The two letters ‘MG’ have been legendary in motoring history since 1924. They conjure up quintessentially British classic visions of open top cars – with running boards, a gentleman in a flat cap and a glamorous lady passenger with her scarf flowing in the wind.

A modern-day MG is a very different vision, with a heavy focus on the family market. The GS marks the first time MG has attempted to enter the competitive SUV market and I was really very pleasantly surprised.

Plush interior with supple cream leather throughout
The model MG lent to me was the GS Exclusive MT in a really nice Jet Black that accentuated the chrome elements perfectly. The GS range starts at £14,995 and the test car was £19,495 plus £249.99 for the interior leather lux pack which is a superb option for you to choose; a five-year factory warranty comes as standard.

On the inside the GS was very plush; supple cream leather throughout, the centre console and arm rest was also leather, with shiny piano black trim on the dash. If you have read my previous car reviews in The Local Answer you will know a quality steering wheel is a must for me and the one in the GS was as good a quality as the ones I have used in high end Audis and Volkswagens.

Ample speed delivery
As for the drive, I took it on some lengthy journeys and the 160bhp 1.5 litre petrol TGI engine had ample speed delivery. The turbo delivery did seem a little slow at points and then sudden to kick in, like an old school turbo lag, but this is something I am sure MG will improve on as they develop their engine and turbo package. The ride quality is really good via the 18-inch alloy wheels and suspension set up.
The small engine with turbo meant the fuel economy was fantastic at 45.5-46.3mpg combined and the six-speed manual gearbox felt very reliable (there is a 7 speed DCT automatic box available too).

Heated sports seats provide support
The MG GS comes with plenty of kit; there is mirror link/Bluetooth technology via the central infotainment screen, DAB radio and iGO navigation, and there are plenty of USB points for charging. Cruise control, heated wing mirrors, start-stop technology and electronic handbrake with hill start assist all added to the package. The MG also had heated sports seats, which really supported you well and the heat element also seemed to run up the back of the seat, which pleased a friend who had put his back out earlier in the week.

On a car of this size, a rear parking camera is so helpful and the one on the MG GS was perfect. One little gripe however (and this is to all car manufacturers) is the fact the camera often becomes dirty on wintery roads and you have to get out and give the lens on the boot a wipe with a tissue before attempting to park. In these days of washers on headlights, please can all manufacturers add a lens washer on the reversing camera!