MG GS Aussie spec revealed

Following on from our first drive review last week, detailed Australian specifications have been supplied by Chinese brand MG for its compact GS SUV that goes on-sale in Australia in the third quarter of 2016.

As reported then, pricing is expected to kick off at $22,990 drive-away for the cheaper of two models powering their front wheels via a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine and seven-speed dual clutch transmission.

Only the top specification model will offer the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and all-wheel drive combined with a six-speed DCT that we drove briefly last week in Dubai.

The SGE 1.5T is confirmed as producing 124kW and 250Nm (between 1700-4400rpm), while in Australian trim the NLE 2.0T will make a meatier 162kW and 350Nm (between 2500-4400rpm).

While no fuel consumption figures are issued as yet, both drivetrains come standard with idle-stop. Engines are rated at Euro V.

The GS is listed as a four-star ANCAP and ASEAN NCAP performer, but only three stars under Euro NCAP. However, none of these organisations has published crash tests of the GS, so presumably these are estimates resulting from internal data. We've queried that with MG and will update this story when we receive further advice.

All three cars are confirmed as having six airbags, although the curtain is listed as a "front side" – we've also queried that. Rear parking sensors are standard on all three models, but the entry-level GS misses out on a reversing camera.

Stability control is joined by cornering brake control, emergency brake assist and anti-lock brakes with emergency brakeforce distribution. The brakes themselves are discs all-round on all models.

Tyre pressure monitoring is offered for all three models, but only the top model gets a temporary spare tyre while the other two make do with a pump and glue. An anti-roll program and hill descent control are also exclusive to the top model.

Equipment standard in all models includes a sunroof, luggage rack, cruise control, leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear knob, automatic air-conditioning, power windows, electric parking brake, foglights, LED daytime running lamps, rain-sensing wipers, alloy wheels, a cold storage box, security blind for the luggage compartment, Arkamys audio, digital radio, Bluetooth, MP3, iPod-in and Aux/USB.

Both the mid and upper luxury-spec variants upgrade from halogen to xenon headlights, 17 to 18-inch wheels, from fabric to "PVC + leather" sports seats, from a 6.1-inch colour screen to an 8.0-inch colour touch screen and from four to six speakers. They also get six-way adjusting powered front seats.