One of my favorite (forgotten) segments is the ‘sleeper’, manufacturers used to quietly ‘dress up’ their normally drab and boring sedans with performance goodies but keep them looking as normal as possible. These ‘sleepers’ were the unsung heroes of yesteryear allowing the subtle-natured individual to indulge in a sense of speed from time to time without shoving it in everyone’s face.
While the ‘sleeper’ has almost died off, we’re starting to see some revival and none has captured that essence quite like the MG GT Sport TST.
2023 MG GT TST
Table of Contents
In terms of looks I have to say the MG GT Sport fits the ‘sleeper’ description well, it retains much of the normal-looking bits from the non-GT Sport version and differs in small details almost missed by most. In all honesty, the GT Sport blends in very well in the modern 2024 traffic landscape with its swooping but modern sedan lines, aggressive front fascia, and nonchalant rear design.
Interior
The interior is a very modern representation of what a 2024 interior should look like. It has 2 digital screens, one representing the instrument cluster and one for the infotainment screen that has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Most of the panels are black with a few chrome bits here and there, there are even some red accents that can be found on the seats to highlight the sportiness of the vehicle. Other than that it also has a small sunroof (not panoramic) and the driver’s seat is automatically adjustable.
I would say the interior of the MG GT Sport is just right in terms of features, not overwhelming, but not lacking either.
Engine and Safety
What makes this sleeper go is a 1.5-liter-turbocharged gasoline engine that makes a brisk 160 HP and 250 NM of torque, the transmission is a 7-speed dual-clutch unit.
It doesn’t have an advanced ADAS system with adaptive cruise control, but it does have normal cruise control, a 360-degree View Camera,
Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning, and Intelligent High Beam.
Driving Impressions
Almost immediately the ‘sleeper’ nature of the MG GT Sport makes itself apparent in the silence of the engine, I really have to commend MG for making what seems like a normal run-of-the-mill small displacement turbo that lulls you first into thinking it’s mainly made for just eco-driving.
Once you start pushing it though it shows some initiative with quick revs, brisk pace build-up, and it feels very light on its feet. Sporty driving comes naturally and effortlessly for the MG GT Sport but without the compromise of comfort and accessibility.
In terms of driving dynamics, it feels sorted and thought out, the body control even at speed is decent, and the ride is acceptable at a fast or city driving pace. It’s quite something how MG was able to pull off a normal sedan that can be both comfortable and normal, but also quite fun to drive when you feel like it.
Even more impressive news is that the GT Sport is astonishingly economical when you drive it normally. I was able to average around 9-10 km/l in heavy city traffic, and highway driving got as high as 16 km/l which is almost hybrid territory.
Point for improvement
I only really have 2 issues with the GT Sport and the first would be to use sturdier feeling plastics in the interior, I just felt some panels could benefit from more robust plastics.
Lastly, an updated safety suite, most cars in the segment come with more features like adaptive cruise control and the like. The GT Sport would be much more value for money when included with such features.
Price and Verdict
At PHP 1,193,000 the MG GT Sport TST is actually very very good value for money when it comes to being an everyday sport sedan. It encapsulates the very idea of being a sleeper in the sense that it offers speed and sportiness without the compromise of comfort, practicality, and features.
