MG GS SUV (2016-2019) - Interior & comfort

As one of the cheapest SUVs you can buy today, it would almost be understandable if the MG GS had an unpleasant interior; we’re pleased to report that this is not the case. Open the door and you’re treated to a modern dashboard design, comfortable seats and a high level of build quality.

MG GS dashboard

It may not be the last word in cutting-edge design, but the GS’ dashboard is aesthetically pleasing and feels impressively robust. True, the plastics are a bit scratchy and there are too many fiddly buttons but, given the GS’ price, these shortcomings are easy overlook.

The steering wheel and gearlever, meanwhile, are softer to the touch and feel more pleasant in your hand than the rest of the dashboard. As these are the areas you’ll have most direct contact with, MG has clearly put some thought into where it should spend its money.

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Equipment

The MG GS is available in three trims. The entry-level Explore model gets a decent amount of equipment, coming with 17-inch alloy wheels, LED running lights, air-conditioning, automatic headlights, cruise control, electrically adjustable wing mirrors and a fuel-saving stop-start feature. It would have been nice if remote central locking and Bluetooth connectivity were included in this list, but you do get a USB port, so playing music and charging your phone are possible on the move.

Moving up to Excite trim costs £2,500 and includes Bluetooth as well as remote central locking, while it also brings a DAB radio, upgraded automatic air-conditioning, a leather steering wheel, rear parking sensors and a reversing camera. The top-spec Exclusive model costs a further £2,000 and is very well equipped indeed. This trim includes all of the features of mid-range Excite trim, but adds leather seats (which are electrically adjustable and heated in the front), larger 18-inch alloy wheels, sat nav and foglights.

While these trim levels are reasonably well-judged in terms of the amount of equipment they offer, we can’t help feeling that the entry-level Explore model is the sweet-spot in the range – particularly as this trim keeps the GS’ asking price attractively low. While some manufacturers only make their best engines available at higher trim levels, the MG GS comes with the same engine, however you specify it. One caveat here, though: you’ll have to be happy with a white or black car if you choose the GS Explore; the other four paint colours (metallic silver, orange, brown and gold) are only available with Excite and Exclusive trims – and you have to pay extra for these.

Options

There are none, really. MG doesn't offer any of the equipment from the two higher trim levels as individual options, so your only choice is to do without or pay extra from a better trim.

It is possible to order a few practical accessories (like car mats, roof rails and a rubber boot liner), while the chunky side step (standard with Exclusive trim) that runs along the underside of the doors is an option, and one we think makes the GS look appealingly rugged, as well as easier to get into for those with reduced mobility.

There's plenty of choice for cyclists too, with bike racks that attach to optional roof rails or a tow bar.