MG GS SUV (2016-2019) - MPG, running costs & CO2
Despite reasonable economy from the petrol engine, the MG GS is crying out for a diesel option
Let’s make no bones about it: one of the biggest thorns in the side of the MG GS is that it only comes with a 1.5-litre petrol engine. If you cover a lot of miles or are a company car driver whose choice of car is determined by low CO2 emissions, the MG GS may not be for you. But if you're looking for a low-cost SUV for round-town use or for short journeys, it's an option to consider.
MG GS MPG & CO2
The turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine fitted to the MG GS returns 46.3mpg and emits 139g/km of CO2. All versions cost £140 a year in road tax.
If your fleet manager offers you the option of a GS as a company car, you’ll be liable for a Benefit-in-Kind rate of 26%. Do note that although the automatic GS is barely any less efficient than the manual, the two extra grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre it emits are enough to raise its BiK charge to 27%.
It’s not entirely fair to compare these figures to the Nissan Qashqai’s entry-level 1.2-litre petrol engine: while the Nissan has better economy (50.4mpg) and sits in a lower road tax bracket, it’s also a bit slower than the MG GS. A more reasonable comparison is 1.6-litre engined Qashqai. This is marginally faster (0-62mph takes 9.1 seconds) and fractionally more economical (it returns 47.1mpg) than the MG, but you’ll have to pay at least £24,000 if you want this engine, as it’s only available with higher trim levels.
When compared to the Qashqai, it’s clear that the GS’ petrol engine is slightly off the pace, but not by much. Considering the low asking price, MG gives you a pretty powerful and reasonably efficient petrol engine for your money.
Insurance groups
The MG GS sits in group 16 insurance if you choose the Explore and Excite trim levels, while the top-of-the-range GS Exclusive is in group 17. This means insurance shouldn’t be too expensive, but buyers after lower premiums may be better off with a Nissan Qashqai or Renault Kadjar, which sit in groups 13 or 14 when ordered with less powerful engines.
Servicing
MG recommends servicing the GS annually or every 15,000 miles – whichever comes first.
Warranty
MG has been generous here: the GS comes with a five-year, 80,000 mile warranty, which is longer than the policies offered by either Nissan or Renault. The SsangYong Tivoli also comes with a five-year warranty, albeit with no mileage cap.
