MG has launched its first-ever SUV at the London Motor Show. The GS was designed and engineered at the brand's Longbridge factory in Birmingham, UK, and will join the rapidly swelling crowd of high-riding hatchbacks designed with the city in mind.
Just like Mazda and Nissan, MG has tried to draw buyers in with a sporty, rugged looking exterior. Whereas most concept cars have their styling toned right down when it comes time to reach production, the GS looks remarkably similar to the CS Concept MG showed in 2013.
Yes, the production car's wheels are a bit smaller, but the rest of the package is true to what we were promised three years ago. To our eyes, that makes for a pretty handsome package, although there's not much going on at the front to set it apart from the cheap-and-cheerful MG3 launched at the same time as the CS Concept.
Before we go any further, it's worth asking what MG actually is these days. Founded in 1924, Morris Garages was known for creating quintessentially British roadsters, many of which have found favor with modern car enthusiasts keen to get their hands dirty with home restoration projects.
Having fallen upon hard times during the tumultuous reign of British Leyland, the storied marque is now owned by SAIC, which is responsible for cars like the SAIC Maxus MPV G10 and Roewe G10. SAIC is aiming to use the MG brand to lead its global charge, and cars like the MG6, MG3 and GS will be on the front line in that assault.
In the United Kingdom, the GS will powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter petrol engine, and can be combined with a manual gearbox or, for the first time in the new MG lineup, a dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
Further details will be released in June, when the car undergoes its full UK launch. For now, prospective buyers are able to register their interest on the MG website.
Source: MG