Check out the pros and cons of the MG One

Launched just last year, the MG One counts as one of the more compelling nameplates in Morris Garages (MG) Motor Philippines’ local lineup, especially for buyers who want more out of a compact crossover. 

Placed a class above the more accessible MG ZS in terms of market segment and size, the One was kitted out from the get-go with plenty of qualities prospective car buyers might like. It has a similar athletic vibe to the MG GT sedan, and it has loads of features like the discontinued RX5 it replaced in 2023. 

The question now is: what are the strong points of the MG One? Also, does the model have any weaknesses that car buyers should be aware of? Let’s find out here. 

Pros

Athletic styling

The minute anyone gets to meet the MG One in the metal, one will appreciate its low-slung, rather athletic stance and design. 

As mentioned above, it borrows a lot of exterior styling details from the MG GT. It has a similarly large and assertive front grille from similar-looking upswept LED headlamp clusters from the marque’s sedan offering. 

Once viewed from the side, however, the One comes with the usual black plastic claddings found on modern-day crossovers. Regardless, it stands out due to its slender roofline and its rather chunky rear haunches. 

The rear of the vehicle, meanwhile, was made pleasing to the eye thanks to the presence of a roof-mounted spoiler, as well as an interesting design for its LED taillights. 

Other notable bits complementing the look of the MG One are a black-colored roof, silver-colored window line trimmings, and a set of 19-inch alloy wheels. 

Moreover, the MG crossover was kitted out with exterior features listed here: 

• Power-folding sunroof 
• LED daytime running lamps
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Automatic headlamp functionality
• Roof rails
• Rear window wiper

Additionally, the top-spec Luxury (Lux) variant of the model comes with a power sunroof. The aforementioned feature, of course, will spice up one’s out-of-town family trips or even one’s daily drives in the city. 

Brimming with onboard tech

Besides its eye-catching exterior design, the MG One offers its occupants a lot of technologies. 

For starters, it has notably sizable digital displays. Specifically, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch central infotainment display. 

Handling smartphone connectivity for the central screen is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also has Bluetooth and several USB ports. Outputting sound inside the One’s cabin, meanwhile, is a six-piece speaker system (Lux). 

On the other hand, the driver has access to the aforementioned digital guage cluster. It comes with a colorful user interface, which clearly shows every single vehicle parameter one needs. 

Keeping one’s devices topped up inside the crossover is also done easily, thanks to a wireless smartphone charging pad. Plus, its own type C USB port. 

Concerning safety, the MG One gets a load of standard features, including dual front airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags, anti-lock braking, electronic stability control, hill-hold control, hill-descent control, ISOFIX, and a 360-degree-view camera - among others. 

Additionally, the said features are reinforced by advanced driver-assist systems listed here: 

• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane departure warning
• Blind-spot information system
• Automatic emergency braking
• Lane keep assist

Keen performance

While the MG One was not designed as a sports car, it has a decently peppy powertrain. At maximum, its 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine can churn out 167 horsepower and 275 Newton-meters of torque. 

With its engine output, the MG five-seater will see no issues in highway cruising and overtaking. 

For smooth rides, the One also gets a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension. It likewise has decent stopping power thanks to its front and rear disc brake setup. 

Other noteworthy driver-related features available for the MG One are listed here: 

• Push-to-start button
• Electronic parking brake with auto hold
• Multi-function leather steering wheel
• Tilt and telescopic adjustable steering column
• Power-adjustable driver’s seat
• Smart key with passive entry

Cons

Low rear cabin headroom

Due to its sloped roof, the MG One’s rear cabin is slightly low on headroom. It may not be an issue for those with average heights, but taller folk may find it uncomfortable on long rides. 

As a consolation, the rear cabin of the crossover does provide a decent amount of legroom. It also has a relatively flat floor, so the rear bench seat can comfortably accommodate three occupants as well. 

Final thoughts

With how it is specced, the MG One is a potent choice for budget-conscious car buyers who do not want to compromise on drivability and style. After all, it is offered at a relatively affordable price ranging from P1.299 million to P1.459 million.

Folks who are seriously considering the MG One, however, should give it a thorough test drive first. Doing so will help one determine if it's really the right car to get, and it will make for a more informed purchase in the end. 

MG One specs

Model	STD	Lux
Exterior
Dimensions (L x W x H, in mm)	4,581x1,871x1,617
Wheelbase (mm)	2,670
Wheel size	18-inch	19-inch
Lighting system	LED
Interior
Material	Leather
Amenities	Leather upholstery Manually-adjustable front seats Single-zone automatic climate control Push-to-start button Tilt and telescopic steering column 60:40 split-folding rear seats Electronic parking brake	Leather upholstery Power-adjustable front seats Dual-zone automatic climate control Wireless smartphone charging Push-to-start button Power-folding side mirrors Tilt and telescopic steering column 60:40 split-folding rear seats Panoramic sunroof Electronic parking brake Ambient lighting
Instrument cluster	12.3-inch digital gauge cluster
Infotainment system	12.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Seating capacity	5
Cargo capacity	336-liters (default)
Powertrain
Engine	1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4
Fuel type	Gasoline
Transmission	CVT
Horsepower	167
Torque	275 Nm
Brakes	Front and rear discs
Technologies
ADAS	-	Blind-spot information system Lane departure warning Adaptive cruise control Automatic emergency braking Traffic jam assist
Safety	Dual front airbags Side airbags Anti-lock braking ISOFIX Electronic stability control Cornering brake control Hill-hold control Hill descent control Child locks	Dual front airbags Side airbags Curtain airbags Anti-lock braking ISOFIX Electronic stability control Cornering brake control Hill-hold control Hill descent control 360-degree view camera Child locks
Security	Car alarm Engine immobilizer
Price	P1.299 million	P1.459 million

Also read: 

MG One Variants Review: What Sets Them Apart & Which to Choose

MG GT: pros and cons