TMW - The 2016 MG GS - The SUV thats as good as cars far more expensive

2005 was a year that many thousands of people remember for the closure of the once huge conglomerate that was MG-Rover, a few owners later and we have MG Motors UK, the company that builds cars in both China and Thailand, and imports cars to the UK.

The first of these was the MG6, then the MG3, and now the MG GS Crossover, the MG6 was removed from the UK and we are left with two really good cars, and it is one of these cars we have been testing out over the last week, the GS, in top trim level, Exclusive, with the seven speed DCT automatic transmission.

The car looks the part, it is a good looking, well proportioned car, the lines flow from front to rear, and the lighting is well designed to that it fits in with the total design, the doors are well weighted, and shut with a  very solid thunk, nothing tinny or cheap feeling here, you do not need to put too much effort into closing it either. 

Once inside the car you can manoeuvre the seats and steering wheel in a multitude of directions so that you can get comfortable, and once you get into position, everything it near and handy, no stretching for buttons, switchgear or to utilise the very intuitive touchscreen, which is one of the better ones i have come across.

The 1.5 litre TGI engine is really good, it's not the same 1.5 litre powerplant you will find in the MG3 though, this has more "get up and go" and does it go, not 'arf, driving the car along at a steady speed and you really do not notice the seven speed auto change gear, and even with some poke, the gear change is still not that bad at all, the start/stop system assists in keeping the fuel consumption under control and the brands claimed figures of :-

• URBAN - 36.6mpg
• EXTRA URBAN - 53.2mpg
• COMBINED - 45.5mpg

are not that bad for a car in this class and with the weight of the car at 1467kg (Unladen) helps with the fuel consumption too.

There is more than sufficient space in the rear seats  for three adults to sit in comfort, i had the car with five adults and it was still swift, comfortable and a pleasure to drive, there is more than enough glass for you see all around the car, and the larger than expected wing mirrors, which fold in on locking the car, give you a good view of what's behind you at all times.

The boot space is not the biggest in the class, but it does offer enough for most people, and in our car at least, it came with a spare wheel, which these days is very rare, anything to shave a few kilos of the car's weight is something most brands do.

The CO2 of this car is a tad on the high side at 141g/km, and the 55 litre fuel tank will give you a range, if you get the claimed figures, of 644 miles, however, you will be very lucky to achieve this, as most people tend to have a little lead in their right foot.

The car comes with a tonne of kit as standard and this model is equipped with

• 18" Alloy Wheels
• LED Daytime Running Lights]Front Fog Lights
• Leather Sports Seats  
• Lumbar Seat on Drivers Side
• Electrically Adjustable Front Seats
• Leather Steering Wheel with Audio Controls
• Paddle Shift
• iGO Navigation
• DAB Radio
• Auto Air Con
• Bluetooth
• Auto Headlamps
• Auto Wipers
• Cruise Control
• Rear Parking Sensors and Camera
• Electrically Adjustable and heated Door Mirrors
• Stop/Start
• Hill Hold Assist
• Side Step
• Lazy Locking

And many more, so for the total price including options of £22,344.98 you are getting a large well made, well equipped and decent car, the options on this model were 18" Wave black alloy wheels @ £900, black exterior trim @ £199.99 and the leather lux pack @ £249.99.

On the road the car is quiet and grips really well, you can "throw" the car about and you never seen to unsettle it in any way, it keeps up with the traffic, and on the motorway can cruise nicely at 70mph and should you need to overtake it can easily and quickly build up some speed to do this without the worry of it struggling.

Around town and again the car copes well, the gearbox is really intuitive and it seems to always be in the correct gear, when you need it, however, an emergency braking manoeuvre does get the rear end to wiggle a little but nothing that you can not cope will and correct.

The downsides of the car, well, there are a couple, firstly the optional side steps, they are a real pain, trying to get out of the car is nigh on impossible if you want to not rub your legs against them, i know i did every time i got out, and i have ended up with more trousers/jeans to wash this week than normal, and the other issue, the rear view camera and tailgate, the camera gets very dirty very quickly.

This in turn means you can not see what's behind you when you need it most, and the design of the built in handle again means you get really dirty, opening and closing the tailgate, so, thats the only issues.

OVERALL

Well, apart from the optional side steps and the tailgate/camera, this is really a good car, very good for the money, the range stars at £15k and that model comes with some kit as standard, more up to the next and it gets better, and then move it on further to the top of the range and you truly get a car that should be seling in numbers far more than it does already, but that will come in time.

If the car and kit does not do it for you, well, throw in a full five year factory backed warranty, lowish insurance level (16E), and a car that draws looks and comments from others, as this is what happened when i was out and about in the GS, and to be honest, when i am ready to change my own car, i will seriously be looking at this, as i was mightily impressed with the entire package of the car.

