Morris Garages Philippines has officially introduced its all-new GS compact SUV. The launch event was held at Greenbelt 5’s Fashion Walk, an appropriate backdrop for what could be the marque’s most stylish model in recent years.
On display were two 1.5T AWD Deluxe variants. The GS actually looks bigger in the metal than it appears in the photos. At 4,500mm long, 1,855mm wide and 1,699 mm tall, it’s actually a bit larger than the new Hyundai Tucson. It carries the same basic design language as the MG 5 and MG GT compact car models, but it is made more aggressive for its SUV application.
Up front is the already familiar MG corporate face, now with a larger and meaner-looking lower honeycomb grille. Muscular wheel arches and prominent shoulder lines give it the tough sport ute look. Its angular taillights, which are linked by a glossy black panel displaying the MG badge, mirror the front end styling. Its license plate recess on the rear bumper gives it a Euro flair.
Unlike most of its peers that have a more traditional station wagon-like profile, MG’s compact SUV possesses a more slanted rear windshield for that sleeker semi-fastback roofline. Two-tone 18-inch alloys shod with wide 235/50R18 Michelin rubber give it an athletic stance.
Inside, the GS’s dashboard carries a more horizontal theme, with the upper and lower segments divided by a broad glossy black band. This gives it a more contemporary feel now that more carmakers are moving away from the curvy flowing organic shapes. Leather-trimmed steering wheel and seats add a touch of luxury. The rear seats feature an adjustable backrest angle and can fold flat to expand cargo room.
The GS also offers a host of features, which include driver and passenger airbags, side airbags, electronic stability control, curve brake control, rear parking sensors, rear camera, Isofix child seat anchors, rear A/C vents, cruise control, power sunroof, and a touchscreen infotainment system.
Powering this all-wheel drive SUV is a 1.5-liter turbocharged TGI direct injection gasoline engine. This mill produces 166hp and 250Nm of torque. It’s paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The 1.5T AWD Deluxe is the sole model at the launch, priced at a reasonable P1,250,000. It's on sale by the time you read this. The front-wheel drive 1.5T Standard variants will follow later this year, while the range-topping 217hp 2.0T AWD Luxury variant should be available next year.
