming Honda City by being the first in the segment with Advanced Driver Assist features, and even has a hybrid powertrain for its top of the line trim.
At first glance, its front face is reminiscent of the MG GT until you realize it has a different design for its grille that is protruding compared to the pulled back design on the GT. MG doubled down on it by having a mesh insert on where the fog lights should have been, giving it a very race-ready look.
Outside toys for the MG3 include LED headlights with LED daytime running lights, power folding side mirrors with turn signal, rear camera or 360-camera system (depending on the variant), and 16-inch alloy wheels.
The MG3 measures 4,055 mm long, 1,729 mm wide, 1,521 mm tall, and has a ground clearance of 132 mm. Clearly it’s lower than a Toyota Raize but it’s a tad longer and wider. Its size is also reminiscent of the last generation Honda Jazz in the Philippines, which is a segment smaller than the current Honda City hatchback.
Inside, the ICE and hybrid versions of the MG3 look almost similar save for the center console. The ICE has the traditional shifter while the hybrid trim has an electronic rotary shifter. Standard amenities include the 7-inch digital gauge cluster, and keyless entry; while moving up in variants will give you an electronic parking brake with auto brake hold, push button ignition, 10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, up to 6 speakers, and 3 USB ports.
Safety bits include front, side, and side curtain airbags, ABS, stability control, hill start assist, and tire pressure monitoring system. As said earlier, the MG3 also comes with Advanced Driver Assist System like Pre-Collision Alert, Lane Departure Alert, Lane Watch, Lane Keep Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control.
Powering this hatch is a naturally-aspirated 1.5-liter engine that cranks out 120 horsepower and 150 Nm of torque with either a 5-speed manual or a CVT. The hybrid trim gets a 3-speed hybrid transmission and pushes out 191 horsepower and a maximum 250 Nm of torque.
The MG3 starts at P 678,888 for the base model STD (Standard) MT, P 828,888 for COM (Comfort) CVT, P 898,888 for the LUX (Luxury) CVT that already has ADAS, and P 1,088,888 for the top of the line HEV (Hybrid). Its available in St. Moritz Blue, Morning Yellow, Extreme Speed Red, Blade Silver, Andes Gray, Pearl Black, and York White.
All MG cars now come with 5-year Warranty, six First 6th month free PMS, and three years of free Roadside Assistance. The MG G50 Plus goes beyond that by having three-year free PMS, six-year Engine Warranty, and five Annual free safety inspection.
2024 MG G50 Plus Philippine Specs
- Overall Length: 4,825 mm
- Overall Width: 1,825 mm
- Overall Height: 1,778 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,800 mm
- Seating: 8, 7 (LUX)
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 60 liters
- Curb Weight: 1,620 kg, 1,660 kg (LUX)
- Gross Vehicle Weight: 2,230 kg, 2,270 kg (LUX)
MG G50 Plus Powertrain
- Engine: 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder
- Gearbox: 6-speed MT, 7-speed wet-type dual clutch (COM, LUX)
- Maximum Output: 181 PS
- Maximum Torque: 250 Nm
- Fuel Grade: 95 RON
- Emissions Standard: Euro 5
MG G50 Plus Chassis
- Drive: FWD
- Front Suspension: MacPherson Strut
- Rear Suspension: Torsion Beam
- Front Brakes: Ventilated Disc
- Rear Brakes: Disc
- Steering: EPS
- Wheels & Tires: 205/60R16, 215/55R17 (LUX)
MG G50 Plus Exterior Features
- LED Daytime Running Lights (COM, LUX)
- LED Headlamps (COM, LUX)
- Side View Mirror Turn Signal Indicator (COM, LUX)
- Roof Rail (LUX)
MG G50 Plus Interior Features
- Fabric Seats, PVC (LUX)
- 6-way Power Adjust Driver’s Seat (LUX)
- 4-way Power Adjust Front Passenger Seat (LUX)
- Multi-Information Display
- Tilt Adjustable Steering Column
- Leather Steering Wheel (COM, LUX)
- Steering Wheel Switches (COM, LUX)
- Electronic Parking Brake w/ Auto Hold (COM, LUX)
- Ash Dash Board and Door Trims, Black Dashboard and Door Trims (LUX)
MG G50 Plus Comfort & Convenience Features
- Remote Keyless Entry with Push Start-Stop (COM, LUX)
- Power Door Locks (COM, LUX)
- Automatic Climate Control (LUX)
- Rear AC Vents
- 12.3-inch Touchscreen w/ Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 4 Speakers, 6 Speakers (LUX)
- Cruise Control (COM, LUX)
MG G50 Plus Safety & Security Features
- Dual SRS Airbags
