Manila International Auto Show 2019: Morris Garages Philippines makes a huge splash!

Morris Garages Philippines or simply MG for short has once again showcased their brand and their very interesting lineup of vehicles at the 2019 Manila International Auto Show. A car show held annually here in the Philippines which has gained a reputation as the premier car and trade show the country. As such it’s a perfect place and time for car manufacturers like MG to reveal and exhibit their latest products.

While being a new kid on the block, MG isn’t exactly new per se as they have been around even before World War 2. Yep, they’ve been making vehicles since 1924 and as of the current, is now together with SAIC Motors, a Chinese car company and with The Covenant Car Company in the Philippines.

Morris Garages Philippine’s very tastefully and consistently designed pavilion. A good looking spot for equally good looking cars

Since being acquired by SAIC Motors, MG has enjoyed massive growth and success in other countries like in the United Kingdom, in China, and in South America and they have even won a couple of prestigious car awards like the 2014 Auto Express for third place in the “Best Manufacturer” category.

As such, MG has also made apparent that they perceive the Philippines as one of their next great steps as an automotive company, recognizing the country as an emerging major market. And yes, ever since MG cars has been officially made available here in the Philippines, they have indeed made great splashes within the country’s auto industry and even during the 2019 Manila International Auto Show itself.

Despite being a relatively new brand in the Philippines, MG isn’t exactly holding back its punches especially at the 2019 MIAS because as we’ve observed, droves and droves of people came to their red, blue and black themed pavilion to take a good look at the four gorgeous vehicles they have on display. 

1. MG RX5: Compact SUV

First off, let us take a look at MG’s compact SUV called the MG RX5.

The MG RX5 is MG’s very capable looking compact SUV which perfectly embodies MG’s intention to provide the Philippine market a sophisticated, smart and yet stylish vehicle that can navigate different types of terrain the user puts it through.

The MG RX5 compact SUV is both functional and stylish; the perfect combination of style and substance

And yes, we can definitely see that from the RX5’s elegantly styled body lines that perfectly compliment the overall functional yet robust look of the vehicle. One major thing we also liked very much is that it also didn’t have fake vents which is very common in modern vehicles today.

That being said, it perfectly embodies putting the “Fun in Function” theme of this year’s MIAS. And of course, the RX5 is also of note among other compact SUVs available in the market right now because of its powerful 1.5-liter DOHC 4 cylinder engine which can make a 166 horsepower.

That makes the MG RX5 2019 one of the most powerful vehicles within its price range and category.  In terms of interior, the MG comfortably sits five people and is equipped with all the modern amenities that come expected of a modern vehicle.

The MG RX5 has two variants; the Core MT which has a manual transmission and the Style AT. Apart from the transmission, differences between the two variants are that the Core MT lacks the tire pressure monitor, vehicle stability control, 18-inch wheels, and start-stop which the Style AT has.

2. MG ZS: Crossover

Another vehicle MG Philippines has on display in their pavilion is the MG ZS which is MG’s crossover model. In comparison to the other MG vehicles in MIAS 2019, the ZS is the most affordable and yet like the others, also puts the “fun in function”.

MG’s Crossover SUV, the ZS, promises a motoring experience that crosses over and above the ordinary

Powered by a 1.5 liter, naturally aspirated DOHC engine that can make up to 113 horsepower. Despite having the smallest and least powerful engine from the MG lineup presented at MIAS 2019. The ZS nonetheless still puts “the fun in function” because it’s also quite a looker as it shares many styling cues from its bigger RX5 brother.

Like the RX5, the ZS also features sweeping character lines on both sides of its hood’s length and along the vehicle’s sides and also features minimal fake vents on its front fascia.

The shiny MG logo at the rear of the ZS functions as a latch that can open the trunk!

Inside the vehicle, we are greeted with a spacious cabin that can provide a comfortable seat for five people and ample cargo space at the back. The instrument panel, like from the other MG cars, is also slightly angled towards the driver which is a current trend in new vehicles today that not only helps a lot in terms of ergonomics but also gives the ZS a sporty, driver-oriented feel.

All in all, the buttons and controls are logically placed and the materials used for the seats, dashboard and door panels are of robust quality. We also appreciate the dark colors of the interior which offers some resistance to stains as it is of our opinion that the ZS will definitely become a choice family vehicle in its production timeline.

The MG ZS 2019 comes in three variants; the MT Style, the AT Style, and the top of the line AT Alpha. The AT Alpha comes with many modern amenities such as a touch screen entertainment and communication system and safety features like ABS, electronic brake force distribution, stability control, and parking sensors.

3. The MG6: Luxury Sedan

The third vehicle we have noticed on display at the MG pavilion was a vehicle that was covered when we got there at about 10:30 am in the morning. When we came back in the afternoon, it was revealed to be a sleek, powerful-looking sedan which if viewed from behind noticeable sports that slope running down from the roof to the rear that we all know and love; the fastback.

The 2019 MG 6 fastback, launched at the 2019 MIAS

 And thus indeed, “fast is back” with the MG6 compact sedan as it is powered by a turbocharged, 1.5-liter inline-four DOHC engine that can produce up to 164 horsepower and 250 nm of torque. But even while it’s sporty the MG6 offers enough luxury and creature comforts that can pamper up to five people.

Aside from being spacious, the quality of the materials and the craftsmanship of the MG6’s interior is also noteworthy not to mention sporty because of the striking red color its dashboard and seats are accented with.

The passengers and driver of the MG6 2019 are also protected by a number of safety systems like traction control, cornering brake control, hill start assists, electronic brake distribution, and many other safety features.

Fast is back with the 2019 MG 6 fastback sedan with 164 hp and 250 nm of torque, the MG6 is no slouch when it comes to performance

The MG6 comes in two variants; the AT Alpha and the AT Trophy which both come with the same engine and transmission. The AT Trophy has more in the way of wheel size and LED lights.  

At its price point, the MG6 with all its luxury and power is a surprising and definitely one of the most noteworthy vehicles launched at MIAS 2019.

The last vehicle on display at the MG pavilion at the 2019 MIAS is a historical model from MG called the MG TF which references and highlights one point of the company’s rich and colorful history. As for the MG TF itself, it is a green colored, convertible roadster displaying MG’s performance vehicle roots. That is still evident among their new vehicles and what’s pleasant to know is, their models are all modestly priced.

The MG Pavillion at the 2019 Manila International Auto Show

If you want to see MG's cars for yourself, you can visit the MG Philippines pavilion at the 2019 Manila International Auto Show from April 4 to April 7. The show is open from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm every during this schedule.

You could also visit the last leg of the MG Live! Concert series on April 6, at MIAS and catch an electrifying performance by the OPM Band; ULTRA COMBO! The MG Live! The show starts at 4 p.m. See you there!