We only really have two criticisms. One is that it doesn’t make a good cruiser because the wheel feels too numb. The second criticism is that engine “choice” is limited to a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine.
However, providing you’re not fussed about having a choice (or a diesel), this power plant suits the MG GS Estate well. It develops up to 164bhp, and does 0-62 in 9.6 seconds. It’s quiet in the town and comes paired up with a manual transmission.
As well as lacking a diesel option, the MG also doesn’t come with four-wheel-drive. That said, we don’t think this should be a deal breaker, as this isn’t an out-and-out off-roader. Moreover, two-wheel-drive will save you money on fuel.
How much? The 1.5-litre engine returns 46.3mpg, and costs £140 per year to tax. That’s par for the course in this class. And while there are one or two rivals that are slightly more economical, the MG is one of the fastest.
Meanwhile, it sits in insurance group 16.
Inside, the MG GS Estate is pleasingly pleasant. There was a worry that such a low asking price would result in a cheap-feeling cabin, but that isn’t the case. It’s well-built, roomy, and while it isn’t glamorous the dashboard is easy on the eye.
There is evidence of harder plastics, but you just need to refer back to the asking price. For less than £15,000, you can forgive a few shortcomings.
In terms of how practical it is, the car doesn’t do too much wrong. However, its weak point is a 335-litre boot that is considerably smaller than the Mitsubishi. The rear seats can be dropped totally flat at least to free up more space. The car also comes with a space-saver spare wheel, which is not something all its rivals offer.
It’s also pleasing that there is no central transmission tunnel, which means the middle seated passenger doesn’t need to feel too cramped. That said, this seat is more uncomfortable than the rest.
Price:
Mitsubishi – £16,200 – £28,900
MG – £14,995 – £20,995