UK Spec MG GS

So as we get another month closer to the UK launch of MG's 'much anticipated' GS suv it seems clear that, in common with it's MG6 and MG3 sisters, the GS will enter the UK market with a single engine choice, in this case the 1.5T petrol.

A diesel will follow (probably using the 1.9L engine from the '6 but maybe a smaller 1.6L diesel that will also be suitable for the forthcoming 'Juke rival'). The diesel should arrive within months and at the latest by spring 2017, so it can line up with the heavily face lifted 2017 version of the MG3, ready to finally lead MG into new markets on mainland Europe later that year.

Also in common with the '6 and '3 the GS will have an eye catching starting price of around £14,995 rising to £16,495 for the mid ranger and £17,995 for the fully loaded version, still at least £500 under the cheapest Qashqai.

Colour choice will be limited on the entry model with a full range of 6 colours (black,white, grey, red, silver and orange) for more expensive versions with orange being the signature colour for press and advertising shots.

Anyway that's my view..

The Diesel engine in the 6 is not euro 6 compliant and will not be fitted in the GS.

I must admit I had thought the MG6 diesel was Euro 6 compliant already as all new diesel engine cars had to be by 1 September 2015.

The next compliance step is for September 2017 when all diesels have to have new or updated on board diagnostics to monitor all the emission control systems. This may be challenging for the 1.9 DTi and is perhaps why they will go for the new smaller 1.6 L diesel in the GS that they have apparently been developing. This smaller engine may also be a better fit in terms of engine packaging for the GS and future Juke rival.