AFTER its teasing preview late last year, the MG ONE has officially made its Philippine debut. SAIC Motor Philippines, the official distributor of MG vehicles in the country, has ushered in the brand’s newest compact crossover SUV and the first-ever model equipped with smart tech.
The MG ONE compact crossover SUV is also an addition to the brand’s growing segment lineup and the latest addition to MG’s long legacy in the automotive industry.
“The MG ONE establishes the best that MG can offer Filipinos yet, and we’re excited to finally bring it to the Philippines and show motorists the best experience they could have on the road,” said Mr. Felix Jiang, President of SAIC Motor Philippines, Inc, parent company and manufacturer of MG.
“This beautiful crossover SUV, powered by the SIGMA platform, is the perfect, game-changing blend of contemporary design and futuristic smart tech, and we can’t wait for everyone to drive it,” he added.
Built on the SAIC Motor Intelligent Global Architecture (SIGMA) platform, which is a new generation of vehicle architecture, it pushes the limits of automotive design and development. The SIGMA platform’s flexibility can combine more than 100 kinds of high-value modules, creating various models in future MG vehicles that could meet the evolving needs of different customers.
Sporty and fashionable
At a glance, a familiar design cue from the GT model is evident at the front. But the ONE’s unique, pronounced, and broad Sonic Boom Grille provided a distinction. There are also dynamic three-dimensional LED headlights and taillights. Another notable design is the sloping roofline, suggesting a coupe-like profile. Apart from all the sleek design elements, the wide 19-inch wheels complement the vehicle’s dynamic and muscular exterior design. Dimension-wise, the vehicle is 4,579mm long, 1,866mm wide, and 1,617mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,670mm.
State-of-the-art and smart tech
Inside is all about advanced tech, convenience, and space. MG claims the latest model is a futuristic and delightful ride for everyone, as evidenced by its classy interior and cutting-edge convenience features. The main highlight is the 30-inch wrap-around triple screen, which consists of a 5.4-inch touch switch screen, 12.3-inch driver information center, and 12.3-inch touch screen infotainment system with Apple Carplay and An droid Auto capabilities.
The triple-screen display panels serve as a unified instrument cluster, and the infotainment display is the main highlight. The system alone surrounds the driver and ensures essential information is instantly accessible.
There is also a smart key passive entry system with remote engine start, push-button start/stop ignition, and a wireless phone charger inside the roomy and technologically advanced interior. Notably, the dash has no conventional buttons but touch-operated switches. Another unique is the gear shifter lever with that broad handle. Of course, seats are leather-wrapped.
Boosted engine and advanced safety features
Motivation comes from a standard 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine generating 167 hp and a staggering 285 N-m of torque mated with a Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT).
As for safety, the MG ONE is equipped with an array of advanced driver assistance features. The chief safety feature is the MG Pilot, a driver assistance system that can intelligently control the car’s various features to avoid accidents and collisions. Its functions include Adaptive Cruise Control, Intelligent High-beam Control, Traffic Jam Assistance, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Door Opening Warning.
On top of that, the car is equipped with a 360-degree camera. Other standard inclusions are automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and up to six airbags around the vehicle. The vehicle’s rigid body structure keeps it sturdy and provides top-notch protection.
Pricing and colors
The MG ONE 1.5 CVT LUX variant retails at P1,458,888, while the lower 1.5 CVT STD variant is priced at P1,298,888. Available colors to choose from are Fizzy Orange (Two-Tone black roof), Brighton Blue (Two-Tone black roof), Extreme Speed Red (Two-Tone black roof), Moon White (Two-Tone black roof), Iron Oxide (Two-Tone black roof), Meteorite Black.
Image credits: Randy S. Peregrino