Mg Gs Suv 2018 Review

The 2018 MG GS SUV offers a compelling mix of modern design, practical interior space, and strong value for money. With a turbocharged engine, user-friendly tech, and a comfortable ride, it’s a solid choice for families and urban drivers alike.

If you’re in the market for a compact SUV that doesn’t break the bank but still delivers on style, space, and tech, the 2018 MG GS deserves a serious look. As MG’s first modern SUV, the GS marked a turning point for the British brand’s revival under Chinese ownership. It was designed to compete with popular models like the Nissan Qashqai, Renault Kadjar, and Hyundai Tucson—and in many ways, it holds its own.

What makes the 2018 MG GS stand out isn’t just its aggressive pricing. It’s the overall package: a bold exterior, a well-equipped cabin, and a driving experience that balances comfort with a touch of sportiness. Whether you’re a young professional, a growing family, or someone who just wants a reliable daily driver with a bit of flair, the GS checks a lot of boxes. And while it may not have the brand cachet of a Toyota or Honda, it makes up for it with generous standard features and a warranty that gives peace of mind.

Key Takeaways

• Stylish and modern exterior: The 2018 MG GS features a bold front grille, sleek LED daytime running lights, and a sporty silhouette that stands out in its class.
• Turbocharged engine options: Available with a 1.5L or 2.0L turbocharged petrol engine, the GS delivers responsive power and decent fuel efficiency for daily driving.
• Spacious and versatile interior: With ample legroom, a large cargo area, and flexible seating, the GS comfortably accommodates five passengers and their gear.
• User-friendly infotainment system: The 8-inch touchscreen supports Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and navigation, making connectivity simple and intuitive.
• Strong safety features: Standard safety includes ABS, EBD, multiple airbags, and available advanced driver aids like lane departure warning and forward collision alert.
• Great value for money: Compared to rivals like the Nissan Qashqai or Hyundai Tucson, the MG GS offers more features at a lower price point.
• Comfortable ride quality: The suspension is tuned for comfort, making long drives and city commutes smooth and enjoyable.

Exterior Design and Styling

The 2018 MG GS doesn’t try to hide its ambitions. From the moment you lay eyes on it, you’ll notice its confident stance and modern design language. The front end is dominated by a large, chrome-accented grille that gives the SUV a bold, almost aggressive look. Flanking the grille are sharp LED daytime running lights that not only enhance visibility but also add a premium touch. The headlights themselves are well-integrated and offer good illumination at night.

Moving to the sides, the GS features strong character lines that run from the front fenders to the rear, creating a sense of motion even when the car is standing still. The roofline slopes gently toward the back, giving it a coupe-like appearance without sacrificing headroom. Wheel sizes range from 17 to 18 inches depending on the trim, and the alloy wheels are stylish without being overly flashy.

At the rear, the GS continues its modern theme with a clean, uncluttered design. The taillights are LED and wrap around the sides slightly, improving visibility. A subtle spoiler sits above the rear window, and dual exhaust tips (on higher trims) add a sporty flair. Overall, the exterior design strikes a nice balance between rugged SUV toughness and urban sophistication.

One of the standout features is the panoramic sunroof available on higher trims. It floods the cabin with natural light and gives the interior a more open, airy feel—perfect for weekend road trips or sunny commutes. The build quality feels solid, with consistent panel gaps and a sturdy feel when closing the doors.

Interior Comfort and Space

Step inside the 2018 MG GS, and you’re greeted by a cabin that feels more premium than its price tag suggests. The materials aren’t all soft-touch, but they’re well-chosen for durability and ease of cleaning—ideal for families or pet owners. The dashboard layout is clean and driver-focused, with controls placed within easy reach.

Seat comfort is a strong point. The front seats offer good support and adjustability, with available lumbar support on higher trims. Cloth upholstery comes standard, but leather or synthetic leather options are available and add a touch of luxury. The driving position is upright and commanding, giving you a good view of the road—something many drivers appreciate in an SUV.

Rear seat space is where the GS truly shines. Legroom is generous, even for taller passengers, and the bench seat is wide enough to comfortably seat three adults on shorter trips. The backrest angle is adjustable, which helps with long-drive comfort. There are also rear air vents, a center armrest with cup holders, and USB ports for charging devices—small details that make a big difference on family outings.

