Purposefully practical: MG G50 Plus

The local wing of Morris Garages (MG) held its first-ever media drive last week. During the quick outing, Zigwheels Philippines tried out the G50 Plus multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) — which I found to be a purposefully practical ride.

Here are my thoughts after spending some short but sweet time behind the wheel of the rebadged Maxus G50.

Elegant exterior

Outside, the MG G50 Plus looks clean and elegant.

At the fore is a large chrome grille that almost encompasses the entirety of the MPV’s fascia. Large horizontal slats allow plenty of air to cool the engine, as well as other components hidden behind the latticework. Two smaller strips of silver sit atop the said frame where the MG badge sits proudly. To its flanks are halogen headlamps, which provide ample lighting.

On its sides are large windows with blacked-out pillars and chrome finishers, body-colored door handles and side mirrors, and seamless-looking bodylines. The vehicle I drove wore 16-inch wheels wrapped in 205/60 series tires.

The rear end of the MG G50 Plus receives a fair amount of flair. Atop is a roof-mounted spoiler with an integrated brake lamp, a decent-sized glass, combination taillamps, a hydraulically-assisted tailgate, an elegant chrome strip with integrated reflectors, and a skid plate.

Overall, the look of the MG 50 Plus is something I believe would attract many car buyers. It has the right blend of refinement and practicality and has just the perfect amount of pizzazz to make one stand out without being too loud.

Stylish cabin

The MG G50 Plus has a stylish cabin with a black-and-white theme. Dark hues are used for the majority of hard plastic-covered surfaces while the contrasting creamy color is applied to the soft-touch panels as well as the plush seats.

Facing the driver is a leather-wrapped, multi-functional, flat-bottom steering wheel with quick controls for the audio and buttons to operate some of the features offered by the MPV. It is also worth noting that the steering wheel is equipped with paddle shifters. Speaking of which, the MG G50 Plus uses a column shifter, which means that the lever usually reserved for wiper controls is used to change the gears of the people mover.

Past it is an instrument cluster that mixes both analog gauges and a small digital meter. The left gauge measures the speed in kilometers per hour while the right analog meter is used to check the vehicle’s revolutions per minute. On the other hand, the handy digital screen displays how much fuel is left as well as the tire pressure, among other relevant information.

Complementing the instrument panel is a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It allows wired Apple Carplay and Android Auto connection, which is helpful for integrating one’s smartphone into the large enough screen.

Under which are vents as well as physical controls for the air conditioning unit. Further below are USB ports a huge smartphone pad, two beverage holders, a decent-sized cubby for one’s everyday carry items, and a cavernous storage compartment hidden under the main armrest.

The seats have decent bolstering and are covered with white fabric upholstery. However, my worry is that it could quickly accumulate dirt and smudges since the MG G50 Plus is touted as a spacious family vehicle.

Drive-through snacks could be a problem as condiments might stain the cloth. Sodas and juices can also leave subtle marks on the aptly-cushioned chairs.

Also, the second-row seats are positioned somewhat lower than the average height one is used to with MPVs. Upon taking my place as a passenger sitting at the said bench, it felt more like riding at the back of a sedan. When asked, MG Philippines noted that it is designed in such a way as to provide ample luggage space when the seats are folded down.

And while we’re on the topic of seats, I was able to appreciate the pockets behind the front-row. It gives occupants sitting at the back access to organized storage spaces for smartphones, tablets, and other gadgets. Further, those traveling while seated here have their own air conditioning louvers to keep them cool on hot days.

In general, the MG G50 Plus offers families a good ride for daily use thanks to its available seating for eight people, updated infotainment unit, and flexible luggage capacity.

Power, performance

Under the hood of the MG G50 Plus is a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine mated to a wet clutch automatic transmission. On paper, it is said to produce up to 178 horsepower with 285 Newton-meters of torque.

The above numbers translate to smooth acceleration with power evenly distributed through the rev range. Due to the lubricated transmission, passengers can enjoy good ride quality — especially in stop-and-go traffic — as they will not be jolted by the jumpy response one often gets with dry clutch systems.

At faster speeds, the MG G50 Plus has enough “oomph” to give one confidence when zooming through expressways.

Deceleration and stopping power come from disc brakes, front and back. They facilitate good braking and ensure that the MPV — even when carrying a group of not-so-petite motoring journalists — can smoothly come to halts.

As a testament to how well the MG G50 Plus drives in both fast and slow driving conditions, I was able to snooze comfortably for a small portion of the trip.

Safety

The MG G50 Plus is fitted with decent safety features making it a good candidate for car buyers who prioritize the safety of their families above other factors. It gets a host of seatbelts and a slew of airbags, electronic stabilization, emergency brake assist, and hill-hold control, to name a few.

Its tire pressure monitoring system, parking camera, and suite of sensors add an extra layer of safety for one’s peace of mind.

Final thoughts

The MG G50 Plus is one of the SAIC-owned brand’s offering to car buyers looking for a value-laden family ferry. It is a vehicle with very little compromise and presents a ride one’s household can grow with.

MG Philippines gives would-be owners a choice between three viable variants: Standard, Comfort, and Luxury. They are priced at P1.048 million, P1.188 million, and P1.288 million respectively.

Also read:

Here are the MG G50 Plus' 5 color options

MG G50 Plus vs. the competition

Cabin check: what’s inside the MG G50 Plus