Story & Photos by Patrick P. Tulfo
THE Covenant Car Co. Inc. (TCCCI) invited a dozen of motoring journalists for the first-ever ride and drive event of their latest offering in the market, the MG brand.
MG or Morris Garages is a popular British heritage brand that was founded way back in 1924 and became known for its racing exploits in that era. The brand is now owned and operated by SAIC Motor Corp., China’s biggest automotive manufacturer to date.
The year-end drive, aptly called “Media Getaway” Ride And Drive Event To Baler, Aurora, was a 270-kilometer journey that started in the car company’s dealership in Centris, Edsa, all the way to the relaxing and lovely L’Sirene Boutique Resort, which is located far away from the popular but crowded Sabang Beach. The drive is a combination of city, highways and, most of all, twisty roads that put the famous zigzag roads of Baguio to shame.
MG Philippines’s complete lineup of vehicles were on hand for us to try, which included the popular MG ZS Crossover SUV; the suave but very sporty MG Fastback Sedan, my default choice during the drive; RX5 SUV; and the brand’s latest offering in our market, MG5 sedan, which tops its segment in dimensions and specs.
The drive was a revelation for most of us, who I learned have yet to get their hands on any of the company’s offerings. All of the cars that we have driven have excelled in ride, handling, comfort and even in fuel economy. The last aspect of those description was impressive as all of the models that I drove displayed excellent fuel efficiency even at the pace we drove them. The RX5 SUV for example should have a poorer fuel economy than its siblings because it’s heavier and less aerodynamic than its sedan counterparts, but it exhibited almost the same fuel consumption.
In a conversation with Lyn Manalansang-Buena, during dinner, she attributed this fact to the stringent requirement of the Chinese government on fuel economy aside from combustion. That’s why MG vehicles are only offered in gasoline variants at the moment, she said.
Atty. Albert Arcilla, TCCCI president, on the other hand, assured buyers of parts availability and proudly announced that they are now poised in increasing the number of their dealerships to 19 from the present 11 before the end of this year.
MG Philippines vehicles are surprisingly affordable despite the amount of features that it has. The new MG5, 1.5L with a manual tranny has a starting price of only P 658,888, and for that price it has push start/stop button, steering mounted controls, all power features including driver’s seat and a sunroof, just to name a few.
Meanwhile, other variants also have traction control, hill start assist automatic LED lights and a very useful 360-degree camera view, a feature available only in top-end variants of other brands that costs over a million pesos.
But, more importantly all MG products are supplemented by MG Philippines premium after-sales offers and services. These include one of the longest warranty in the market of five years or 100,000 kilometers whichever comes first, one-year free Periodic Maintenance Service (PMS). MG owners can also download the My MG mobile app, which allows them to easily schedule servicing appointments from the convenience of their smartphones. The app can also be use to book a visit from the MG Philippines Mobile Garage service caravan that provides MG owners with vehicle home service for major technical issues. The MG HERO services, on the other hand, provides 24/7 roadside support through the MG Philippines hotline (+632 5328–4664).
Those who are eyeing MG Cars can visit any of their 11 branches located in Parañaque, Edsa Centris, Batangas, Carmona, Dasmariñas, Lipa, Santa Rosa, Mandaue in Cebu, Davao, Cabanatuan (sales office) and Iloilo (sales office). And watch out for the upcoming launch of MG dealerships before the end of 2019 in Alabang, Commonwealth, Quezon Avenue, Pampanga, Cabanatuan, Iloilo and Tacloban.
Image credits: Patrick P. Tulfo
1 comment
Great article, but I must correct you on M.G. History.
The first Raworth bodied MG Super Sports were, built, advertised and sold in 1923. Plans are already underway in UK to celebrate the Centenary in 2023.
Keep up the good work.