Previously in MG Enthusiast we have covered the story of a facelift for the MG GS which was initially destined only for Chinese sales. As MG Motor UK’s Sales Director Daniel Gregorious has confirmed (see our exclusive interview this month on Drive-My), the original MG GS was only homologated to a level that limited sales in the UK to no more than 1000 per year. Clearly the same constraints do not operate elsewhere, and the facelifted GS has gone on to sell well in China, benefiting from a frankly far superior interior to the original version. The facelift has now been launched in the Middle East too, where it is being described as the MG GS 2019.
This model is being offered in that region in two versions, both with the 221bhp two-litre engine driving through a six-speed automatic transmission, with the more upmarket variant coming with four-wheel drive and an improved torque management system. Standard equipment includes such features as an electric sunroof, automatic folding door mirrors, keyless entry, push-button start, hill descent control and a rear parking camera. It will be interesting to see how the MG GS 2019 matches up in Middle East showrooms alongside the MG RX5, which is already on sale. It seems likely that the MG GS 2019 will eventually give way to the new MG HS, as detailed last issue.
