I didn’t drive this time though. There was no point since I’ve already driven it and there were no changes in the powertrain department. Instead, I decided to take a deeper dive (and sleep) since this MG G50 Plus is a bit different—it had the conventional 60/40 split seats in the second row which is an optional alternative to the Lux variant for the same price of P 1,288,888. No captain seats here, which I presume is what most families would prefer to maximize the occupant capacity of this MPV.

We took it to Sinta Restaurant in Tagaytay to see if this alternative MG G50 Plus Lux is just as comfortable as the one with captain seats. We took off from EDSA Greenhills and I’m being honest with you, I dozed off even before we got out of the Ortigas Flyover (I assume because I can’t remember). The next thing I knew, we were already in Tagaytay-Santa Rosa Road. It’s pretty surprising since we have the conventional seats.

What really did me in was the air conditioning in the second row. Before I slept, I remember having the armrest down, increasing the fan speed, and adjusting the air vents on the ceiling. Not all Chinese MPVs have their second-row air vents up top so this G50 was up to a good start. Combine that with the cloudy sky and it really put me in my comfort mood. There’s no panoramic sunroof in this G50 too so there’s no additional heat to worry about in the cabin and it allowed for the placement of the second-row air vents up top.

Next to that, the seating position was the other factor in getting me to sleep. It sits a bit lower than usual, putting my thighs in a more relaxed position. It’s not like others where you sit a bit higher but your thighs are not fully at rest since they dig into the cushion itself. However, this seating position is not for everyone as my taller car mates didn’t like it. I guess if you’re around 5’7” (around 170 centimeters), and below you’ll find this comfortable like I did.

I also liked the small genius of MG to put mini pockets on the backrest, just below the headrest. It allows for little items, like wet wipes and phones to be put snuggly and easy to find. You won’t have to dig deep in the main backrest pocket or put your phone on the door handle for example and have it rattling at every pothole.

Another plus point for the G50 goes to the cargo area. Even with the third-row reclined a bit, there’s still enough room for a small suitcase and other belongings. It’s so big that with a bit of Tetris skills, it can fit my guitar amplifier, guitar, and effects without folding the third row.

The G50 is also at the top when it comes to power. It’s run by a 1.5-lityer turbo engine that makes 181 horsepower and 285 Nm of torque, paired to a 7-speed dual clutch. It has more power, is more responsive, and more engaging to drive than its Japanese rivals. That’s my impression when I drove it last year and that’s the same reaction I heard from my carmates who’ve driven. It’s also a plus that this thing has paddle shifters for better overtaking and engine braking when needed.

What’s surprising is the fuel efficiency. During my first drive with it, we clocked in around 15 km/L combined city and highway traffic, which is decent already. Now, my carmates were able to get 21.9 km/L which is surprising given we went through more uphills and city traffic, there’s more of us in the car, and they weren’t exactly gentle on the throttle.

I also appreciated the huge 12.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay built-in. It made Waze so much bigger and easier to see. As a passenger, I can easily say the directions to the driver so he can focus on the hectic road situation even if I’m at the second row. Unfortunately, the experience isn’t the same for Android users as there’s no Android Auto—only Android mirroring. Many people aren’t seeing this as a downside though as they’re still used to navigating via ‘manong tanong’ system or their phone on a phone holder.

Safety was also given priority here in the G50 Plus Lux. It has Front and Side Airbags, ABS, Stability Control, Hill Start Assist, High-Definition Rear Camera, Rear Sensor, and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System.

The MG G50 Plus is undeniably attractive in terms of looks, price, and option. It’s great that MG is giving us a choice here with the G50 Plus. With others, going for captain seats means a hefty premium over the standard top of the line model. Here, you can opt for captain seats on the second row or a standard folding seat, for the same price of P 1,288,888. Not only that, you’re also getting a very comfortable cabin, an above-average powertrain, great standard safety suite, but still in a fuel-efficient package. It also helps that the damn good looks are suitable whether at your kid’s school, your panganay’s college, your wife’s office, or anywhere else you could think of.