Toyota Avanza vs. MG G50 Plus vs. GAC M6 Pro: family feud

Many Filipino families have shifted from sedans to multi-purpose vehicles (MPV). 

A good point of consideration comes from their ability to haul more passengers and cargo (since MPVs usually have seating for seven with a flexible configuration) as well as their appealing price tags, as the range-topping variants of most sedans have somewhat similar sticker prices to some entry-level MPVs — take the Honda Civic RS:eHEV and the Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid for example. 

On that note, we will pit together three of the hottest nameplates on the market to help buyers find the right vehicle that fits their style, budget, and motoring needs. 

Tale of the tape 

	Toyota Avanza	MG G50 Plus	GAC M6 Pro
Dimensions (LxWxH in millimeters [mm>)	4,395 x 1,730 x 1,700	4,825 x 1,825 x 1,778	4,793 x 1,837 x 1,730
Wheelbase (in mm)	2,750	2,800	2,810

Looking at the numbers, the Toyota Avanza appears to be the smallest of the three. Depending on who you are asking, the said figures could translate to poor cabin space or might make the seven-seater a more drivable vehicle in the city. 

As for the competition, the rebadged Maxus G50 bests the GAC M6 Pro when it comes to overall length, but the latter gains the edge when it comes to overall width and height. 

Exterior 

While some car buyers would hate to admit it, the way a car looks plays a major role in their decision-making when purchasing a vehicle. That said, here is a quick look at what each MPV offers, exterior-wise. 

Toyota Avanza 

While others will find the exterior of the Toyota Avanza plain and simple, some will say it’s somewhat muscular and mature — especially when compared to its predecessor. 

At its fore is a noticeably large trapezoid-shaped radiator grille with relatively large horizontal slats. The gaping fascia gets split-type LED headlamps, LED clearance lamps, and a pair of fog lamps. 

To its sides are body-colored door handles and side mirrors, blacked out pillars, and a set of two-tone 16-inch alloy wheels shod in 195/60 series tires. 

At the back, it gets a discreet spoiler, a good-sized glass with a wiper, LED combination lamps, and reflectors on each side of the rear bumper. 

MG G50 Plus 

Should one find the Toyota Avanza too modest, the MG G50 Plus can help fill the need for style with its elegant exterior. 

Its front end is also fitted with a large radiator grille but boasts a generous amount of chrome trims that somehow elevate the vehicle’s looks. Above the latticework is a chrome strip, bridging the halogen headlamps at the fore. 

The side profile of the MG G50 Plus gets large windows and rides on 16-inch wheels wrapped in 205/60 series tires. The MPV also wears black pillars with chrome finishers as well as body-colored door handles. 

Rounding up its stylish appointments 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. 

GAC M6 Pro 

GAC’s M6 Pro brings a touch of sportiness to modern-day MPVs with some aggressive styling peppered with a dash of opulence. 

These elements are obvious in the vehicle’s front end, with a three-dimensional grille. The front illumination cluster is equipped with both LED daytime running lamps and headlamps with automatic function. Its cheeks get some faux air vents. 

Like the aforementioned MG G50 Plus, the GAC M6 Pro also gets chrome strips to accentuate its windows. For kicks, the MPV is slapped with 18-inch wheels with 215/50 tires. 

The back side of the GAC M6 Pro wows with a larger-than-life glass topped with a spoiler. Its taillights get a horizontal light bar that adds a cohesive effect. Its bumper gets reflectors on each side. 

Overall, the three MPVs can pique the interests of a wide range of car buyers. For example, the Toyota Avanza would be ideal for those who want a daily driver that can fly under the radar, while the MG G50 Plus can match the vibe of those who want to stand out wherever they are. 

Finally, the GAC M6 Pro would appease those who want to drive a spacious family car that still evokes a spirit of sportiness. 

On that note, we will call this round a tie. 

Interior 

Since MPVs are basically passenger cars, the priority lies in comfort and convenience. So, we take a quick peek at what these family ferries have to offer inside. 

Toyota Avanza 

The Toyota Avanza has a cabin that shines when it comes to space and flexibility. 

Ample room and well-cushioned seating are provided for the driver and front passenger, while those sitting in the second row can get comfortable thanks to reclining and sliding seats with a pull-down armrest. Albeit a bit restricted, the third-row occupants will have some room to spare. 

Should one want to maximize the cabin space, the second row seats can be reclined fully to get the MPV’s long sofa mode.  

Cargo can be loaded by folding either the third- or second-row seats, or both. 

Tech-wise, the Toyota Avanza offers the following: 

• 4.2-inch digital instrument cluster 
• Eight-inch infotainment system 
• Wired Apple Carplay, Android Auto 
• Manual air conditioning with manual controls 

MG G50 Plus 

The MG G50 Plus has a cabin that echoes its exterior with plenty of elegant features for the driver and passengers. 

Delightful to hold is its leather-wrapped steering wheel with plenty of buttons to control the MPV’s many features. Front-row space is maximized with the use of a column shifter, which some drivers may take a while to get used to. 

Leather is also used to cover the center armrest and, of course, the seats. Likewise, soft-touch materials are found on common passenger touchpoints. 

