On paper, the Maxus G50 already wins the MPV game in the Philippines

The multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) segment in the country owes its success to the Filipino family-centric culture, as well as the propensity of local customers to look for a vehicle that can fulfill a variety of roles. If you’re going to pay for a sizable vehicle, you might as well get your money’s worth, right?

The Maxus G50 has arrived (and yes, it comes in other colors too)

Maxus is one of those carmakers already capitalizing on these market attributes, having brought in their range of light commercial vehicles beginning last year. The G50 MPV is the newest offering from the Chinese-owned British marque, and needless to say, its arrival could mean “game over” for its more-established competitors. Sure, the Maxus G50 rocks four doors and a rear liftgate, with the same tall design that’s practically the norm in its category.

But if you think this is just another contender that’s out to get a slice of the MPV pie, think again, as the G50’s list of standard equipment across three variants won’t be leaving any crumbs for its rivals. The wide chrome grille on the fascia of the top-spec trim is surrounded by a sleek, automatic LED headlamp and daytime running light array.

Power-folding external mirrors come in handy for fitting into tight parking spaces. The generous greenhouse is complemented by a panoramic sunroof that lets occupants bask in ambient light during the day or night drives, while a power tailgate function makes it more convenient to load cargo.      

Maxus is really going big with its latest MPV

If that doesn’t pique your curiosity, the G50’s interior features three-row seating in leather trim that can readily accommodate eight occupants, more than most MPVs can claim to do. Both the driver and front passenger seats offer power adjustments, while the second- and third-row seats can easily fold 60/40 to meet your various cabin needs.

Automatic air-conditioning with rear vents ensures comfort for everyone on board. Meanwhile, the multi-function steering wheel is a mere prelude to a dashboard that’s dominated by a large 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display. Wireless charging is on hand to keep your compatible mobile device juiced up without having to deal with tangled cables.

We bet you won't be getting enough of that 12.3-inch touchscreen display anytime soon

Powering the G50’s front wheels is a 1.5L gasoline engine which sounds like par for the course for this category, except that it’s equipped with turbocharging, an intercooler, and direct injection technology. All that gives the power plant enough grunt for 167 hp and 250 Nm of torque, mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The G50’s girth is made more manageable by electronic power steering, while front MacPherson and rear torsion beam suspension deliver a comfortable ride.

Four-wheel disc brakes and an electronic parking brake are practically unheard of in this class yet the G50 offers both across the range, along with electronic stability control, hill hold control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Up to four airbags deploy in the event of impacts, and the G50 even ups the safety ante with a 360-degree panoramic view system that works with the front and rear sensors to eliminate blind spots.

Should its rivals be afraid of the G50's arrival?

Aside from the striking Roland Purple hue that the G50’s initial photos came in, the model is also available in other colors such as Warm White, Warm Argent, Metal Black, Polar Ash, Water Blue, and Deep Golden. The base G50 Pro is offered at Php 1,088,000, the mid-range Elite costs Php 1,168,000, and the flagship Premium retails for Php 1,288,000. Every G50 is backed by a 5-year/100,000-km. warranty with 24/7 roadside assistance for fleet purchases. Ready to give the Maxus G50 a second look?

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