Shanghai show: MG unwraps GS SUV

MG'S first SUV has made its motor show debut in Shanghai this week, with the Nissan X-Trail-rivalling GS set to hit showrooms in China later this year and the United Kingdom in 2016.

This is not the first time the new model has been seen, with MG revealing its forthcoming SUV in December last year, which was believed at the time to be called the GTS. The GS moniker is shared with Lexus' mid-size contender.

Under the bonnet is a choice of two engines, starting with a 124kW/250Nm 1.5-litre petrol unit, as well as a turbocharged 2.0-litre producing 162kW/350Nm.

The latter is more powerful than a number of players in the sub-$60,000 mid-size SUV segment, and is in the range of Ford's 2.0-litre Kuga turbo that pumps out 178kW/345Nm, and Subaru's 2.0-litre boosted Forester at 177kW/350Nm.

Buyers can choose between a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed dual-clutch transmission, and while front-wheel drive is standard, all-wheel drive is available depending on the powertrain and variant.

Describing the new model last year as a “high-performance mid-level SUV”, MG says the GS has a 0-100km/h dash time of 8.0 seconds for the turbocharged variant.

Measuring 4500mm long, 1855mm wide and 1675mm high, the five-seat GS sits somewhere between the Nissan Qashqai and its larger X-Trail sibling size-wise.

Some of the standard gear includes air-conditioning, a four-speaker audio system and split-fold rear seats, while higher-spec versions offer a 6.0- or 8.0-inch infotainment display, a premium audio system and leather seats.

As reported in December, the GS will be built on a new scalable SUV architecture developed in conjunction with MG's parent company, SAIC Motor Corporation.

In terms of styling, the GS takes cues from the CS concept that was unveiled at the 2013 Shanghai motor show., the GS carries a familiar front-end design that follows the brand's other models, the MG3 and MG6.

It is unclear whether the GS will solely be built at MG's Chinese plant, or whether it will also be produced at its facility in Thailand alongside the MG6.

An Australian launch is unclear for now, but it could be added to the local line-up after its British debut, to sit alongside the MG6 mid-sizer.