Auto Algérie tests the MG range

Khodja Importing Vehicles (KIV), representing Algeria in the brand "MG", we were invited to Annaba to show us the range of the Sino-British brand, which for the occasion, was almost complete.

Morris Garage, better known by the initials MG, is an English brand originally created in 1924. Famous for its small roadsters, she was declared bankrupt in 2005, before being acquired by NAC, a Chinese company that has, itself, merged in 2007 with SIAC, another Chinese state-owned company. This brand is represented in Algeria by KIV since 2011, made us discover and take over virtually complete range MG, Annaba, if not the absence of the MG6 and MG750.
Compact named MG5
This is the MG5 in its input end version called "Comfort", which got the ball rolling on a route between the airport and the town of Seraidi on the heights of the Coquette, passing by the church of St. Augustine. The latest model of the MG range in Algeria had most attracts our attention at the last Motor Show, timing its official launch. From the outside, if the surprise effect was not to go, because he had seen a few months ago, the charm of this compact is still operating with this expressive face sporting a strand. Its taut lines and a massive shield are a little recall, in its lower part, the Seat style, the bow is a bit clumsy but displays a fluid line. On board, the vehicle is adorned with a good presentation, though lacquered effect and the large color screen high-end version are not present. Its dashboard is dressed in a sparkling coating with a good finish. Certainly hard plastics are still a little too present, but the evolution is perceptible. The Chinese are coming!
On the road, in the early laps show that suspension is a good compromise between firmness and comfort. The roughness of the road are well received and we hear no click. The steering is precise and does not suffer from the neutral point. The path leading to the church of Saint Augustine found it had a turning radius and worthy of an urban maneuverability. Under the hood is a 109 hp gasoline unit Euro 4 multipoint injection that drives associated with a manual 5-speed gearbox. It was flexible and voluntary high in the towers. Without falter in the ascent to Seraidi even conduct imposed sub-scheme, on the third report. However, it lacks a bit of punch, a punch which, according to our interlocutor, Mr. Hassan, technical manager of KIV group will have an appointment after the vehicle has traveled between 5 000 and 15 000 km, period of learning in which the ECM manages the electronic mapping "zen" mode.
The trial version received ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, front airbags, parking sensor, power steering, electric windows front & rear, remote central locking, air conditioning, CD MP3 radio with USB and auxiliary input. In summary, the grip of the MG5 was rather inconclusive. It seems to be well born and have good assets.Add to that a starting price set at 1,390,000 DA VAT, the price of a city, which is likely to give pause. It deserves to be better known. A further test will still be necessary in order to have a more comprehensive judgment.
MG3, fun as argument
Second part of the day: Seraidi to the hotel, passing by the lighthouse at the edge of the MG3. This is the city of the range. With 3, 999 m long, 1,782 wide and 1,517 high, it is in the middle of what is done in the competition, although visually it looks more compact. The version that was available to us, the "Comfort +" is powered by a petrol 1.5 VTi 110 hp mated to a 5 speed. Icing on the cake, the MG3 was not intended to be tested ... it is added to other models present and had the advantage of having already rolled! since it is the personal vehicle of the Assistant DG, who kindly lent for the occasion without having been included in the program.
In its biton dress yellow / black with stickers, this version of the MG3 has a very fun look that does not leave indifferent passers-by, including us. His mug is friendly and pleasant style. The interior is not left with an entertaining presentation: Order dressed in white lacquered and presented so "i-Apple" ... The dashboard is dressed in a sparkling coating and, as the MG5 , hard plastics are waiting for you but the perceived quality is good. Positive aspect of this city: we find his bearings quickly. Seraidi descent, punctuated by turns revealed a specific direction. A dynamic vehicle on the road, the MG3 is the same player with a slight tendency to oversteer if it tickles. His biting and effective braking. Block 110 hp is very flexible and responsive, whether high or low speed in the turns and, for once, was not lacking in punch, kilograms less caregiver.
This MG3, surprise test, encourages them to drop a bit ... to the dismay of its owner! Whatever, it's for a good cause! This is ultimately a good city that plays the card of a vehicle fun and youthful image that could find its audience. It is shown from 1,190,000 DA TTC.
