2016 MG GS crossover makes Philippine debut

There's a new crossover in town after Morris Garages (MG) Philippines recently launched the 2016 GS crossover at Greenbelt 5 in Makati City. Set to take on the stalwarts of the compact crossover segment, MG's latest offering features a sleek exterior design that is paired to a turbocharged powertrain.

Starting from the outside, the 2016 MG GS features the brand's 'Faceted Flow' design philosophy which gives the crossover a sweeping and angular shape. The front fascia is dominated by “Shard” headlights that support either halogen or HID lighting, depending on the variant.

Wheel sizes for MG's latest crossver include 17-inches and 18-inches. The former is wrapped in 215/60R17 tires while the latter is fitted with 235/50/R18 tires.

Inside, streaks of metal accents and piano black trim pieces can be seen aboard the 2016 MG GS. It also has a 3-spoke multifunction steering wheel, dual-pod gauge cluster, heated door mirrors and a multi-information display.

Depending on the variant, the 2016 MG GS can even come with automatic climate control, sunroof with anti-jam, automatic headlights, fabric or leather seats, auto-dimming rearview mirror, cruise control, rear aircon vents and a touchscreen-based infotainment system.

Available turbocharged engines for the 2016 MG GS include the 1.5-liter TGI and the range-topping 2.0-liter TGI.

The smaller engine produces 168 PS at 5600 rpm along with 250 Nm of torque at 1700 – 4400 rpm. It can then be mated to either a 6-speed manual or 7-speed dry dual-clutch gearbox which sends power to the front wheels. The bigger motor, on the other hand, generates 220 PS at 5000 rpm and 350 Nm of torque at 2500 – 4000 rpm. The 2.0-liter is exclusively mated to a 6-speed wet dual-clutch transmission that drives all four wheels.

Safery features aboard the 2016 MG GS include elecetronic stability control (ESC), cornerning brake control (CBC), anti-lock brakes (ABS) with brake assist (BA) and front SRS airbags. High-tier models will even come with additional features like: tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), hill-descent control (HDC), anti-roll program (ARP), reverse camera and side / curtain airbags as such.

Available colors for the 2016 MG GS are: Moonlight White, Birmingham Orange, Black Opal, Champagne, Scottish Silver and York Brown.

For service, MG offers a trunk line that owners can call to schedule their vehicle. A driver will arrive to pickup their vehicle, have it serviced and return it to them once done.

As for the MG GS, currently, the only variant available is the MG GS 1.5T AWD Deluxe, which retails for PhP 1,250,000. More trim grades will arrive at a later date.