FULL REVIEW: 2023 MG GT Alpha -- What a revelation!

Disclaimer: The Covenant Car Company, Inc., the official importer and distributor of MG in the Philippines, very kindly lent us a 2023 MG GT Alpha for 12 days. It arrived with a full tank of fuel and loaded RFID cards, and AutoFun Philippines paid for an additional full tank of fuel, RFID load, and a car wash.

Sometimes, things that are unplanned turn out to be rather excellent.

When I go out to lunch or dinner with my Mom, and we find that the restaurant we had chosen is already closed, we find an alternative spot with food that is equally or more delectable than our first choice.

Indeed, my entire racing career is a happy accident – an unexpected invite from a major carmaker to join the Automobile Association of the Philippines Motorsport Development Program snowballed into an adrenaline-filled adventure driving at the limit.

Even here at AutoFun Philippines, the unexpected can result in something thoroughly interesting. MG Philippines had originally booked a different test car for me but had to replace it at the last minute. 

What I got was the 2023 MG GT Alpha, which is one of the most interesting cars that I’ve driven this year.

Cavernous, stylish cabin

The MG GT was introduced on January 2023, with this base-model Alpha variant priced at ₱1,015,888 to take on top-of-the-line subcompact sedans like the Toyota Vios and Honda City.

But if you look at the dimensions, the GT is longer, wider, and taller than the Honda Civic compact sedan. In other words, MG’s newest model is going for the “more for less” approach by offering more space for a lower price.

And this extra size is all the more apparent in the cabin, which offers generous headroom and legroom for five passengers, even with the sloping fastback roofline.

Leather upholstery is standard in this base-model Alpha, with MG using good-quality hide on the seats and the door cards. In addition, the faux aluminum trim and the textured piano-black plastic make the GT look and feel special.

However, par for the subcompact class is the use of hard, scratchy plastics on the dashboard and the tops of the doors.

Speaking of the seats, the GT has quite possibly the best chairs in the subcompact class, offering superb thigh and side support for all occupants. Other carmakers should sit in one to find out why I keep moaning about unsupportive seats (it can be done!).

But something that is shockingly absent in this MG is a telescoping steering wheel and adjustable top anchors for the front seatbelts. Drivers of a certain height may not be able to get fully comfortable.

Lots of toys

The MG GT Alpha is also well-equipped compared to the Vios GR-S and the City RS.

You get a comprehensive and clear digital gauge cluster that even features things like a G-meter, in case you really want to test the limits of the 16-inch 205/55 series tires.

Something rather nice, too, is the touchscreen infotainment system that offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. But one annoying thing is that the air-conditioning controls can only be operated using the screen.

This fiddly affair requires you to divert your attention from the road significantly. Also, as I discovered, if you’re taking a call using the Bluetooth system, you can’t adjust the air-con (leaving me freezing to death despite a rather hot conversation).

Other neat features include the electric moonroof, the standard traction control, the reversing camera, and the air-conditioning vent for the rear passengers. There are also plenty of storage spaces, including the massive compartment under the center armrest.

However, the trunk opening is too small, making loading larger items difficult or impossible.

Attractive styling

Step out of the MG GT Alpha for a moment, and you will find that it really is a good-looking car that hides its big dimensions well.

Even with body kits and fancy accessories, the Vios and City epitomize the traditional (and rather boring) three-box sedan shape.

The MG GT Alpha looks vastly different from anything else in its class. The pointed LED headlights not only turn night into day, but also complement the large black front grill and the dramatic side vents nicely.

In addition, the splendid fastback profile, the large LED taillights, and the (albeit fake) rear diffuser make it look like it was made in Germany. This is, perhaps, not a surprise, given that MG was once a European brand.

Our test unit also had this cool pearlescent paint scheme called Iron Oxide (more conventionally known as rust for those who missed chemistry class). Unlike MGs of old that turned into iron oxide as years passed, the paint finish on the GT Alpha is very good. 

In low-light conditions, the car is dark gray. But shine a bright beam onto it, and a rich brown color emerges.

Punchy, economical engine

So far, so good with my last-minute replacement test car – it looks great, it’s well-equipped, and it’s roomy.

And here’s some trivia! The last time that MG used the “GT” moniker on a car was in the 1960s. 

The MGB GT was the coupe version of the venerable MGB sports car. Its attractive hatchback profile was styled by the renowned Italian design house Pininfarina. 

Today’s GT seems to carry over some of the old GT’s sporting spirit, even with the modest 114 PS and 150 Nm of torque from the 1.5-liter, twin-cam, 16-valve inline-4 gasoline engine.

In coordination with the continuously variable transmission (CVT), low-end torque is strong even at 2,000 rpm, with a linear powerband all the way to its 5,500 rpm redline. It’s not a ball of fire, but it’s more than adequate for daily driving.

The fuel economy is also par for the class – we consistently got 7 to 10 km/l in the city and 16 to 18 km/l on the expressway by keeping the engine below 3000 rpm.

Using the standard cruise control, the MG GT Alpha cruises at 100 km/h at a leisurely 1,800 rpm.

Driving dynamics need work

MG touts the GT Alpha as a sports sedan – it may look the part, but it certainly doesn’t drive the part.

The CVT above suffers terrible lag when driving off from a stop, a problem that Toyota and Honda solved some ten years ago.

Other issues include a spongy brake pedal and steering that lacks feel, even when set in the heaviest Dynamic mode.

But the thing that keeps the MG GT Alpha from really becoming a full-fledged sports sedan is the soft springs. Combined with the car’s fairly long wheelbase, the ride is superb, even in the worst of bumps.

But under hard cornering, the GT leans considerably more than a Vios or a City. Nonetheless, it holds its line in fast turns with a gradual transition to understeer.

One last gripe – the small side mirrors and rear windows affect the rear visibility, so you must really pay attention when merging into another lane.

Finally, a viable alternative

You’ll notice that I didn’t drop the “Chinese car” line until now.

That’s because, for once, I didn’t really care about the MG GT Alpha being made in China as a rebadged SAIC. 

Unlike Chinese cars of old, the MG GT doesn’t just try to attract you with a low price – it feels well-built, refined and even trumps its Japanese competitors on certain fronts.

In other words, it offers legitimate value for money.

If MG can sort out the slightly wonky driving experience, along with gaining the confidence of its clients through its 42 dealers nationwide, it really has a winner in the GT Alpha.

And for those who need more speed, there’s the turbocharged, 161-PS MG GT Sport. Let’s see if that can deliver the full-blown sports sedan experience.

Did you enjoy reading this review? Rate it now using the five stars below!