MANILA: MG Philippines has officially launched the MG 3 hatchback and the G50 Plus multi-purpose vehicle (MPV). The brand introduced the two models to the local market after being previewed at the 2024 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) in April 2024. 

With the formal roll-out of the two models, MG now has contenders for both the Philippine subcompact hatchback segment and the MPV segment - arguably two of the most competitive in the local automotive industry. The question now is, what can buyers expect from these two new MG rides? Let’s find out. 

MG 3 

Appearance-wise, the MG 3 gets a sharp, distinct look thanks to its pair of keen-looking headlamp clusters, sizeable front air intakes, and muscular hood. The lower-spec Std and the Com use halogen headlamps, while the higher-spec Lux CVT and hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) trims get LEDs. 

From the side, the all-new hatch presents plenty of sculpted character lines with additional levels of functionality provided by power-folding side mirrors and body-color door handles. 

Over to the rear of the vehicle, it gets less busy style-wise, but a mesh-clad diffuser, honed angles on the rear bumper, and a pair of eye-catching halogen taillights supply some visual niceties.

Other notable exterior features of the all-new MG hatch include 16-inch alloy wheels, though lower-spec trims get by with 15-inch steel rims with aero covers. Also standard on the MG 3 are rear fog lamps, side mirror signal lamps, LED daytime running lamps, halogen front fog lamps, and a glass-printed antenna. Only the HEV gets rain-sensing wipers. 

The MG 3 hatch is 4,055 millimeters long, 1729-mm wide, and 1,521-mm high. The three lower-spec trims have a ground clearance of 132-mm, whereas the top-spec HEV has 117-mm

Inside the MG 3, the cockpit is dominated by hard, durable plastics. A seven-inch instrument panel cluster is available on all trims, but a 10.25-inch touchscreen is exclusive to the Com, Lux, and HEV trims 

Handling connectivity for the MG hatchback are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Only the two higher-spec trims get a six-piece speaker system. 

The subcompact MG model provides a polyurethane or leather-wrapped steering wheel for the driver. Turning the vehicle on is easy thanks to a push-to-start while manipulating its handbrake is done through a manual lever (Std and Com) or an electronic parking brake (Lux and HEV). Interior cooling, meanwhile, is done through a manual air-conditioning system with electronic controls. 

On the other hand, the newly released hatchback's rear cabin has a 60:40 split-folding seat, several charging points, and a rear air-conditioning vent. By default, the trunk can also hold up to 241 liters of cargo. 

Handling crash safety for the all-new MG 3 are dual front airbags, anti-lock braking, stability control, ISOFIX child seat anchors, an engine immobilizer, and front seatbelt reminders. Higher-spec variants add to those bits with side airbags, side curtain airbags, a reverse camera, a 360-degree view camera, and tire pressure monitoring. 

The MG 3 also has a suite of advanced driver assist systems (ADAS) exclusive to the Lux and HEV variants. This collection of preventive safety technologies includes a pre-collision system, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, and lane watch. 

Under the hood of the Philippine-spec MG 3 are two different powertrains. The top-spec HEV uses a 1.5-liter hybrid powertrain, which can dish out 188 horsepower and 250 Newton Meters of torque. The other three variants, meanwhile, get a naturally-aspirated non-hybrid 1.5-liter mill that puts out 118 hp and 150 Nm of torque. 

The ones with a non-hybrid engine may come with a five-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Exclusive on the top-of-the-line HEV is a three-speed hybrid transmission, but all trims are front-wheel-drive. 

MG G50

The second model MG Philippines rolled out is the all-new G50 , which is based on the Maxus G50. At launch, the all-new MPV model gets three different variants: the Std MT, Com DCT, and the top-spec Lux DCT. 

When viewed from the front, the G50 Plus gets an assertive style courtesy of a large chrome grille. The latter is complemented by LED daytime running lamps combined with halogens on the Std and Com or LEDs on the Lux.

The side of this large MPV model features an expansive set of doors with windows lined with chrome. More of the shiny material is found on the vehicle’s power-side mirrors, while its 16-inch or 17-inch set of wheels and its roof rails come in a silver color. 

Towards its rear, the sizable three-row model gets a wide tailgate, which has more visual appeal thanks to eye-catching LED taillights. Its lower portion, however, presents an understated but elegant style thanks to a quiet-looking rear bumper and even more chrome trimmings. 

Other standard exterior equipment on the G50 Plus includes a rear spoiler and a high-mount stop lamp. 

When it comes to size, the all-new MG MPV is 4,825-mm long, 1,825-mm wide, and 1,778-mm in height. 

Like many competitors, the all-new MG G50 Plus has a three-row interior. The Std and Com can seat eight occupants, while the Lux can accommodate up to seven. The top-spec Lux gets captain seats for its second row, while the other two trims feature bench-type second-row seats. All three G50 Plus variants do get the same bench-type third row. 

Only the top-spec model’s seats are PVC, while the rest are fabric, and it is the only variant with power-adjustable front and second-row seats. The rest have manual-adjustable seats for all rows.

Driving amenities on the top-spec G50 Plus Lux include automatic air-conditioning, an electronic parking brake, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Also unique to the Lux is a 12.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a six-piece speaker system. 

Safety-wise, the MG-branded MPV features dual front airbags, anti-lock braking, stability control, tire-pressure monitoring, ISOFIX child seat anchors, and hill-start assist. The top-spec Lux is the only variant that gets side airbags.

A reverse camera and a back sensor on the G50 Plus Lux and Com ensure easier parking. 

For engines, the all-new MG G50 Plus uses a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline mill, which can generate up to 178 hp and 285 Nm of torque. 

On the Std trim, the said engine is paired with a six-speed manual gearbox. Meanwhile, the Com and Lux variants get a seven-speed dual-clutch wet-type gearbox. All gearbox options for the G50 Plus send power to the vehicle’s front wheels. 

 

Pricing

For reference, here are the prices of the all-new MG 3 hatchback and the MG G50 Plus: 

MG 3:

• STD MT: P678,888
• Com CVT: P828,888
• Lux CVT: P898,888
• Hybrid CVT: P1,088,888

MG G50 Plus:

• STD MT: P1,048,888
• Com DCT : P1,188,888
• Lux DCT: P1,288,888

Hosting the launch event was Patricia Daezel Tenorio, the newest Digital Customer Experience Manager of SAIC Motor Philippines Incorporated.

Prior to her role at MG Philippines, Tenorio was part of Zigwheels Philippines as a Key Account Manager.

Photos from: Jirehl Kent Flores, Ruben Manahan IV, Jeff Reyes, MG Philippines

Also read:

MG PH introduces the ‘One’

MIAS 2024: MG EV models takes centerstage