Production Models

MG Philippines has rolled out the MG One to join the virtual melee of crossovers in the local market.

The market is not only crowded but many crossovers in the segment are attractive choices either for price, looks, build quality, or advance automotive tech and engineering, or a combination or all of these factors.

MG is a relatively unknown brand locally although some still can recall when the badge was synonymous to fun and sporty made-in-UK cars.

Now part of the SAIC conglomerate, one of the largest makers of automobiles based in China, MG continues to lean on this British legacy in rolling out sleek and sporty crossovers and sedans.

The MG One is a prime example of this. The crossover looks like a sleek sporty sedan slightly raised to provide more ground clearance to be called one.

At 4,581 millimeters long, 1,871mm wide, and 1,617mm tall with a 2,670mm-long wheelbase, the MG One cuts a sleek profile yet wide stance on the road.

MG chose to go with the trend for expansive, eye-catching grille with large emblems, contrasting that with sleek, swept -backed LED headlamps.

The rear continues the sporty theme with curvy LED combination taillights, chrome bumper garnish and faux exhaust pipe.

Two variants of the MG One were rolled out - the entry level MG One 1.5 CVT STD initially priced at 1.299 million pesos and the 1.5 CVT Lux priced at 1.459 million pesos.

The MG One STD comes with power adjustable side view mirrors with turn indicators, adjustable headlights, daytime running lights integrated antenna, rear window defogger, and LED taillights, as well as centrally mounted fuel tank.

MG added electric folding side view mirrors, rear spoiler, roof rails, and panoramic sunroof for the Lux variant.

The Lux variant comes with sporty 19-inch alloy rims wrapped by 225/50/R19 tires, the STD with 18-inch rims and 225/55/R18 tires.

Both variants feature keyless entry and push button start.

Both also sport leather seats, a mix of hard plastic and soft-touch in-cabin surfaces, and a blend of piano black, silver, and gray trim and accents.

The driver's seat in the Lux power adjusts 6-ways, the front passenger seat adjusts four ways manually.

The front seats only adjust manually in the STD.

The rear seat for three features a fold down center armrest.

Ambient lighting only is available in the Lux.

Both variants sport the same boxy steering wheel that tilts and telescopes and come with controls for the audio and others.

The dash features a panel that integrates the large screen for the digital instrument cluster and the 12.3-inch touchscreen for infotainment system.

The infotainment system comes with Apple Carplay and Android Auto, Bluetooth Connectivity, USB and Auxiliary Input, AM/FM Radio and plays through 6 speakers in the Lux and four in the STD.

Only the Lux comes with a platform for wireless charging of smart phones.

Other shared interior comfort and convenience features include Electronic Park Brake, Power Windows, Central Doorlocking, Automatic Climate Control System (Dual Zone in the Lux) with Rear Vents.

Underneath the hood of the MG One is a 1499cc In-line 4 Turbocharged and Intercooled gasoline engine that generates 170 PS and 275 Newton Meters of torque mated to a continuously variable transmission driving the front wheels.

The suspension system features front MacPherson Struts with coil springs and Multi-link system with coil springs in the rear.

Stopping power comes from an all-wheel disc brake system.

Standard driver assist and safety features in the MG One include Anti-lock Brakes, Electronic Brake Distribution, Cornering Brake Control, Electronic Stability Program, Hill-Hold Control (HHC), Auto Hold Function, Hill Descent Control, and Cruise Control.

Also standard are dual front airbags and side airbags, height adjustable seatbelts, auto-door lock, and ISOFIX anchors. Immobilizer, and Alarm System, as well as a Tire Pressure Monitoring System.

The Lux also comes with side curtain airbags.

Aiding with parking in the MG One are Reverse Camera and Rear Parking sensors.

The MG One Lux comes with 360-degree camera system.

MG offers the looks and much of the standard and advanced features needed for any self-respecting crossover in the market. Can it be the One to make buyers take a chance on a relatively unknown and untested brand?