MG is a British sports car maker that dates back to 1924. Its halcyon years were the ’40s through the ’70s, when it came out with some of the most iconic roadsters of the time. These included the immortal MG TC, TD, and TF of the ’40s and ’50s, followed by the MGA, MGB, MGB GT coupe, and MG Midget in the ’60s through ’80s.
Financial troubles saw the brand being transferred from one new owner to another in the ’90s, with various British companies and even BMW (in 1994) stepping in to try to save the marque with the octagon badge from insolvency. It wasn’t until Chinese conglomerate Shanghai Automobile Industry Inc. (SAIC) took over the brand in 2005 that MG experienced a renaissance. In 2011, the company, now called MG Motor, launched a new model, the MG 6, which became the first new-generation MG available in the UK since the MG TF.
The MG range is now sold, among other countries, in Australia, China, Chile, Colombia, Brazil, Costa Rica, Thailand, South Africa, and the United Kingdom—and now the Philippines.
Chevrolet’s Philippine distributor, The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (TCCCI), is now the firm officially bringing MG to the Philippines. The octagon brand is entering the local market in a big way with the introduction of three new cars that, despite not having a sports car in the lineup, still promises to bring excitement and anticipation for the brand—mostly because two out of the three models are Filipinos’ favorite, the SUV/crossover. These are the MG RX5 compact SUV, the MG6 fastback sedan, and the MG ZS crossover SUV.
MG RX5
The MG RX5 is a compact front-wheel drive crossover that features an understated yet refined exterior, a modern, comfortable and spacious cabin, and driving dynamics that allow it to easily navigate different types of terrain. The RX5 is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine that produces 162 horsepower and 250Nm of torque. The motor is mated to a 7-speed double clutch automatic transmission to ensure smooth and seamless power delivery. The RX5 rides on a front Macpherson and rear multi-link suspension.
The RX5’s modern cabin features a dashboard and door inserts that are finished in high-grade materials, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring MG iLink software and Apple CarPlay, keyless entry, engine push start/stop button, cruise control, and an electronic parking brake with Autohold function. The MG RX5 comes in two variants: MT “Core” priced at P1,058,888 and AT “Style” at P1,228,888.
MG 6
The MG 6 is a sporty and racy compact sedan powered by a turbocharged 1.5- liter engine that produces 162 horsepower and 250Nm of torque. It rides on front Macpherson struts and a blade-type multi-link rear suspension, which promises sharp handling and a comfortable ride.
The MG 6’s flat-bottomed steering wheel is a nod to the brand’s rich racing heritage, updated with multi-functional controls, while two-tone red-and-black seats, dash, and door panels give the sleek sedan an eye-catching and sporty cabin.
The new MG 6 features driving safety features such as an Antilock Brake System, Cornering Brake Control, Electronic Brake Assist, Electronic Brake Distribution, Hill Start Assist, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, and a Traction Control System. Prices of the MG 6 are: AT “Alpha” at P1,068,888 and AT “Trophy” at P1,188,888.
MG ZS
The MG ZS boasts top-spec styling that features “London Eye” headlights, a “Stardust” grille, and “Plough” taillights that underscore the brand’s rich British history.
The MG ZS is powered by a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated engine that produces 114 horsepower and 150Nm of torque. The drive is made easier with driver safety features like a reverse camera, Antilock Brake System, Cornering Brake Control, Electronic Brake Assist, Electronic Brake Distribution, Hill Start Assist, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, and a Traction Control System.
Inside, the ZS is liberally covered in soft-touch materials. The interior is comfortable and ergonomic, featuring easy-to-reach controls and abundant storage areas. It also sports an 8-inch LCD infotainment system with Apple CarPlay so you can stay connected while keeping both hands on the wheel. The MG ZS has three variants: the MT “Style” at P818,888, the AT “Style” at P868,888, and the AT “Alpha” at P998,888.
Solid after-sales program
MG owners will have easy access to aftersales services, even as the dealer network is established, to ensure that all their needs are met. A string of independent, MG Philippines-accredited service outlets will be made readily accessible for MG owners, while a “Mobile Garage” service caravan, which comes online in January 2019, will offer regular preventive maintenance servicing in the convenience of your garage.
MG Philippines is also implementing a host of other innovative service platforms including “One-Hour Max and Go,” which refers to a speedy, one-hour basic maintenance service procedure; a customer care hotline that is available 24/7; “MG HERO Services,” which offers 24/7 roadside assistance; and “Mobile Gadget,” which allows users to pair their MG to a proprietary smartphone app so that they can closely monitor their car’s running stats and allow them to schedule an appointment online from the convenience of their phone for periodic maintenance. And on top of that, and every brand new MG car will come with a five-year or 100,000km warranty.
