MG GT

• You get two engine choices, and they are genuinely different enough that the choice matters. The 1.5L naturally aspirated engine produces 117 hp and 150 Nm of torque, paired with an 8-speed iCVT transmission. With its overall performance, you can get an everyday mileage of around 16-17 km/l.  You will notice this engine is not the quickest, but it is adequate for city and highway driving, where most of the owners will use it.

• The 1.5L turbocharged option is where things get interesting. It comes with a higher power of 173 hp and 250 Nm of torque, and gets a 7-speed DCT, which is quick and responsive. Since it gives more power, but be ready for a drop in mileage a bit. This powertrain is for drivers who want responsiveness without sacrificing economy. Both engines are front-wheel drive.

• The MG GT measures 4,675 mm in length, 1,842 mm in width, and approximately 1,473 mm in height. This makes the GT a perfect city car, easy to navigate, with crowded roads and congested lanes.  congested traffic. The tight turning radius helps with parking in tight spaces.

• The three driving modes matter. Eco, Normal and Sport for most kinds of driving conditions across KSA.

Some honest limitations

• The naturally aspirated engine feels adequate but not quick. In traffic, it is fine.

• On the highway, it is steady. It is not a performance machine. The turbo lag is noticeable in specific throttle positions, though not excessive.

• At highway speeds above 120 km/h, wind noise becomes noticeable.

• The suspension is tuned for handling, but comfort is still definitely taken care of well. If you want a car that feels sporty, the GT perfectly delivers better than expected.

• First and foremost, the city driving is where the MG GT shines. The tight turning radius and responsive steering make driving through city roads effortless. Small lanes that are intimidating in larger cars become easy in the GT. That matters when you are faced with congested lanes or crowded city roads.

• On the highway, comfort is something you will certainly impress with. The multi-link rear suspension absorbs imperfections well, and the wind noise is present at higher speeds but is controlled. The cabin stays relatively quiet, and the turbo variant's extra power makes highway merging confident.

• On smooth roads, the suspension feels reasonably compliant. Small bumps are handled with. Importantly, even for long hours of driving, you won’t feel tired easily, which is a huge strength of the car that buyers in the segment need and they will take it more kindly.

• Another factor that determines driving comfort is the steering, and you will notice it is not just responsive but also direct. It gets in Sport mode, lighter in Eco. There's genuine feedback without being harsh, and you feel connected to what the car is doing.

• Body control through corners is composed, and the GT leans in curves as expected, but body roll is controlled. You're always confident in your grip. The dual-clutch transmission on the turbo variant keeps power delivery smooth even when pushing.

• Visibility is good, with an upright driving position and good glass area providing excellent sightlines. Rear parking sensors and an available 360-degree camera eliminate reversing concerns.

Our observations

• The sports chassis tuning means harsh surfaces are felt more than in pure comfort cars.

• Severe speed bumps are noticeable. The rear seat is tight for adults on long journeys.

• Forward visibility is excellent, but the sloping fastback rear creates some rear-quarter visibility blind spots.

• The touchscreen on higher trims is 10 inches with Apple CarPlay, and quite responsive and natural to get used to with no time. The system integrates smoothly. The lower trims have basic audio without the touchscreen, which is good enough for the price.

• Seating indeed feels a lot comfortable, the higher trims get ventilated front seats, which genuinely matter in Saudi heat. The leather seats on the top variants are quality and durable. The lower trims use fabric that's practical and wears well. The foldable rear seats with 60/40 split provide cargo flexibility.

• Despite being a compact sedan, the boot is 401 litres, which should suffice for average family needs. It is not the biggest, but it works for practical needs. The split-fold rear seats expand space when needed.

• Climate control is effective. With manual AC on base models, automatic on higher trims. The system cools the cabin efficiently even in extreme Saudi heat, something noteworthy in this segment

• Cabin storage is also practical, with cupholders, door pockets, and centre console compartments. The electric sunroof on higher trims opens up the cabin without the complications of panoramic roofs.

• The interior layout is straightforward. The materials combine hard plastics on lower trims with softer materials on higher variants. That's honest engineering for the price.

• LED lighting throughout gives the cabin a modern feel. The acoustic hood reduces engine noise effectively. The overall impression is stylish functionality rather than luxury pretence.

What you get

• There are about 4/6 airbags based on the trim; the deployment is quick and effective.

• ABS with electronic brake-force distribution prevents lockup. Electronic stability control helps maintain grip. Hill-start assist and auto hold are standard, and the electric parking brake is reliable.

• The higher trims come with a forward collision warning system and a lane departure warning system. These work effectively and provide genuine accident prevention. The 360-degree camera on top variants eliminates parking and reversing concerns.

• The high-density steel cage body with laser brazing technology provides genuine structural protection. The construction absorbs and distributes crash energy effectively.

• The MG GT focuses on occupant protection through engineering and active systems. While independent crash testing has not been completed yet, the structural approach is proven.

• Rear ISOFIX anchors are standard, protecting younger passengers. Three-point seat-belts with pre-tensioning are across all seats. The tyre pressure monitoring keeps you informed of pressure changes.