You would be wrong to not consider this when you are looking for a brand new car in this class.

UK SALES OCTOBER - MG sales continue to move ahead after a huge September, October is 62% up !

MG Motor UK is celebrating its continued success in 2016, after achieving an increase in year-on-year registrations for October. Figures released today by The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show a 62% rise compared to the same month in 2015.

So far in 2016, MG has registered 3,562 vehicles, 36% higher than 2015. In addition, SMMT data shows that the company has already sold more vehicles to date this year than in any full year since the company relaunched. 

Alongside growing awareness of the brand and its excellent value for money, Matthew Cheyne, Head of Sales and Marketing at MG Motor UK, believes that this continued success is down to its ongoing focus on dealer engagement and a positive customer reception to its latest model range. MG’s strategy is to work with its dealer network and respond to ideas and requests in a positive, personal manner that allows dealers to concentrate on delighting their customers, not trying to navigate confusing manufacturer rules and regulations.

Cheyne comments: “We believe good business is about selling cars and looking after customers. It’s not rocket science. Other manufacturers make unreasonable demands on their dealer network, we don’t. We listen and react to what our partners are telling us they need so we can give them the tools to sell MG cars and look after their customers.

“Celebrating another successful month for vehicle registrations shows the continued growth of MG in the UK. Alongside achieving a year-on-year increase of 98 additional registrations in October, we’ve now registered a total of 3,562 vehicles this year to date. This is not only an improvement on last year, but the highest annual sales figures achieved since the brand was relaunched.

“Although excellent news for the MG brand, such impressive registration figures wouldn’t have been possible without a highly committed and successful national dealer network. For this reason, I would like to once again thank each of our dealers for another outstanding monthly performance.

“As our dealer network grows further, we will continue to expand as a company. This, combined with an excellent model range, will see MG continue to drive forward in the UK marketplace.

“For the remainder of the year, we’re running a range of tempting deals to make owning a new MG even more affordable. So, now is the perfect time to pop into your local MG dealership and take advantage of these great offers!”

Until the end of December, both the MG3 and MG GS come with a selection of special offers*. With OTR prices starting from £14,995, the GS is currently available with either:

• 0% APR with just a 20% deposit monthly finance option
• £660 contribution towards your deposit when financed on a PCP/PCH basis
• A five-year/80,000-mile (whichever occurs first) manufacturer parts and labour warranty

Fun on the inside, stylish on the outside, the MG3 is currently available with either:

• 0% APR with just a 20% deposit monthly finance option
• £900 contribution towards your deposit when financed on a personal contract purchase (PCP)
• A range of personal (PCH) and business (BCH) contract hire packages from just £99 per month  

MG to offer a free Vehicle Health Check on all MG3-MG6 and MG GS cars in readiness for the UK's poor weather.

With the nights closing in, temperatures dropping and driving conditions worsening every day, it’s important to ensure your car is ready for the colder weather. To give drivers complete peace of mind, MG Motor UK has launched a complimentary vehicle health check (VHC) programme* across its national dealer network.

The 16-point visual inspection, available via any MG Authorised Repairer, will review key vehicle components to ensure the highest levels of winter road safety and driving performance. 

From clutch and brake feel to driveshaft operation, battery condition and exposed belt use, the step-by-step check will clearly indicate if any servicing or repair work needs to be immediately undertaken.

Fluid levels – including engine oil – will also be checked, alongside the wear of windscreen wipers, tyre tread and suspension. Finally, qualified technicians will analyse the exhaust and steering system, test seat belt clasps and ensure all lights are fully functioning.

Following the VHC inspection, drivers will be provided with a report. Outlining any essential servicing and repair work that needs to be undertaken on the day, this document will advise any components that require attention in the near future.

Matthew Cheyne, Head of Sales and Marketing at MG Motor UK, commented: “The safety of MG drivers is paramount, which is why we’re offering free vehicle health checks at dealerships nationwide. We all know that driving in winter can sometimes be a little more challenging, so it’s important your car is ready to head out on the road.

A recent study by the Institute of Advanced Motorists found that in autumn and winter, drivers are 11% more likely to have a car accident due to road conditions than in spring or summer. Indeed, a third of all accidents in colder months can be directly attributed to the road environment, or weather related issues. Furthermore, research from the Department of Transport Road Accident Statistics found that the number of accidents caused by wet road conditions increase by 267% in winter.a

SMTC staff based at the MG Longbridge site are taking part in the Great Birmingham Run in the hope of raising £7k.

