MG: Keeping up with the auto industry pace
One of the things said about modern cars is that they don’t have the individuality or soul older vehicles had. That they were more appliances than they were cars.
Yet, we are now at a point in the world, where we have all these new vehicles that do have individuality, that do have reasons to choose them, or not choose them.
We look at two vehicles we have recently tried from MG Motors, which in itself, is a company that has its feet in history but can take advantage of the modern technologies and logistical supply chains of most forward-thinking of environments.
The first vehicle that actually surprised us was the MG 4, a fully electric hatchback. It had the feel of what would’ve been called a hot hatch in the past, very focused on tightness and sport for that small platform. It’s interior exuded the more modern emphasis on screens and electronics, but it is admittedly still something that is on its way to where it eventually will be in terms of Human interface. It was one of those cars where you realize that it doesn’t have as much space as something like a larger SUV or sedan, but because of its handling characteristics, and ease of use, you decide whether or not you are willing to accept that. It can be argued that the desire for more sport and handling is a part of the fact that they are connected with one of the oldest motoring brands, which is MG itself.
Yet, because it is part of the large SAIC group, there are several opportunities. For one, this is just one of the many models produced by both the MG Motors company, and the larger SAIC Group. For another even within this family, it is clear that there are a lot of opportunities to make in many ways what the client would like.
In the Philippines, the MG 4 EV is offered in three variants, which is similar to how it is offered in other global markets. The car as we tested it was the MG 4 XPower, which is clearly skewed towards sportiness. It uses two electric motors that throw power out to all four wheels. It generates 435 PS and has a stated range of 385km. Now, there are two other variants available, one skewed for range and one skewed for price-consciousness. The Lux 64KWH model has a single motor producing 203PS to the rear wheels, but has a range of 435km. Then you have the standard STD 51KWH which is the least expensive model. It generates 170PS and has a range of 350km. An interesting thing to note here is that in many markets, it is actually this standard model which is the most attractive, because it provides the same body shape and handling experience (it has 16-inch wheels whereas the others have 18s, so it may well be the most comfortable-oriented for some drivers), but with the lowest entry price. It also shows that the range anxiety issue is not as important to those for whom a car like this is a viable option.
The other vehicle we tried recently is the MG G50 Plus, which is completely different in just about every way from the 4 EV. It is a people mover, an MPV, and it has three rows which have either seven or eight seats, depending on your choice of a bench or captains chairs on the second row. It uses a 1.5- liter turbocharged internal combustion engine and a 6-speed manual transmission, and is meant to be a value-oriented offering in a very popular price range.
What this shows us is that there can be a very wide range of vehicles which can be produced within the brands and companies like this, yet they can also be extremely targeted. They can answer specific niches. Also, admittedly, we see that these are vehicles that are still looking to grow and develop, and they do so at a pace that is much quicker than we are used to, with the more traditionally available of the last decades.
We are coming up to the Manila International Auto Show, and MG, as well as others, are using this as an opportunity to showcase both their abilities, and their available products. It should be interesting to get a look at what will be released or shown, given the breadth and depth of what we have already seen. The two trends we have found both locally and globally are interests in the development of more sophisticated, electrified vehicles, and also the need for the more utilitarian vehicles, whether they are powered by the more traditional internal combustion engines, or full electrification or combinations thereof in the hybrid or range extender platform. MG seems to take the position that they can provide vehicles that punch above their weight (price?) class in terms of technologies and creature comforts but still provide solid value backed by the commitment of large global organizations. Will we be seeing more electrics? Pickup trucks? Or something like the Uber-sporty and World Car Awards finalist all-electric Cyberster two-door droptop?
Clearly, there are more options than ever.