The MG350 for families
The next day, the route connecting the hotel to the brand new showroom and headquarters was an opportunity for us to test the remaining two models. The MG350 has been our horse for the first part of the journey. It is a family sedan three-box, 4.521 m long, 1.788 m wide and 1.492 m high. It is animated, as in the two previous models, a 1.5-liter petrol unit developing 105 hp, mated to a 5 speed.In terms of design, it is one of the models that have adopted the new codes of the brand, but not the new name for now. Compared with the MG3 or the MG5, its design is a little more consensus, a way to target the good fathers and a wider customer base. Inside, it has a nice presentation conventional type, the world-because without extravagance, apart from the digital speedometer and instrument surrounds and chrome. Chrome found on the controls of the air conditioning and ventilators. It is wreathed in a comfortable leather upholstery, the dashboard has a sparkling coating and finishes are of a good standard. But as in previous vehicles, genes are transmitted to all offspring: the presence a little too pronounced hard plastic but with at least the merit of not to continue down range on the visual aspect. The vehicle has a firm suspension typed as MG3 and MG5 for, but comfortable and absorbs very well hitting a bump. The various cuvettes or hoppers on our way we were passed without incident. Management is sound and accurate.The block is voluntary, very flexible, it allows driving at low revs, making the city 50 km / h in fourth report without hiccup and does not mind to ride high in the towers if required. Small false note, the shifts are sometimes laborious, not to breaking point, but in some cases it had to go twice to go from 5th to 4th. The MG350 features as standard such equipment: dual airbags, ABS / EBD / CBC, power conditioning, central locking, radio CD MP3 with USB and Aux, center armrest, trip computer ... It is available in three finishes: Comfort, + Comfort and Deluxe, all animated by the same block. It is shown from 1,340,000 DA TTC. A good sedan that will delight fathers who seek a comfortable vehicle that can accommodate 2 or 3 toddlers.
The MG550 to finish
This is the MG550 in the version "Comfort" with the 1.8 liter petrol unit 133 hp will serve dessert. That a statutory MG350 model, a sedan that has not benefited from the new brand identity in contrast to the MG6, with a variation in 5-door, but the design remains friendly with the front equipped with the specific optical design and chrome grille, and halfway between the old Chrysler and Rover. The line is balanced and elusive to the rear and to the judgment, it imposes. The interior is stylish and modern. The dashboard attracts with its red rim, a red found on the two screens placed at his right hand, one for the on-board computer and one for the radio display. As for MG350, it combines the digital display for speed and instrumentation with needle tachometer. The center console is neat, the presentation is well made. The area reserved for radio and CD player section is dressed in a black lacquer, and, below, the area reserved for the climate controls, black party. The dashboard is dressed as in previous models of a sparkling coating of good quality. Note, for cons, some false notes, such as hard plastic and especially two screw covers apparent just below the cap (see photo).
High score for wrapping tunnel, faux wood in a gray beautiful effect that is also found in the door panels and chopsticks on the handbrake shaped Z. A central column hides a clever cup holder and the part reserved for smoking (cigarette lighter and ashtray). Another good point, the location of the USB and auxiliary jack, located in a door that closes, a way to hide his MP3 player or USB stick while staying connected. It drives the 133hp pressing beautiful black lacquered key and take the road through the first report of its making has 5 speed manual transmission. First impression, the sound of the block is very pleasant and flattering, whether low or high speed. Really surprising! Same conclusion as the other blocks, flexibility is the rendezvous, the block is voluntary and riding high in the towers. Flexibility found in tack also, a little too soft for our taste over the miles. The suspension is, this time, less firm, nice straight but affects cornering where we see that it has a slight effect roll. Which is not conducive to splurge too much or excessively test its limits in traffic. A further test drive is necessary to have the heart net. In this finish entry level comfort, it loads the equipment: dual front airbags (curtain airbags standard on G.Deluxe), power steering, ABS with EBD, alarm, auto air conditioning, power windows front and rear, power central locking , MP3 CD radio with USB and Aux, trip computer, alloy wheels 16'', fog lamps, folding seat back 1/3 and 2/3. The MG550 is displayed from 1,690,000 DA TTC.
Balance of these two days of test drive
During this drive, or rather grip test for judging the intrinsic qualities of a vehicle requires more miles, the MG range has been quite consistent in so far as a model to another, we find the same sensations. Certainly, there are still a few wrong notes, but overall, it retains most good. Compared to what is done in the competition, they do not have to be ashamed of their presentation, quite the contrary. A comprehensive range that should be better known in our market, given the potential it has. Note that these two days can be assimilated to grip than a real test drive, where it usually takes longer. But it had at least the merit of giving we want to do.
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