- Side Airbags (LUX)
- ABS with EBD
- Vehicle Stability Control
- Hill Start Assist
2024 MG3 Philippine Specifications
- Overall Length: 4,055 mm
- Overall Width: 1,729 mm
- Overall Height: 1,521 mm
- Minimum Ground Clearance: 132 mm, 117 mm (HEV)
- Seating: 5
- Fuel Tank: 45 liters, 36 liters (HEV)
- Trunk Volume: 241 liters
- Curb Weight: 1,160 kg (STD), 1,190 kg (LUX), 1,308 kg (HEV)
MG3 Powertrain
- Engine: 1.5-liter DOHC 4-cylinder, 1.5-liter Hybrid (HEV)
- Gearbox: 5 MT (STD), CVT (COM, LUX), 3-speed Hybrid Transmission (HEV)
- Maximum Output: 120 PS, 190 PS (HEV)
- Maximum Torque: 150 Nm, 250 Nm (HEV)
- Emissions Standard: Euro 5
MG3 Chassis
- Drive: FWD
- Front Suspension: MacPherson Strut
- Rear Suspension: Torsion Beam Axle
- Front Brakes: Ventilated Disc
- Rear Brakes: Drum (STD), Disc (COM, LUX, HEV)
- Steering: EPS
- Wheels: Steel w/ Cover (STD), Alloy (COM, LUX, HEV)
- Tires: 185/65R15 (STD), 195/55R16 (COM, LUX, HEV)
- Spare Tire: Tire Repair Kit
MG3 Exterior Features
- LED Daytime Running Lights
- LED Headlights (LUX, HEV)
- Halogen Front Fog Lights
- Power Folding Sideview Mirrors (LUX, HEV)
- Rear Fog Lamp
MG3 Interior Features
- Tilt Steering Adjust
- Leather Steering Wheel (LUX, HEV)
- Steering Wheel Switches
- Electronic Parking Brake w/ Auto Hold (LUX, HEV)
- Black Leather Style + Fabric Seats
MG3 Comfort & Convenience Features
- Remote Keyless Entry with Push Button Start-Stop
- Dial-Type Manual AC, Electronic Manual AC w/ Rear Vents (LUX, HEV)
- 10.25-inch Infotainment w/ Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (COM, LUX, HEV)
- Speakers: 2 (STD), 4 (COM), 6 (LUX, HEV)
- Rain-Sensing Wipers (LUX, HEV)
MG3 Safety & Security Features
- Dual SRS Airbags
- Side + Curtain Airbags (LUX, HEV)
- ABS with EBD
- Vehicle Stability Control
- Hill Start Assist
- Reverse Camera (COM), 360-degree (LUX, HEV)
- Rear Parking Sensors
- Pre-Collision System (LUX, HEV)
- Lane Departure Alert (LUX, HEV)
- Lane Watch (LUX, HEV)
- Lane Keep Assist (LUX, HEV)
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (COM, LUX, HEV)
Words and Photos by Vincent Villa
MG3 vs kia sonet
ReplyDeletevs Geely GX3 vs Changan CS15 (for MG3 non-hybrid variants)
DeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
DeleteAng baba masyado ng ground clearance ng mg3 hev. Mas mataas pa ang civic ko pero sasaabit na yun sa mga humps na basta-basta lang ginawa kung derecho lang ang takbo ko.
ReplyDeletePag sumabit yan sa humps malaking chance na masisira ung battery, total scrap na kaagad yan since mahal ung battery to repair/replace
DeleteThis isn't a pure EV where the battery is mounted on the chassis due to its size. Hybrid batteries are much smaller and are usually mounted inside the cabin's rear, making them safer from outside impact.
DeleteThat MG3 hybrid price and packaging is so tempting. Is this crash-tested yet in UK or Australia?
ReplyDeleteLOL, a guy who hates Ford but is very much willing to put with a MG? Ironic.
DeleteSo this is not the same as car as the MG3 hybrid+
ReplyDeleteWhich has the diesel rivalring 422nm torque?
Waiting for Mazda to bring out an all new Mazda 2 then we'll see. Pricing of the HEV MG3 is tempting though.
ReplyDeleteYung MG3 hybrid variant parang lilipad na sa sobrang lakas ng power at torque ratings ah (at least in papers) para sa size nya...very good competitor for the market.
ReplyDeleteThe price for sure is tempting, and that's their main selling point. But the overall package is a mystery.
ReplyDeleteI've noticed that Chinese car brands tend to add to ice motor output and electric output directly. Toyota and other reputable brands doesn't add their hp values outright. I dont know just observation.
ReplyDeleteSir Uly did AC Mobility let go of Maxus?
ReplyDeleteACMobility didn't come up with an official statement, but you can pretty much infer based on what's going on: dealers shutting down, no updates on their websites and soc med pages...even no mention on any PR from ACMobility.
DeleteAh that's too bad for Maxus owners, hopefully they'll still get aftersales support.
DeleteJust checked their website too, no more Maxus in the brand line up
The question is, will the airbags deploy upon umpact?
ReplyDeleteTakata Airbag ng Toyota gamit so malamang hindi
DeleteSa bagay delikado talaga takata. Buti pa china car sirain hindi tumatakbo ligtas ka sa disgrasya.
DeleteTakata has stop operation since 2017
Delete