Rejuvinated drive: MG PH showcases diverse lineup with drive to Subic – Feature
MG Philippines has been a steady and successful brand locally, if you look at their historicals ever since 2019 onwards it’s been an upward trend. In the past 2 years though they have transformed, with parent company SAIC taking over from the local distributor and injecting new life into the brand.
MG PH highlights a diverse lineup
Having settled down into a groove the Chinese automaker hosted its first-ever media drive since being taken over by SAIC, and the highlight of the drive would be the 4 models available for us media to drive.
After meeting up for a quick breakfast at the newly opened MG Gallery dealership on Quezon Ave, we were assigned to our first car the best-selling MG ZS crossover. I have to admit that I wasn’t necessarily a fan of the previous MG ZS, I felt it was crude and unrefined, but the latest version has been updated to address those very issues.
The main update given to the ZS is the transmission, it is no longer driven by an archaic 4-speed automatic, and in its place is a modern CVT giving it a much smoother driving experience and highly improved fuel mileage. Apart from the transmission it still retains the class-leading features such as a plethora of connectivity options (Apple CarPlay, Android Auto) and other neat convenience features all packed into a crossover body and an appealing price point, with the top-of-the-line tipping over just 1M Philippine Pesos.
Our drive to Rali’s restaurant on Subic was painless, the MG ZS provided a capable and comfortable companion, and I honestly felt that it was a decent vehicle for most driving conditions and journeys.
After a sumptuous lunch and a few hours of socials by Subic Bay, it was time to drive back to Manila. We elected to take the MG ONE Crossover/SUV, a step up from the ZS in terms of size and overall value proposition.
I remember being quite impressed by the MG ONE during its launch a few months back, it showed how the brand has stayed true to its core of providing affordable vehicles that are packed to the brim with features and creature comforts. I also appreciated how the ONE crossover looked pleasing with bright colors for the exterior and an interior that is crisp and modern in every day, the highlight would be the digital panel on the left of the driver that houses multiple buttons like the door lock, headlight options, and side mirror adjustments. That small detail elevates the ownership and driving experience of the ONE.
Drive-wise the ONE is smooth and predictable in a way that you’d expect from something made for the everyday and weekend warriors. It has a full ADAS system to allow long-distance driving to become more relaxed and less tiresome.
The journey back was much like the journey to, despite the intermittent weather and gridlock traffic I wasn’t tired at all, and I can say that MG has a couple of winners in its stable. The ZS and the ONE are just 2 of the 4 available to drive that day, but as is with the automotive world these days, brands tend to share quality and features throughout the lineup, I’m certain that with the parent SAIC now pushing the brand, MG’s climb back up the ladder of success is a mere certainty, especially with a robust lineup filled with ICE, Hybrid, and EVs.
