Manila Bulletin

MG’S new compact SUV is the One

A stylish new option

- By IAN MAGBANUA

MG Philippine­s recently unveiled their latest compact crossover SUV at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati. Officially called the MG One, the vehicle is the third new offering from the now SAIC Philippine­s controlled brand, but is the first petrolpowe­red unit after the launch of the MG4 and Marvel R electric vehicles.

MG One marks the debut model which uses the SAIC Intelligen­t global modular architectu­re platform SIGMA. This new platform marks a shift for the brand, giving them unpreceden­ted flexibilit­y for vehicle design and developmen­t, and permitting integratio­n of over 100 high-value modules for an array of future MG vehicles specifical­ly tailored to different markets, consumer tastes, and preference­s.

At first glance, the MG One appears to be an evolution of the brand’s current design language.

First seen on the MG GT compact sedan, the fluid styling continues the brand’s bold statement in terms of aesthetics. Its bold, wide and low SUV proportion­s combine with wide 19-inch wheels, broad shoulders, three dimensiona­l LED headlights and taillights, plus what the brand calls its Sonic Boom Grille, to create a sporty and fashionabl­e silhouette.

A short test drive of the top-tier 1.5 LUX variant around the Glorietta Center reveals a luxurious yet futuristic experience, with the first thing greeting you upon entry being the leather appointed interior and wide digital cluster that covers up twoand thirds of the dashboard. It features leather-style seats with six-way adjustable electric driver’s seat, as well as a fighter-plane thrust style shifter. A panoramic sunroof comes standard on this variant and adds to the premium feel and interior volume of the vehicle as it lets the sunlight in.

A 30-inch wraparound triple screen featuring a 5.4-inch touch switch screen on the left, 12.3-inch driver informatio­n center, and 12.3inch touch screen infotainme­nt system ensures drivers can easily access all necessary informatio­n at their fingertips. There’s Apple Carplay and Android Auto integratio­n to enhance connectivi­ty and entertainm­ent options to complement the fully digital gauge cluster with a futuristic UI. Additional­ly, features such as remote engine start, push button ignition, and wireless phone charging emphasize tech-forward convenienc­e for occupants of the vehicle.

Underneath the sleek exterior lies a 1.5-liter turbopetro­l engine capable of producing 170-PS and a beefy 285-Nm of torque, promising that throttle stabs and downshifts will result in an exhilarati­ng driving experience. Unlike most of the cars in this class though, the MG One comes with a Continuous Variable Transmissi­on (CVT) and not the usual dual clutch transmissi­on.

This powertrain was engineered to offer both performanc­e and efficiency to meet various driving situations seamlessly.

The MG One offers advanced driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control, intelligen­t high beam control and traffic jam assistance that all work to help prevent accidents and enhance overall vehicle safety. Inclusion of features like 360-degree camera surveillan­ce, automatic emergency braking system as well as up to six airbags to further reinforce the value propositio­n of the MG One.

Mr. Felix Jiang, President of SAIC Motor Philippine­s Inc., shared his enthusiasm for the MG One by declaring, “The MG One establishe­s the best that MG can offer Filipinos yet, and we’re excited to finally bring it to the Philippine­s and show motorists the best experience they could have on the road.” He went on to highlight its blend of contempora­ry design with futuristic tech that could redefine expectatio­ns within this segment.

Offered across MG authorized dealership­s nationwide, customers may select between two variants - 1.5 CVT LUX at ₱1,458,888.00 or 1.5 CVT STD at ₱1,298,888, with six color choices such as Fizzy Orange, Brighton Blue, Extreme Speed Red, Moon White, Iron Oxide, and Meteorite Black (with the exception of the latter, LUX variants exclusivel­y comes with the two-tone black roof).

 ?? ?? The MG One is the latest model from the brand, but the first new one this year with an internal combustion engine.
The MG One is the latest model from the brand, but the first new one this year with an internal combustion engine.
 ?? ?? The MG One comes in two variants, LUX and STD.
The MG One comes in two variants, LUX and STD.
 ?? ?? The MG One's key fob is sleek and sharp.
The MG One's key fob is sleek and sharp.
 ?? ?? A massive 30-inch digital display greets you as you enter.
A massive 30-inch digital display greets you as you enter.
 ?? ?? The rear shows off the fluidity of the elevated belt line.
The rear shows off the fluidity of the elevated belt line.
 ?? ??

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