2017 MG GS pricing and specs: Four-star ANCAP safety rating confirmed
The 2017 MG GS has snuck onto the Australian market under the cover of the Christmas and New Year holidays, stealthily avoiding market attention.
Unusually for a new car, no press release was issued to announce the SUV's coming, but the GS has been among us since December.
The five-seat GS, which has today been awarded a four-star safety rating by the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), is available in two trim grades priced from $25,990 and $27,990 respectively.
Those prices exclude on-road costs, although it is possible that, like the MG 6, the company could also be offering sharper drive-away deals.
Power in the GS is provided by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged and direct-injected petrol engine, developed with technical and anagrammatic partner GM.
The small petrol engine offers 119kW of power and 250Nm, sent to the front wheels through a seven-speed double-clutch automatic transmission, likewise developed by MG parent SAIC with American giant GM.
Compliant with Euro 5 emissions regulations, the GS lists fuel consumption at 7.4L/100km on the combined cycle, using regular unleaded petrol.
Suspension is by MacPherson struts up front, matched to a multi-link arrangement at the rear.
The GS measures 4500mm long, 1855mm wide and 1699mm tall, riding on a 2650mm wheelbase. Rear storage space is listed 483 litres, growing to 1336 litres with the back seats laid flat.
The two-car range is made up of the Core and Soul trim grades. Unlike its sibling the MG 6, there is no up-spec Essence model.
Standard kit with the Core model includes 17-inch alloy wheels, single-zone climate control air-conditioning with rear vents, USB port, Bluetooth phone and media connectivity, six-speaker stereo, colour display (unspecified size), cruise control, 'sports seats' for the front row, and a leather steering wheel.
There's also automatic headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED tail lamps, rear fog lights, space-saver spare wheel, roof rails, electric park brake, remote central locking, and powered/heated door mirrors.
Safety features include ventilated disc brakes front and rear, six airbags (two front, two side front, two rear), rear-view camera and reversing sensors, hill-hold assist, electronic brake assist, and electronic stability control (as mandated).
Upgrading to the Soul model adds 18-inch alloy wheels, satellite navigation, power-adjustable front seats, front fog lights, leather and leather-look trim to the front seats, and a colour multi-function display in the instrument cluster.
The GS is not available with Autonomous Emergency Braking, although ANCAP says it is "working with MG" to push for a specification upgrade from the brand's home office in China. Active cruise control, lane-departure alert and intelligent seatbelt reminders are likewise not offered.
“The GS is a good car structurally, offering sound levels of occupant protection, however its safety specification is lacking,” said ANCAP Chief Executive Officer, Mr James Goodwin.
As with the MG 6 and MG 3, the GS boasts a six-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty with roadside assistance.
The MG GS is on sale in Australia now, although MG has yet to list full details on its customer website.
Note: photos shown are of the overseas model. Australian photos are still to come.
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