Cargo space is equally impressive. With the rear seats up, you get 407 liters of boot space, which is competitive for the class. Fold the 60/40 split rear seats down, and that expands to a generous 1,413 liters—enough for camping gear, luggage, or even a weekend’s worth of groceries. The load floor is low and flat, making it easy to slide heavy items in and out. There’s also a hidden storage compartment under the floor for valuables or tools.

Technology and Infotainment

The 2018 MG GS comes well-equipped with tech features that were impressive for its time and price range. The centerpiece is the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which is responsive and easy to navigate. It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to mirror your smartphone’s interface for navigation, music, and messaging. This is a huge plus for drivers who rely on their phones for directions and entertainment.

Bluetooth connectivity is standard, enabling hands-free calling and audio streaming. There’s also a built-in navigation system on higher trims, though many drivers may prefer using Google Maps or Waze through CarPlay for real-time traffic updates. The sound system is decent—six speakers come standard, and an optional premium audio upgrade is available for audiophiles.

Steering wheel controls make it easy to adjust volume, skip tracks, or answer calls without taking your hands off the wheel. Voice command functionality is included, though it’s best used for simple tasks like making calls or setting destinations.

Other tech highlights include a rearview camera with dynamic guidelines, which makes parking and reversing much safer. Higher trims add a 360-degree camera system, giving you a bird’s-eye view of the car—ideal for tight parking spots or navigating narrow driveways. Keyless entry and push-button start are also available, adding convenience to your daily routine.

One area where the GS could improve is the user interface. While functional, the system isn’t as polished as those in newer models from brands like Hyundai or Kia. Menus can feel a bit cluttered, and response times aren’t lightning-fast. Still, for the price, it’s a solid setup that covers all the essentials.

Performance and Driving Experience

Under the hood, the 2018 MG GS offers two turbocharged petrol engine options: a 1.5-liter and a 2.0-liter. The 1.5L engine produces 169 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque, while the 2.0L bumps that up to 220 horsepower and 350 Nm. Both are paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, depending on the trim and market.

The 1.5L engine is the more popular choice, offering a good balance of power and fuel efficiency. It’s peppy enough for city driving and highway merging, though it can feel a bit strained when fully loaded or climbing steep hills. The turbo kicks in early, so there’s minimal lag off the line. Fuel economy is respectable, averaging around 7.5–8.5 L/100km in mixed driving—better than some rivals in the segment.

The 2.0L engine, on the other hand, is more performance-oriented. It delivers strong acceleration and feels more confident at higher speeds. It’s better suited for drivers who frequently carry passengers or tow light loads. However, it does consume more fuel, so it’s a trade-off between power and efficiency.

The suspension setup is tuned for comfort, with MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link independent rear. It absorbs bumps and potholes well, making the ride smooth and composed. Road noise is minimal at highway speeds, and the cabin remains quiet—a testament to good insulation.

Steering is light and easy to manage in the city, though it lacks some feedback for spirited driving. The GS isn’t meant to be a sports SUV, but it handles corners adequately for its class. Braking is strong and consistent, with good pedal feel.

One thing to note: the dual-clutch automatic can be a bit jerky at low speeds, especially in stop-and-go traffic. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s something to be aware of if you do a lot of city driving. The manual transmission, if available in your region, offers a more engaging experience.

Safety Features and Reliability

Safety is a key consideration for any family vehicle, and the 2018 MG GS doesn’t disappoint. It comes with a solid suite of standard safety features, including dual front airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control (ESC), and traction control. These features helped it earn a respectable 4-star Euro NCAP safety rating when it was tested.

Higher trims add advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), such as forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. These features weren’t common in this price range at the time, giving the GS an edge over competitors.

The forward collision system can detect vehicles and pedestrians and apply the brakes if the driver doesn’t react in time. It’s not as sophisticated as systems in newer cars, but it’s effective in preventing low-speed collisions. The lane departure warning gently vibrates the steering wheel if you drift out of your lane without signaling—a helpful reminder on long drives.

Reliability-wise, the GS has a mixed reputation. Early models had some reported issues with electronics and build quality, but MG has made improvements over time. The brand also offers a generous 7-year/150,000 km warranty in many markets, which is one of the best in the industry. This long warranty period reflects confidence in the vehicle’s durability and gives buyers peace of mind.

