MG G50 Plus vs. the competition

The MG G50 Plus has entered the Philippine market’s three-row multi-purpose vehicle (MPV). As such, it faces several strong rivals who are arguably veterans of the said segment. 

Regardless, the all-new MG MPV has a lot to work with in terms of making itself appealing to family-oriented buyers. 

On the outside, it has an assertive design propped up by an imposing grille, plenty of chrome trims, LED exterior lighting, and plenty of road presence. Other exterior features present on the MG model include 16 or 17-inch alloy wheels, power-folding side mirrors, a rear spoiler, a high-mount stop lamp, roof rails, and side mirror-mounted turn signal lamps. 

Its roomy interior, meanwhile, has many niceties, such as PVC upholstery, power-adjustable captain seats, automatic air conditioning, a 12.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and loads of soft-touch surfaces. 

The all-new MG three-row model is propelled by a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine capable of producing 178 horsepower and 285 Newton Meters of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch wet-type gearbox. A six-speed manual gearbox is also available for the entry-level trim Standard trim.

Dual front and side airbags, anti-lock braking, stability control, hill-start assist, a reverse camera, rear sensors, tire pressure monitoring, and child seat anchors ensure safety aboard the G50 Plus. 

Price-wise, the Philippine-spec G50 Plus MPV ranges from P1.048 million-P1.288 million. 

So, what are the models rivaling the G50 Plus in the local market, and what are these MPV options offering to buyers?

Toyota Avanza

First on the list is the Toyota Avanza. On the outside, this Toyota-branded MPV has an angular look accentuated by a large slatted grille and a sculpted lower front bumper. Its sides have plenty of character lines, while its rear has a straightforward design with some degree of eye candy courtesy of its LED taillights and angular tailgate. 

The Toyota MPV's exterior amenities include power-folding side mirrors with signal lamps, a rear spoiler, front fog lamps, and an LED clearance lamp. 

For its interior, it gets fabric seat covers, a bench-type second row, and plenty of hard, durable plastics on its dash. A manual air-conditioning system cools everyone inside the vehicle, while an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ensures entertainment. 

Safety inside the Avanza is handled by front dual airbags, side airbags, and a curtain shield airbag (top-spec G trim). The latter is supported by anti-lock braking, stability control, traction control, ISOFIX child seat anchors, a rear camera, a hill-start assist, etc. 

The top-of-the-line Avanza G gets blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross traffic alerts. 

Under the hood of the Toyota MPV is a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated engine capable of putting out 104 hp and 138 Nm of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels through a continuously variable transmission (CVT). 

The Avanza’s four different variants for the Philippine market have a price ranging from P838,000 to P1.065 million. 

Mitsubishi Xpander

Another notable three-row MPV available in the local market is the Mitsubishi Xpander. At a glance, this ride is quite striking to the eyes. The latter is thanks to its application of the Japanese marque’s signature dynamic shield design. 

Surrounding the MPVs are some chrome trimmings, as well as angular shapes on its lower front bumper. For lighting, it gets LEDs for its front and rear. Its side, meanwhile, is made all the more adventurous thanks to the addition of deep character lines. 

Other exterior options for the Xpander include power-folding side mirrors, 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels, and a rear spoiler. 

Inside meanwhile, the Mitsubishi MPV’s occupants are kept comfortable by fabric seats and a manual air-conditioning system. Onboard entertainment is provided by a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

For engines, the Philippine-spec Xpander uses a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine and four-speed automatic gearbox (or five-speed manual gearbox), making 103 hp and 141 Nm of torque. Like most of the MPVs in the market, the Xpander is a front-wheel drive vehicle.

Occupant safety for the Xpander is handled by dual front airbags, ISOFIX, stability control, traction control, a reverse camera, and hill-start assist. 

Where pricing is concerned, the Mitsubishi-made MPV ranges from P1.068 million to P1.198 million. 

Hyundai Stargazer

The Stargazer is Hyundai’s entry into the Philippine MPV market. Appearance-wise, it gets a unique look thanks to its square-shaped front airbags, coupled with an LED daytime running lamp strip and a dramatically sloped windshield. Its rear is likewise eye-catching due to its T-shaped LED taillights linked together with an LED light bar. 

For its other exterior amenities, the Stargazer gets 16 to 19-inch wheels, front fog lamps, automatic functionality for its LED headlamps, power-folding side mirrors, a high-mount stop lamp, a rear spoiler, etc.

Its interior, meanwhile, offers many amenities, such as leatherette upholstery, wireless smartphone charging, an eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, manual air conditioning, and remote engine starting. 

Under the hood of the Stargazer is a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated gasoline mill and the Hyundai Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). The said powertrain can generate up to 113 hp and 144 Nm of torque. Like most of the models listed above, the MPV from the South Korean brand is front-wheel drive. 

Price-wise, the Hyundai Stargazer ranges from P1.068 million to P1.288 million. 

Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid

Last but not least is the Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid. In contrast to the other MPVs mentioned above, the said model gets a more conservative look enhanced by sleek lines and a reasonable amount of chrome. 

For exterior amenities, the Suzuki MPV gets automatic halogen headlamps, LED taillights, front fog lamps, power-folding side mirrors, and a set of 15-inch wheels, among other things. 

Step inside the Ertiga, and you'll find fabric-clad seats, manual air conditioning, and a 10-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. 

For its engine, the Ertiga Hybrid uses a 1.5-liter gasoline inline-4 paired with a 1.298 kW electric motor, as well as a 0.72 kWh battery. In total, this mild hybrid system produces 102 hp and 138 Nm of torque. Power is sent to its front wheels through a four-speed automatic gearbox or a five-speed manual transmission. 

Safety-wise, the Suzuki three-row ride comes with dual front airbags, anti-lock braking, stability control, hill-hold control, ISOFIX, rear parking sensors, a reverse camera, etc. 

Photos from: Ruben Manahan IV, Toyota Motor Philippines, Mitsubishi Motor Philippines Corporation

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