This Sunday (16 October), 15 team members from the SAIC Motor Technical Centre (SMTC UK) – which is based at the MG Motor site in Longbridge – will take part in the Great Birmingham Run, with the target of raising £7,000 for charity.  

The staff, from across technical, electrical engineering, design, project management and supporting functions, will tackle the 13-mile course in memory of former colleague Brian Freeman, who lost his battle with cancer in 2014, as well as friends and family members also affected.

Following the event, the funds raised will be presented to Macmillan Cancer Support – the leading UK charity which provides information, advice and support to those suffering from cancer and their families.

Richard McAlister, Vice Director – Electrical Engineering at SMTC UK, commented: “With more than 20,000 runners taking to the streets, we thought that taking part in the Great Birmingham Run would be an excellent opportunity to bond as a team and raise funds for a hugely worthwhile charity.

“This is the second year in a row that we’ve taken part in the half marathon, while other staff have taken part in a number of other events in aid of charity – including the Ridgeway40 Walk and Vehicles of Interest Day. Last year, we collectively raised more than £6,000, so wanted to go even further for 2016 and set a target of £7,000.

“We hope the funds raised will help Macmillan to continue its fantastic work across the UK – providing advice and support to thousands of cancer sufferers and their families every year.”

Last month, staff from SMTC UK and MG Motor took part in the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning – also in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. Collectively, the teams raised more than £372.

As an integral part of SAIC Motor Corporation Limited – the parent company of MG Motor – SMTC is responsible for key phases of the engineering, research, design and development programmes for all new MG products worldwide. With operations based at the MG site in Longbridge, Birmingham, the centre is widely renowned as a hub of automotive excellence.

MG grows by nearly 100% in September, with the GS taking hold and the MG3 still producing high sales figures.

According to figures released by The Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT) earlier today (5 October), MG Motor UK has experienced its best ever month for car sales since the company relaunched.

Registering a total of 1,005 vehicles during September 2016, MG recorded a 97% year-on-year increase for the month of September. Year to date, MG has achieved a 34% increase in registrations over 2015 figures, already selling more vehicles than any full year previously.

Matthew Cheyne, Head of Sales and Marketing at MG Motor UK, said: “Breaking the 1,000 vehicle registration figure for September is a significant achievement. During 2016, our figures have continued to rise, reflecting unprecedented demand and customer affinity towards the brand.

“The continued success of MG in the UK is not only testament to the performance and quality of our model range – which includes the family-favourite GS SUV and MG3 supermini – but also the continued growth of our dealer network.

“Without the hard work, dedication and support of each MG dealer in the UK, we couldn’t have achieved such impressive registration results. As such, I wish to personally extend my thanks to them for a record-breaking month.

“We’re delighted with our performance so far in 2016 and have surpassed our total year 2015 sales already. We look forward to carrying this on in Q4 as we continue to offer our customers competitive, affordable and exciting vehicles.”

According to the SMMT figures, a total of 469,696 new cars were registered in September 2016, with year-to-date performance remaining positive, up 2.5% to 2,096,886 million units

Staff from MG’s Technical Centre, SMTC, which is based at the company’s Longbridge site in Birmingham.

“Their love of the job doesn’t just stop at the end of the day.”

Staff from MG’s Technical Centre, SMTC, which is based at the company’s Longbridge site in Birmingham, recently hosted a vehicle showcase event to profile the team’s engineering expertise and show off their ‘pet projects’, all in aid of charity and having a good time!

From classic cars and hot rods to a variety of motorbikes, the Vehicles of Interest Day saw a number of projects displayed – each lovingly customised and restored by staff at the SMTC in their spare time. 

Each owner completed an overview fact sheet to share key details about their beloved vehicle, as well as explaining engineering modifications and performance upgrades.

Following the showcase, vehicles were taken to the Curborough Sprint Course in Lichfield for an ‘out-of-hours’ race club. As well as taking their own projects around the course, a number of race-prepared MG3 and MG6 models were also made available for staff to drive.

Throughout the event, a collection was taken for Macmillan Cancer Support, a charity close to the hearts of many staff members at the SMTC. The funds raised will be presented to the charity later this year, alongside proceeds from a number of other events planned over the coming months.

Richard McAlister, Vice Director – Electrical at the SMTC, commented: “Every year, we organise a number of teambuilding events to bring staff closer together and develop a strong working culture.

“As highly trained engineers, a number of our team build, refurbish and modify vehicles in their spare time – their love of the job doesn’t just stop at the end of the day! The Vehicles of Interest day was, therefore, a great teambuilding initiative and feedback following the event has been excellent.”

As an integral part of SAIC Motor Corporation Limited – the parent company of MG Motor – SMTC is responsible for key phases of the engineering, research, design and development programmes for all new MG products worldwide.