Regular maintenance is straightforward, and parts are generally affordable. Common service items like oil changes, brake pads, and filters are reasonably priced. However, it’s worth noting that MG dealership networks are still growing in some regions, so service availability may vary.

Fuel Efficiency and Running Costs

For a compact SUV, the 2018 MG GS offers decent fuel economy, especially with the 1.5L engine. In real-world driving, you can expect around 7.5–8.5 L/100km in mixed conditions—city and highway combined. This translates to a range of about 600–700 km on a full tank, depending on driving style and load.

The 2.0L engine, while more powerful, consumes more fuel—typically 9–10 L/100km. It’s better suited for drivers who prioritize performance over economy. Both engines require 95-octane petrol, which is widely available but slightly more expensive than regular fuel.

Running costs are generally low. Insurance premiums are moderate, and the GS is classified in a mid-range group for most insurers. Depreciation is a consideration—MG isn’t as established as some competitors, so resale values may not hold up as well. However, the long warranty and low initial price help offset this.

Maintenance costs are reasonable. Scheduled services are affordable, and many tasks can be done at independent garages if you’re outside the warranty period. Common issues reported by owners include occasional glitches with the infotainment system and minor rattles in the cabin, but these are not widespread.

Pricing and Value for Money

One of the biggest selling points of the 2018 MG GS is its value. When it launched, it undercut rivals like the Nissan Qashqai and Hyundai Tucson by several thousand dollars, yet offered more standard features. Even today, used models represent excellent value for buyers on a budget.

New pricing at launch ranged from around $22,000 to $30,000 depending on trim and region. The base model came well-equipped with air conditioning, alloy wheels, and a touchscreen, while higher trims added leather, sunroofs, and advanced safety tech.

On the used market, 2018 models typically sell for $15,000–$20,000, depending on mileage, condition, and location. This makes it an attractive option for first-time SUV buyers or those upgrading from a smaller car.

Compared to competitors, the GS offers more for less. For example, a similarly equipped Nissan Qashqai would cost significantly more, and you’d likely have to step up to a higher trim to match the MG’s feature list. The GS also comes with a longer warranty, which adds to its long-term value.

Conclusion

The 2018 MG GS SUV is a smart choice for anyone looking for a stylish, spacious, and well-equipped compact SUV without the premium price tag. It may not have the brand prestige of a Toyota or the cutting-edge tech of a Tesla, but it delivers where it counts: comfort, practicality, and value.

Its bold design turns heads, the interior is roomy and comfortable, and the tech features cover all the essentials. The turbocharged engines offer a good mix of power and efficiency, and the ride quality is smooth and composed. Safety is solid, and the long warranty provides added confidence.

While it’s not perfect—some may find the infotainment system a bit dated, and reliability can vary—the overall package is hard to beat at this price point. Whether you’re commuting daily, taking weekend trips, or starting a family, the MG GS is a reliable and enjoyable companion.

If you’re in the market for a used SUV and want to maximize your budget, the 2018 MG GS is definitely worth a test drive. It proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a capable, modern SUV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2018 MG GS reliable?

The 2018 MG GS has mixed reliability reports, with some owners experiencing minor electronics issues. However, MG’s 7-year warranty and ongoing improvements help mitigate concerns, making it a reasonably dependable choice.

What engine options are available in the 2018 MG GS?

The 2018 MG GS comes with two turbocharged petrol engines: a 1.5L producing 169 hp and a 2.0L producing 220 hp. Both are available with manual or automatic transmissions.

Does the MG GS have Apple CarPlay?

Yes, the 2018 MG GS supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto via its 8-inch touchscreen, allowing seamless smartphone integration for navigation, music, and calls.

How much cargo space does the MG GS have?

The MG GS offers 407 liters of boot space with the rear seats up and up to 1,413 liters with the seats folded down, making it practical for families and road trips.

Is the MG GS good for long drives?

Yes, the GS provides a comfortable ride, supportive seats, and a quiet cabin, making it well-suited for long-distance travel and highway cruising.

What safety rating does the 2018 MG GS have?

The 2018 MG GS earned a 4-star Euro NCAP safety rating, with standard features like ABS, ESC, multiple airbags, and available advanced driver aids.