Another quirky feature of the MG G50 Plus is that its second-row seats are purposefully designed to be lower, which the company stated was to give ample luggage space when the seats are folded down. 

Despite the abundance of creature comfort amenities, the MG G50 Plus’ strong points are in its tech offerings, here are a few: 

• Analog, digital multi-information display 
• 12.3-inch instrument panel 
• Wired Apple Carplay, Android Auto 

GAC M6 Pro 

The cabin of the MG M6 Pro is packed with premium features that make it a good choice for those who want to elevate their journeys. 

Welcoming the driver are leather seats and a leather steering wheel. Soft-touch surfaces are also applied to the dashboard and door trims. 

The second-row seating is fitted with captain’s chairs, so those occupying the middle row have no need to rub elbows. This also ensures that there is space to accommodate small bags and other daily carry items that need to be kept close to one’s person. 

In terms of tech, the GAC M6 Pro features the following: 

• Seven-inch digital instrument cluster 
• 10.25-inch infotainment system
• Dual-zone automatic air conditioning with PM 1.0 air filter
• Apple Carplay connectivity 

The Toyota Avanza wins this round since it puts more emphasis on cabin flexibility (which is the entire point of an MPV) due to its spacious interior and versatile seating. It can cater to the needs of most Filipino families, who might use it as a daily driver, grocery-getter, and a ride for those exciting excursions. 

Powertrain 

The ability to produce enough power is key to MPVs since they will most likely be used to drive around the family. In addition, reliability is also important, especially when you’re carrying precious cargo. 

Toyota Avanza 

Under the hood of the Toyota Avanza is a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine mated to a continuously variable transmission. 

It generates the following numbers: 

Maximum power (in horsepower [hp>)	104
Maximum torque (in Newton-meters [Nm>)	138

Here is its brake and suspension setup: 

• MacPherson front suspension 
• Torsion beam rear suspension 
• Front disc brakes 
• Rear drum brakes 

MG G50 Plus 

Powering the MG G50 Plus is a similarly sized engine, but it packs a turbocharger and is paired with a seven-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission. Here are its performance figures: 

Maximum power (in hp)	178
Maximum torque (in Nm)	258

For brakes and suspension, one may refer to the list below: 

• MacPherson front suspension 
• Torsion beam rear suspension 
• Front disc brakes
• Rear disc brakes 

GAC M6 Pro 

Sporting a similar setup is the GAC M6 Pro with a 1.5-liter turbocharged powerplant, which can also be found inside the bonnet of the Empow, Emkoo, and Emzoom. A seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission facilitates power delivery to the wheels. 

The said setup puts out the following numbers: 

Maximum power (in hp)	174
Maximum torque (in Nm)	270

Supporting the chassis is the below setup: 

• MacPherson front suspension 
• Torsion beam rear suspension 
• Front disc brakes
• Rear disc brakes 

In the battle of power, we give the win to the MG G50 Plus. Its powertrain system develop more “oomph” and torque, which is needed for traveling with the fam. 

The said power and pull will also come in handy when the vehicle is required to carry luggage and pasalubongs, during those spontaneous out-of-town trips. 

Safety 

Nothing is as paramount as safety when ferrying one’s family. That said, here are the technologies offered by the listed MPVs. 

Toyota Avanza 

• Blind spot monitoring 
• Rear cross-traffic alert 
• Anti-lock braking system (ABS) 
• Vehicle stability control (VSC)
• Hill-start assist (HSA)
• Rear camera 
• Parking sensors 
• Airbags
• Seatbelts 

MG G50 Plus 

• ABS
• VSC
• HAC 
• HSA 
• Rear camera 
• Parking sensors 

GAC M6 Pro 

• Cruise control (adaptive on range-topping trim)
• Lane departure warning 
• Autonomous emergency braking 
• Forward collision warning 
• Lane keeping assist 
• High beam assist 
• Integrated cruise assist 
• Traffic jam assist 
• Traffic sign recognition 
• Hill descent control 
• VSC
• HSA 

The winner for this round is the GAC M6 Pro. The MPV puts emphasis on safety not only with its standard features but also with the suite of advanced driver-assist systems available with the vehicle. 

Verdict 

The battle for the best family MPV surprisingly ended in a triple tie, revealing that each model has their own strengths. On that note, choosing among the three will boil down to personal preference. 

Here are their available variants with their respective prices: 

Toyota Avanza 

J MT	P838,000
E MT	P953,000
E CVT	P1.01 million
G CVT	P1.065 million

 

MG G50 Plus 

Standard	P1.048 million
Comfort	P1.188 million
Luxury	P1.288

 

GAC M6 Pro 

GS	P1.23 million
GL	P1.598 million

 

Zigwheels Philippines was able to try out the aforementioned vehicles in this list. If you are interested in finding out what we think about it, you may check our reviews using the following links: 

• Toyota Avanza 
• MG G5 Plus 
• GAC M6 Pro 

Also read: 

Here are the GAC Emkoo’s 3 tempting trims

Pedal peddlers: Auto brands that sold bikes

Here is a ‘sensible’ piece of advice from Yamaha Mio Gravis ambassador

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