MG GT 2024: Model Overview

The MG GT 2024 can trace its roots back to the Roewe i5, which began its life in 2017. For better reach and recognition, SAIC Motor started selling it through its MG Motor subsidiary as the MG 5 in markets outside China. In GCC markets today, the MG 5 is still being sold unchanged since its debut in 2019.

The second generation of the 5 was earmarked as the all-new MG GT upon its launch in 2020. In markets such as Saudi Arabia, the new GT was slotted above the entry-level 5. This kept the models from impacting each other’s sales as both operated in distinctly separate price hemispheres and targeted different buyers.

Where the MG 5 remains a bedrock model for the Chinese-owned British brand in the Middle East, style-centric models like the GT are vital for the company’s growth. The MG GT is also based on the GM-PATAC K platform and is sold as a compact sedan in KSA. It competes with cars like the Honda City and Hyundai Accent.

Variants & Price

Jiad Modern Motors, a Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Company, is the official distributor of MG cars in Saudi Arabia. It has showrooms in the country’s largest cities including places such as Dammam, Jeddah, Madinah, and Riyadh. The MG GT 2024 is available in three variants in KSA: STD, COM, and LUX.

The price of a new MG GT in Saudi Arabia varies from around SAR 63,000 to SAR 81,000, depending on the variant. This includes 15% VAT but does not take into account other costs such as insurance and registration.

Exterior

The exterior styling of the MG GT is unquestionably one of its most advantageous aspects. It is so important to this car, in fact, that its design alone can lead to footfalls at the showroom. The MG GT’s compact stature means that it can soon be overwhelmed with busy design methods, so restraint is key.

On that front, to an extent, the design team has done a fairly good job. The fastback silhouette and the smooth but sculpted lines give the MG GT an elegant and confident stance. This ‘fastback’ design direction also means that there is sportiness inherently baked into the car’s appearance, which is sure to be appreciated by its target audience.

Approaching the MG GT from the rear, you will be met with a subtle decklid protrusion that helps continue instead of abruptly ending the design. The svelte taillights wrap around the bulging rear haunches and feature 3D LED bars reminiscent of a “race track”. The sculpted bumper gets sporty cues like dual exhaust tips and an air diffuser.

The swooping roofline and flared wheel arches add to this sporty appeal, whilst the two-tone 17-inch alloys fill the gaps nicely. A stylish chrome strip stretching from the A-pillar to just aft of the C-pillar looks good, too. The side profile of the MG GT is sure to capture the gaze of onlookers, especially when in motion.

The so-called “shark-hunting” front fascia of the MG GT looks aggressive, mainly due to the imposing ‘Digital Flame’ grille. The 3D design of the grille draws you in closer, while the lower air dam and side intakes add to the sporty appeal. The sloping LED headlights are fashionable as well and feature subdued but chic L-shaped daytime running lights.

The MG GT might be a compact sedan, but it is slightly larger than some of its key segment rivals. It measures 4,675 mm in length, 1,842 mm in width, and up to 1,480 mm in height. The MG GT has a wheelbase of 2,680 mm, ground clearance of 145 mm, and a boot capacity of 401 liters.

The MG GT 2024 is available in Black, Grey, White, Blue, Red, and Yellow colors in KSA. If you want to be spotted every time you step out in your MG GT, make sure it is finished in one of the latter three colors. Nevertheless, this is one of the most stylish compact sedans in the market as of now.

Interior

There is no doubt what the automaker was going for when it comes to the interior of the MG GT. The cockpit-type design feels snug and enveloping when in the driver’s seat, evoking a sense of sportiness. This feeling is amplified by the red & black MG Trophy Edition leather interior available in the top variants.

The leather upholstery further includes white accents for a brighter cabin, while metallic accents line the dashboard and center console. These, and the joystick-like gear lever, elevate the sporty feeling of this cabin along with its sense of premiumness. Just don’t expect the quality of plastics to keep up with this otherwise ambitiously designed interior as scratchy plastics are aplenty.

