MG GS

MG GS
Overview
Manufacturer	MG Motor (SAIC Motor)
Production	2015–present
Assembly	Lingang, Shanghai, China
Designer	Anthony Williams-Kenny
Body and chassis
Class	Compact SUV
Body style	5-door hatchback
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel-drive four-wheel-drive
Platform	SAIC Scalable
Related	Roewe RX5
Powertrain
Engine	1.5 L SGE Turbo GDI I4 (petrol) 2.0 L MGE Turbo GDI I4 (petrol)
Transmission	6-speed manual 6-speed dual-clutch 7-speed dual-clutch
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,650 mm (104.3 in)
Length	4,500 mm (177.2 in)
Width	1,855 mm (73.0 in)
Height	1,675 mm (65.9 in)

The GS is the first sports utility vehicle (SUV) to be produced by MG Motor at its plant in China. It was launched at the Auto Shanghai Motor Show in April 2015. Designed and developed at its UK design centre in Longbridge and powered by the all new Cube tech engine co-developed with General Motors, the GS is a major step forward for MG.

About

The GS was launched at the Auto Shanghai motor show in April 2015,^[1] it closely resembles the MG CS Concept that was shown at the same show in 2013.^[2] The GS design was directed by Anthony Williams-Kenny, in a collaboration between Shanghai and Longbridge offices. The GS was launched in the UK in May 2016 at the London Motor Show^[3] with sales expected later that year. It is assembled in Lingang, Shanghai, China.^[4]

Engines

Initial models are powered by two petrol engines. The first is a 1.5-litre turbocharged GDI SAIC CUBE-TEC engine, producing 160 bhp (119 kW; 162 PS), with 184 lb·ft (249 N·m) of torque. The 1.5-litre CUBE-TEC engine was developed in conjunction with General Motors and is commonly referred to as the GM Small Gasoline Engine (SGE).

Also available is a 2.0-litre MGE turbocharged GDI four-cylinder petrol engine developing 217 bhp (162 kW; 220 PS) and 258 lb·ft (350 N·m).

A 1.9-litre diesel is also expected to follow, but hasn't been confirmed.

==Chassis= The MG GS utilises a new scalable SUV platform developed with parent company SAIC Motor.^[2] It has a wheelbase of 2,650 mm (104.3 in) and an overall length of 4,500 mm (177.2 in).

The GS comes in two derivatives, a front-wheel drive and an all-wheel drive set up. At the UK launch on 14 June 2016 no mention was made of all-wheel drive versions or when they might be available, but all-wheel-drive is available in other markets such as Thailand.

CS Concept

MG CS (2013)

The cutting-edge MG CS Concept was unveiled at the Shanghai Motor Show 2013.

The concept car is designed to slot into the compact SUV sector, one of the fastest growing areas of the global automotive market where style and sports utility dominate fashion trends.

It’s the latest result of a massive investment in the brand by MG’s owner, the giant SAIC Motor group, and previews MG’s first production urban SUV. It has been penned by a top design team led by MG’s Global Design Director, Anthony Williams-Kenny. The MG CS oozes British design flair while embracing the sporting DNA of MG, an iconic brand.

The MG CS has many strikingly unique features, including the headlights which have a multi-faceted ‘shard’ structure which refract light in different colours and shape from the side, but coalesce to form the iconic MG’s trademark octagon from the front.

A strong horizontal emphasis gives the side profile of the MG CS a distinctive, sporty style and youthful appearance. Creative design, style and charisma dominate the look of this latest MG.

There has been much speculation about an MG SUV and this model is expected to create a sensation among young, fashion conscious people. The MG CS concept will expand the global reach of the MG brand.^[5]

iGS

MG iGS

The MG iGS is a “smart-driving” concept car developed by SAIC (Shanghai Auto) and premiered at the 2015 Shanghai Auto Show. It is based on the MG GS compact SUV. The “i” the name of the concept stands for “Information,” “Internet,” “Innovation,” and “Intelligent.” According to SAIC, the iGS can accomplish a set of tasks without a driver when traveling between 60–120 km/h: cruising, following and overtaking other cars, lane keeping and changing. Remote and self-parking are also said to be among the smart features.^[6]

Gallery

MG GS (back)  MG GS (side)

Reception

Following its launch the GS has been met with divisive reviews from the British press. Some award it an average score while others heap praise.

Advertising Campaign

A series of adverts were shown on UK television over the summer of 2016, based around the role of the car in a typical post nuclear war family's (Mum, Dad, Jack and Polly) everyday life. The message behind the first advert was finding any excuse to take the GS out for a drive and take the family out for a pizza, the following adverts were more activity based. The adverts have acquired a cult status on YouTube.^[7]

References