Inquirer Motoring had first dibs on the all-new third generation MG GT at the MG Motors showroom located at SM Mall of Asia. We had a quick photo shoot and test drive at the Manila Bay area and here’s what we think about it.
First of all, I am already biased about the MG GT because the design was inspired from one of my favorite British cars, the classic 1962 MGB GT. The coupe-like fastback profile shows the car’s athletic origins and is sure to revive the sedate sedan market in the coming years. Aside from being able to do the shoot and drive the MG GT, MG Motors PH also arranged a classic 1969 MGB GT, alongside the current model MG GT.
The all-new MG GT comes in 2 variants – the GT Alpha and GT Sport. The Alpha is the base trim while the Sport is the more desirable top-end variant. That’s probably the car you want to get. It is powered by a 1.5L turbocharged DVVT engine with a 7-speed DCT transmission rated at 161PS maximum net power and a torque of 250Nm at 4,000RPM. The Alpha variant is powered by a normally aspirated 1.5L DOHC 16-valve engine with an 8-speed i-CVT transmission with manual mode and is rated at 113PS maximum net power with 150Nm of torque. We’re still waiting for more detailed performance stats but with those figures these cars should be quick and nimble on city traffic and open roads without much issues on fuel economy.
Dimension-wise, it’s roomier and lengthier than the previous generation model and noticeably feels more premium inside. With a number of soft touch points in black leather with a tasteful placement of red stitching and a black piano-finished diamond design textured dashboard trims, 12.3-inch virtual instrument cluster and 10-inch floating HD touchscreen infotainment system that comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a 6-speaker audio system. Another cool feature is the power sunroof which adds to the premium feel and an enlarged greenhouse feel if one opens the sunroof cover to allow more natural light inside.
The MG GT also comes with most of the safety features one would expect from a premium sedan. ABS, EPB with autohold, EBD, CBC, ESP, EBA, LDW, LCW and comes complete with airbags in strategic points of the car. The air you breathe inside is also very safe, thanks to its air purifying management system using PM 2.5 air filters.
The test unit given to us was a brightly-colored yellow unit and there are four other colors to choose from (gray, white, blue and red). Aside from the color of our car, the new shark-like profile that comes with what MG calls a Digital Flame grille quickly stands out in traffic. If you look at the rear end, the 3D LED “Race Track” taillights are said to have been inspired from a race track starting gun concept. The Alpha variant uses 16-inch alloy wheels while the Sport trim uses a 17-inch Tomahawk style rims.
Prices for the MG GT variants are P938,888 for the Alpha and P1,098,888 for the GT Sport.
This is just a foretaste of the all-new MG GT, we will have more details as soon as we get our hands on this car for a more extensive review very soon. Meantime, to find out more about the car visit any MG Motors dealership.
