2016 MG GS 1.5 TGI Exclusive review

What is that?

Yes, we know, another week, another SUV. At least this one could prove a bit more interesting, considering it from one manufacturer MG sports cars. China brand belongs to a promising treatment that stays true to the roots of the company, with prices starting at less than £ 15,000.

It was not bad for the Nissan Qashqai-sized SUV that has a significantly more punch than the rival. While diesel (sourced from MG 6) will fit, the current 1.5-liter petrol engine is the sole powerplant choice. If you want a four-wheel drive, you need to look elsewhere.

However, turbocharger boost output to 164bhp chunky, making it one of the more powerful small SUVs out there at this price point. Adding a decent level of standard specification, warranty of five years and a roomy interior and the signs are good.

How does it feel?

The initial impression was good. GS is not a bad thing for a metallic-looking in the eyes, especially with 18in wheels and chrome detailing on the top-spec Exclusive Our test car. The interior is not so impressive, though.

Perhaps there is piano black trim on the dashboard and the glamor of the skin, but there is also itching, cheap-feeling plastic as far as the eye can see. Search as we are, we can not see things that are gentle on the show. Maybe it will prove to be quite durable but much more interesting than the cabin rivals'.

The center console is also behind the times, with the chaos of buttons sit just below the screen infotainment. Although you may be accustomed to their location in time, we find ourselves having to look down too often hit the control we needed.

Likewise, the infotainment system looks rather basic and offer less functionality than rival systems. Although you get MirrorLink connectivity, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay famous in their absence. At least the system proved quite responsive and easy to navigate.

GS is not proven wide for front and rear passengers. Our only complaint was that the floor was very high in the back, forcing the knee to sit much higher than you might expect.

boot is not bad either. Not only is it bigger than the Qashqai, but it was almost as big as you can get from the Mazda CX-5 or Kia Sportage, and a standard folding reclining rear seats reveals a nearly flat load bay. It's a shame, then, that the opening of the boot narrows around the edges, something that can be a hassle if you're dragging a very large bit flatpack furniture.

So it may not be the most impressive interior in this sector, but what about the driving experience? Well, a trip that fits sporty MG's intention; even on smooth asphalt you feel continuous vertical bounce, while it was even more agitated in the rough road.

Although companies have sprung up, body roll is well contained just enough; Qashqai corner like flat but offers the comfort of a much larger drive. Even so, GS entering a sharp corner and quite entertaining on twisting country roads. Pushing hard, GS remained surprisingly neutral without ever feeling like it would be wagging his tail.

Helping is a well-weighted steering and gearchange is slick, if a little long toss. Unfortunately, this was spoiled somewhat by the machine that holds the revs way after you get off the throttle.

But that's not the only problem the motor has. Unlike forced-induction petrol engines modern, there are not many punches at all in the lower reaches of the rev range; You really have to work hard for it to feel anywhere near as powerful as the power output suggests.

Should I buy one?

Adding all the scores on the doors, we find it very difficult to recommend GS in this guise. At nearly £ 20,000, the interior feels too cheap, it was quite uncomfortable and did not feel that fast in the real world. Although you will lose equipment and performance, entry-level Qashqai much more interesting.

Even at £ 15,000, we can not help but think Dacia Duster or Ssangyong Tivoli will offer a more practical alternative, comfier and much more efficient. All in all, we fear the GS feels like to lose a chance to MG.

GS MG 1.5 TGI Exclusive

Location Oxfordshire; On sale now; The price of £ 19 495; 4 cyls engine, 1490cc, turbo, petrol; Power 164bhp at 5600rpm; Torque of 184lb ft at 1600-4300rpm; 6-spd manual gearbox; Kerb weight 1420kg; Top speed 118mph; 0-62mph 9.9sec; Economic 46.3mpg (combined); CO2 / tax bands 139g / km, 27%

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