• The new MG GT gets a bit of speed up. All photos: MG
    The new MG GT gets a bit of speed up. All photos: MG
  • The MG GT shows off a 'digital flaming grille'
    The MG GT shows off a 'digital flaming grille'
  • The MG GT has been designed to look distinctly sporty
    The MG GT has been designed to look distinctly sporty
  • The sedan sits on a drifting track
    The sedan sits on a drifting track
  • And there's the ducktail
    And there's the ducktail
  • Inside the cabin, there are contrasting red or black upholstery options
    Inside the cabin, there are contrasting red or black upholstery options
  • The MG GT is inspired by the brand's classic MGB sports car model
    The MG GT is inspired by the brand's classic MGB sports car model
  • Plush leather interiors
    Plush leather interiors
  • The MG GT is an all-new creation by the carmaker
    The MG GT is an all-new creation by the carmaker
  • A 10-inch touchscreen comes as standard
    A 10-inch touchscreen comes as standard
  • A version in red
    A version in red
  • The MG GT also comes with a range of driver aids
    The MG GT also comes with a range of driver aids
  • MG is targeting younger buyers for the GT
    MG is targeting younger buyers for the GT
  • The driver says he didn't do any of that graffiti
    The driver says he didn't do any of that graffiti

Sporty and a steal: MG GT storms into the Middle East


Simon Wilgress-Pipe
  • English
  • Arabic

MG continues its assault on the budget end of the car market with the addition of a new sedan, which the manufacturer has rather confidently named the GT.

It’s not the first car in history to be referred to by that moniker, but it’s a name that hasn’t traditionally been applied to anything that doesn’t fairly rip along with zest and gusto. MG describes the vehicle as a “rebellious sports sedan”, so it isn’t underselling the capabilities of the new arrival.

It is also, the carmaker says, inspired by the classic MGB sports car, which should get a few punters who are into their classic motoring salivating a little.

Back to the price though – a base model MG GT starts at $13,310, while a turbocharged option comes in at $15,440.

The quickest glance online will reveal a whole host of cars with similar specifications which have a price tag with at least 50 per cent added onto it. And that could easily double or treble if we’re talking sedans produced by well-established manufacturers whose models dip their toes into what might be described as the luxury end of the spectrum.

So, what do you get for your money with MG?

Well, the MG GT is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, which will get the vehicle to 100 kilometres per hour in eight seconds.

The new MG GT is not pricey
The new MG GT is not pricey

Its most notable external feature is what MG refers to as a “digital flaming grille”, while the rear features a slightly upturned ducktail, which adds to an already generally sporty look.

An end-to-end chrome line runs along the shoulder of the car, and customers can choose flashy tomahawk alloy wheels, complete with Michelin tyres, as an add-on.

Inside, there are contrasting red or black upholstery options, and you get a 10-inch touchscreen included as standard. The MG GT also comes with a range of driver aids, including stability control, rear reversing radar, and a 360º monitoring system.

The car is in MG showrooms now.

The past Palme d'Or winners

2018 Shoplifters, Hirokazu Kore-eda

2017 The Square, Ruben Ostlund

2016 I, Daniel Blake, Ken Loach

2015 DheepanJacques Audiard

2014 Winter Sleep (Kış Uykusu), Nuri Bilge Ceylan

2013 Blue is the Warmest Colour (La Vie d'Adèle: Chapitres 1 et 2), Abdellatif Kechiche, Adele Exarchopoulos and Lea Seydoux

2012 Amour, Michael Haneke

2011 The Tree of LifeTerrence Malick

2010 Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives (Lung Bunmi Raluek Chat), Apichatpong Weerasethakul

2009 The White Ribbon (Eine deutsche Kindergeschichte), Michael Haneke

2008 The Class (Entre les murs), Laurent Cantet

Indoor cricket World Cup:
Insportz, Dubai, September 16-23

UAE fixtures:
Men

Saturday, September 16 – 1.45pm, v New Zealand
Sunday, September 17 – 10.30am, v Australia; 3.45pm, v South Africa
Monday, September 18 – 2pm, v England; 7.15pm, v India
Tuesday, September 19 – 12.15pm, v Singapore; 5.30pm, v Sri Lanka
Thursday, September 21 – 2pm v Malaysia
Friday, September 22 – 3.30pm, semi-final
Saturday, September 23 – 3pm, grand final

Women
Saturday, September 16 – 5.15pm, v Australia
Sunday, September 17 – 2pm, v South Africa; 7.15pm, v New Zealand
Monday, September 18 – 5.30pm, v England
Tuesday, September 19 – 10.30am, v New Zealand; 3.45pm, v South Africa
Thursday, September 21 – 12.15pm, v Australia
Friday, September 22 – 1.30pm, semi-final
Saturday, September 23 – 1pm, grand final

DSC Eagles 23 Dubai Hurricanes 36

Eagles
Tries: Bright, O’Driscoll
Cons: Carey 2
Pens: Carey 3

Hurricanes
Tries: Knight 2, Lewis, Finck, Powell, Perry
Cons: Powell 3

The President's Cake

Director: Hasan Hadi

Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem 

Rating: 4/5

The specs

Engine: 2.3-litre, turbo four-cylinder

Transmission: 10-speed auto

Power: 300hp

Torque: 420Nm

Price: Dh189,900

On sale: now

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Updated: October 25, 2021, 1:55 PM