MG GT 2024: Variants Explanation

The new MG GT made its Middle East debut back in late 2021. The compact but stylish sedan was originally meant to replace the MG 5, but MG Motor instead decided to launch the GT as an all-new model in several markets including Saudi Arabia. In several international markets, the MG GT is sold as the second-generation MG 5.

Regardless of the nameplate, both cars are related to the Roewe i5 and underpinned by the same GM-PATAC K architecture. There is a key difference here, though, as the MG GT is considered a more aspirational model and is thus pegged a notch above the outgoing MG 5 sedan in KSA.
Given its steadfast focus on form and style, the target audience of the MG GT 2024 will be trendy and fashion-conscious youngsters. Its chief competitors are cars like the Honda City, Hyundai Accent, and Toyota Yaris. This means that the MG 5 and MG GT both compete against the same set of cars, albeit at slightly different price points.

Some key takeaways of the MG GT 2024

The exterior of the MG GT grabs eyeballs easily, owing to its fastback-inspired design language. The sweptback eyes that make up the headlights naturally draw one’s attention towards the flared fenders and the smooth-flowing shoulder line. The GT’s sloping roof ‘stretches’ out and melts at the boot, visually lengthening the car.
Making the front seem sporty is the large ‘Digital Flame’ grille and the aggressive bumper with fake vents. This design mandate is applied by the bold-looking alloy wheels, ‘Race Track’ LED tail lights, rear bumper with stylistic aero appearance, and fake exhaust tips. The MG GT is 4,675 mm long, 1,842 mm wide, and up to 1,480 mm tall.

The youth-friendly mission of the MG GT sedan barrels along with its sporty and stylish interior theme. The “fighter jet” inspired cockpit incorporates a driver-centric layout with a thrust lever-like gear selector, metallic switchgear, and a virtual gauge cluster. The two-tone upholstery with white highlights, snazzy AC vent design, and the dash-top-mounted ignition button make an impression, too.
A majority of the soft-touch materials are of good quality and feel relatively premium. The cheaper bits of trim, although not egregiously so, are found on top of the dashboard and doors. The front seats have good lateral support and get seat-back pockets for extra practicality. MG has also scooped out the roof to provide more headroom for rear-seat passengers.

Owing to its form-over-function design philosophy, the boot space of the MG GT is just 401 liters. However, it can be opened electronically by using the key fob, which adds to the overall convenience. The MG GT feels a touch quieter at highway speeds over the MG 5 due to its sleeker shape, though it is both longer and wider.
The MG GT is available with two petrol engines in KSA: 1.5-liter N/A four-cylinder and 1.5-liter turbo-petrol four-cylinder. The naturally-aspirated motor is also found in the MG 5 and makes 118 hp and 150 Nm. Meanwhile, the punchier turbo-petrol kicks out 173 hp and 250 Nm. Transmission choices include a CVT and a 7-speed DCT.

The MG GT Turbo hits 100 kmph in 8.5 seconds and can attain a top speed of 215 kmph. The N/A version takes 10.5 seconds to touch 100 kmph and its top speed is only 185 kmph. However, it is more fuel-efficient with a rating of 17.5 kmpl (5.7 L/100 km) – the turbo version manages 16.9 kmpl (5.9 L/100 km).

Variants of the MG GT 2024

MG GT 1.5L STD

The base variant of the MG GT in KSA is the 1.5L STD and it starts from around SAR 63,000. As the name indicates, the MG GT STD (short for Standard) variant is powered by the 1.5-liter naturally-aspirated engine. The STD variant is equipped with a CVT automatic, though one that is programmed with 8 artificial gear ratios.
There are also some mechanical differences to be considered when talking about this entry-level trim. For instance, a maximum fuel tank capacity of 45 liters, a maximum height of 1,473 mm, and a curb weight of 1,260 kg. The base variant of the MG GT comes with 16-inch alloy wheels with 205-section tires.

