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MG GS SUV Debuts in Shanghai with 1.5 and 2-Liter Turbo Engines

We don't consider MG to be a British brand, not after they've been reduced to a shell. However, their new Chinese-made crossover SUV model was one of the major surprises of Auto Shanghai 2015.
MG GS 2.0T Live Photos 37 photos
Photo: Catalin Garmacea
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Immediately after seeing it, we realized it was pretty much just as well screwed together as the crossovers sold by Renault or Citroen. In fact, the leather seats reminded us of mid-range Kias while the buttons are like those on the Opel Astra.

Based on the Icon concept from a few years ago, the MG GS is a fine looking sports crossover, with an upright stance and bold appearance. It will target the younger urban-dwelling Chinese customers.

Reports coming from China suggest the GS shares its underpinnings with the SsangYong Korando. That's because the company that bought the bankrupt British brand, Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC), also owned a controlling stake in SsangYong Motor from late 2004 until 2009.

Two types of powertrains are going to be offered, but both have decent power outputs. The base model is a 1.5-liter turbocharged to deliver 170 PS (167 bhp) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque. We know that Shanghai GM co-developed engines with, SAIC and Pan-Asia Technical Automotive Center, so this could actually be the latest SIDI Turbo.

The GS we saw in Shanghai had a 2-liter turbo engine that offers even more impressive numbers, comparable to a Golf GTI: 220 PS (217 hp) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque. Both engines are mated to twin-clutch DCT gearboxes(7-speed for 1.5T and 6-speed for 2.0T), and it's nice to see Chinese automakers stepping up their game in this department too.

Performance isn't too bad either, as the 2-liter model with AWD gets to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds and can reach a top speed of 208 km/h. Already available for order in major Chinese cities since March, the MG GS costs between 125,700 and 179,700 yuan (18,900 to 27,000 euros).

The MG GS is the first SUV for the brand, but it won't be their last. According to rumors circulating in Shanghai, the Buick Envision platform will be shared with SAIC. For now, they've got  Sherlock Holmes helping them sell cars, so they should be OK.

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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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