Favorable characters here come in the shape of a flat-bottom steering wheel that’s wrapped in leatherette. It feels good to hold and has physical shortcut buttons for commonly used functions such as cruise and infotainment controls. The tablet-like touchscreen faces the driver and is mounted atop a ‘ledge’ that also houses other physical buttons, which includes the ignition button.

Then there are the fancy-looking front AC vents that form a grille-like pattern, with the HVAC system itself integrating an air purifier. The front seats are fairly accommodating, while the two rear seats provide decent under-thigh support. The middle seat isn’t the most comfortable though and its legroom is compromised by the intrusion of the rear AC-vent housing.

MG has scooped out a portion of the roof at the back to allow taller passengers to be more comfortable. Furthermore, the sizeable sunroof opens quite a bit and lets in enough outside light – this makes the cabin feel airy. Storage space is pretty good as there are small cubbies in the doors and larger ones in the center console.

Peering out the steeply-sloped rear window would be a challenge, especially if all three seats at the back are occupied. The large ORVMs and thick A-pillars can obstruct the driver’s forward view at times, though the former’s size means rear visibility is decent. There are USB and 12-volt outlets up front but no wireless charging.

The base variant of the MG GT doesn’t even get basic equipment like a vanity mirror in the sunvisor. This is besides the fact that it lacks an overhead sunglass holder and rear reading lights. The features list of the top-trim MG GT includes adaptive LED headlights, while all variants get automatic headlights, split-folding rear seats, and keyless entry.

The top variant also gets lane-departure & front-collision warning, a 6-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and power-folding ORVMs. The MG GT can be had with features like a 6-speaker audio system, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, automatic climate control, paddle shifters, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, and a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

Engine & Performance

The MG GT 2024 sold to customers in Saudi Arabia is available with two petrol engines. The first amongst these is a 1.5-liter four-cylinder with natural aspiration, producing 118 hp and 150 Nm of torque. This motor is paired with a CVT automatic with eight artificial ratios built in to try and reproduce the experience of using a torque-converter automatic.

Speaking of experience, the lukewarm output of this naturally-aspirated engine means that performance isn’t exactly thrilling. The MG GT 1.5L takes over 10 seconds to go from 0 to 100 kmph, while its top speed is 185 kmph. This N/A model is perfect for those who expect great fuel economy, achieving 17.5 kmpl or 5.7 L/100 km.

Then there is the MG GT Turbo, which is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This motor responds to its force-fed fuel-air mixture by developing 173 hp and 250 Nm of torque. To match its higher output, the turbo-petrol engine is mated to a quick-shifting 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

The MG GT Turbo tops out at 215 kmph, which is fast enough for a relatively-affordable compact sedan. It can also accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in just 8.5 seconds, while still being able to average 16.9 kmpl or 5.9 L/100 km. Of course, the real-world economy will be lower than the numbers claimed by the automaker.

Given its smaller 17-inch wheels with thicker tires, the ride quality of the base MG GT should be better over harsher surfaces. Meanwhile, the cornering ability and dynamism of the model with the 18-inch wheels are likely to be more sporty. The front suspension is of the MacPherson type, with the rear possessing a torsional beam.

Safety

The base variant of the MG GT lacks modern safety tech such as collision warning & mitigation, along with basics like side & curtain airbags. However, the sedan can be had with valuable equipment like TPMS, surround-view cameras, ISOFIX anchorages, parking sensors, and three-point seatbelts.

Some of its standard features include ABS, electronic stability control, hill-hold assist, and an electronic parking brake with Auto Hold. A heated rear windscreen and remote central door locks are a couple of other features available with the MG GT 2024.

Conclusion

The aesthetically-pleasing exterior and sporty-feeling interior are two of the strongest reasons to purchase an MG GT. While the fastback design is not exclusive to the GT, its larger dimensions help carry that look better than some of its competitors. The longer wheelbase further extends the legroom for rear-seat passengers.

The MG GT Turbo is faster than some of its rivals, making it more attractive for young buyers. While it is as expensive as a Toyota Yaris, the MG GT costs considerably less than a full-option Honda City. As far as peace of mind is concerned, the MG GT 2024 in Saudi Arabia is offered with a 6-year/200,000-kilometer manufacturer warranty.