When it comes to the exterior of the MG GT STD, there are not many sacrifices made. Regardless of the variant, buyers will have access to equipment like automatic LED headlights with LED DRLs, electrically-adjustable ORVMs, and remote boot release. The standard list of conveniences includes keyless entry & go, automatic climate control, cruise control, and a heated rear windscreen.
The base variant gets a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with 4 speakers, along with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, plus Bluetooth connectivity. The seats are upholstered in fabric and the driver’s seat gets 6-way manual adjustment. A leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel comes standard, while the STD variant has rear parking sensors with a reversing camera.

The MG GT’s basic safety features are dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, hill-hold assist, an electronic stability program, and an electric parking brake with auto hold. These are then backed up by TPMS, rear ISOFIX anchors, three-pointed seatbelts, and remote central door locking. Just as welcome is the fact that all variants get front and rear disc brakes as standard.

MG GT 1.5L Turbo COM

The mid-spec variant of the MG GT is the 1.5L Turbo COM, and it costs around SAR 75,000. The MG GT Comfort, as it is more commonly called, boasts several upgrades over the entry-level car. The most obvious upgrades include the more powerful turbocharged engine and the snappy dual-clutch transmission. The sedan is also taller by a barely-noticeable 7 mm.

Then there is the larger 50-liter fuel tank and the dual-tone 17-inch alloy wheels with wider 215-section tires. These additions, apart from the rest that will be mentioned below, have added 58 kilograms to the curb weight. The most notable features on the inside of the COM variant are the electric sunroof, paddle shifters, and a 12.3-inch virtual gauge cluster.
Customers can also enjoy the sporty-looking MG Trophy Edition leather upholstery, finished in an eye-catching red and black theme. Making the cabin more practical are basic inclusions such as rear reading lights, an overhead sunglass holder, plus sunvisors with a built-in vanity mirror & light. These exclusions from the base variant make very little sense.

The only other valuable addition to the Comfort variant comes in the form of two extra airbags for the front occupants. These are also lapses that can be done away with – basic safety should not be compromised.

MG GT 1.5L Turbo LUX

The 1.5L Turbo LUX (short for Luxury) is the most expensive MG GT variant, priced at over SAR 80,000. Mechanically, it is identical to the mid-spec COM variant. The only two differences to the exterior of the top-spec LUX variant are the integration of a power-folding function for the ORVMs and adaptive beam control for the LED headlights.

On the inside, the MG GT LUX comes with a 6-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar adjustment. The latter will pay dividends on long road trips where non-stop highway rides will become more bearable for your back. Similarly useful when driving through some parts of town would be the Air Quality Management System – i.e., an air purifier.
The last noteworthy addition made to the interior of the Luxury variant is the inclusion of two more speakers. With six speakers, customers should be able to enjoy their favorite tunes much better than with the 4-speaker unit. Even more interesting are the upgraded safety features of the MG GT LUX variant.

The most basic upgrade here comes from the incorporation of side curtain airbags – taking the total to six airbags. Again, these should have been standard across the range to begin with. The LUX variant gets more advanced safety tech like forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and 360-degree parking cameras. Unfortunately, features like auto-emergency braking and blind-spot warning are unavailable.

Conclusion

The MG GT is an attractive-looking compact sedan with engine & transmission options – both of which are relatively economical. The turbocharged petrol engine packs enough punch for a car this size, while the cabin boasts a stylish design with driver-centric ergonomics. However, the most important takeaway here is the aesthetic design.

The MG GT is clearly meant for an audience that prioritizes style over almost every other metric. This is not to say that it is a lackluster vehicle – it is capable of providing some level of fun behind the wheel. However, the MG GT’s pricing means that it gets away with fewer misses when compared to an MG 5.
There are cars that cost around the same but offer a lot more value for your money. Meanwhile, the MG GT doesn’t get a lot of the features as standard – six airbags, adaptive cruise control, auto-emergency braking, a vanity mirror, reading lights, etc. These become harder to justify as the price increases variant-wise.

If you want a secondary (compact) car in your garage that looks good, drives decently, and will mostly be used for short trips, then the COM variant of the MG GT will do the job well.