Driving report: MG One 1.5 Turbo: A matter of the heart

The boundaries between the different classes and segments are disappearing more and more. The stylishly designed MG One – available in the Alpha and Beta equipment variants – belongs to the competitive SUV compact class. But with a length of almost 4.60 meters, the crossover is worth seeing and is in the hardly less competitive middle class. Used in the home market of China, where MG parent SAIC is a big player and has a successful model to offer in almost every class – under different brand logos. The MG One is not only pleasing, it is extremely attractive with its successful proportions and the color-contrasting roof and would probably also look great in Europe.

However, the drive may need to be improved, because it remains to be seen whether the solid 1.5-liter four-cylinder with turbocharging and front-wheel drive alone would be enough to cover the wide range of demanding European customers. But the drive package of the MG One fits. The 1.5 liter cylinder quartet delivers a competitive 133 kW / 181 hp and a maximum torque of 285 Nm, which is available to the driver from a low 1,500 rpm. The engine sound is extremely mediocre, but even from low speeds the turbo engine hangs well on the gas and pulls smoothly. If you want to, you can accelerate from a standstill to 100 km/h in just over eight seconds and reach a top speed of 195 km/h, which is suitable for Europe. The continuously variable automatic transmission ensures that some of the drive disappears into acoustics and pleasure, but nobody needs more power in this class.

This also applies to the chassis, because the coordination matches the good overall appearance of the design and engine. The 1.5 tonne MG One is extremely comfortable with its McPherson front axle and a multi-link construction at the rear and still provides good feedback from the road. Despite the front-wheel drive, the drive forces are kept within limits and the manageable nodding and rolling on brisk country road sections is evidence of the solid package. Depending on the model variant, the One is available on 17, 18 or 19 inch models. An all-wheel drive version would definitely be an issue in Europe due to the class – but not in the home market of China, which is why this drive version was left out.

A strength of the MG One is the space, with the 2.67 meter long wheelbase ensuring sufficient space in the interior. The seating position on the well-contoured leather-covered chairs is good and SAIC has tried to bring value to the interior despite the price-sensitive segment. This works not only with contrasting seams and various panels that are intended to distract from somewhat careless plastic surfaces, but also with piano lacquer and an instrument and control unit that almost wraps itself around the driver with its three modules. In addition to the two displays for instruments and navigation/sound system, there is not only an easily accessible function island for mirrors, lights, Bluetooth and locking on the left, but also direct selection buttons for climate control under the central display in the middle. The infotainment system called Zebra was developed jointly by MG and Alibaba and, when properly connected, gives you all the entertainment options. In addition, a steering wheel that has a good grip without any button confusion and a center console that doesn’t just look good. If you fold down the back seat, the loading volume increases from 336 to over 1,100 liters. What’s missing is an electric tailgate. The price is a real temptation, at least by European standards, because the basic model starts at 107,800 RMB in the home market of China – the equivalent of barely more than 13,000 euros – and even the top model costs just 17,000 euros. Maybe something for Europe after all.