According to Hyundai’s European technical chief Tyrone Johnson, the battle over the future of the manual gearbox is already over – and it lost.

“Nobody wants manual gearboxes and handbrakes anymore, or analogue instruments,” Johnson told Car Magazine in a recent interview, stating flatly that the manual transmission isn’t dying – it’s already dead.

It’s a bold claim, but one echoed by the broader trajectory of the automotive industry. Johnson, a seasoned performance engineer formerly with Ford and Jaguar, now heads Hyundai’s European development operations. He sees the industry’s shift toward electrification and digital integration as not just inevitable, but necessary – and already superior in many ways.

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His comments come as Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 N (above) continues to collect accolades, including the 2024–25 Wheels Car of the Year. A standout in Hyundai’s EV performance line-up, the IONIQ 5 N features an innovative system called N e-shift, which uses software, paddle shifters and sound generation to mimic the feel of an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission – right down to synthetic gear changes and engine revs.

It’s not a gimmick, Johnson argues, but a way to maintain the emotional connection that car lovers crave. “You can do some really clever things,” he noted, adding that the future of driver engagement lies in software, not mechanical parts.

The declining popularity of manuals is not just about driver preference. From a development standpoint, building cars with both manual and automatic options increases cost and complexity – especially with the rise of advanced driver-assistance systems and emissions regulations. In the U.S., Hyundai’s Elantra N still offered a manual last year, but the take rate was only 30 per cent.

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Johnson also pointed out that younger buyers expect digital tech, not analog nostalgia. Fully digital dashboards, electronic gear selectors, and drive-by-wire systems are now the norm, even in performance cars. The IONIQ 5 N doesn’t just replace the manual – it reimagines the experience entirely.

While a few manual models still exist, they’re rapidly becoming niche. As EV performance continues to outpace petrol counterparts, the manual gearbox looks increasingly like a relic – one that, in Johnson’s view, belongs to history, not the future.

Check the July 2025 issue of Wheels magazine, currently on sale, for our cover story on the remaining manual coupes on sale in Australia in the form of the Nissan Z, Toyota GR Supra GT and Ford Mustang GT (above).

Mercedes-Benz has announced a new Special Edition variant within the A-Class, CLA, GLA and GLB ranges, with up to $4800 worth of complimentary equipment. New features include sportier exterior styling pieces, new interior trims and a new paint colour.

All variants in the new Special Edition ranges are equipped with the Night Package as standard, which adds high-gloss black trim elements such as the tailpipe trims and side sill panels.

The A-Class and CLA feature 19-inch AMG alloy wheels, while the GLA and GLB feature larger 20-inch units.

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The A 200, CLA 200, GLA 200 and GLB 200 Special Editions also add a panoramic sunroof, which was previously standard in the 250 4Matic-badged variants.

Inside the new Special Editions, grey seatbelts with grey contrast stitching feature on the seats, dashboard and door panels, while the GLA Special Edition features a light longitudinal-grain aluminium trim and the GLB Special Edition features a carbon-structure finish.

The Special Edition also introduces a new ‘Alpine Grey’ colour from the brand’s ‘Manufaktur’ paint program, which is a no-cost extra along with other metallic paint options.

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Mercedes-Benz Special Edition pricing (plus on-road costs): 

The Mercedes-Benz Compacts Special Editions are available to order now, with local deliveries due to commence soon. 

Ahead of an early 2026 local release, GM Australia New Zealand has announced a new limited edition of the Corvette hypercar called the Stingray R.

Dubbed a “sneak peak” of the mid-life update for the C8 generation, the Stingray R is based on the 3LT model of the Corvette range and adds a number of special trim pieces.

Only 50 units of the Stingray R will be available for Australia, painted in either ‘Blade Silver Metallic’, ‘Torch Red’ or ‘Arctic White’. 

In addition to those colours, the limited Corvette Stingray R launch edition features a distinctive Stingray R Appearance Package with 20-spoke gloss black forged aluminium wheels with red stripe, a carbon fibre roof and a unique Stingray R build plate, among other unique features. 

According to GM, the Stingray R launch edition “delivers exclusivity and an elevated driving experience in a limited-edition package”. 

The drivetrain of the C8 Corvette remains with the Stingray R, with the 6.2-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine still making 369kW of power and 637Nm of torque. It’s mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and grunt is sent to the rear wheels only. 

The mid-life update for the Chevrolet Corvette has seen a new dashboard design, with a toned down middle wall adding more space to the cabin, and new infotainment features such as live services with Google Built-In and over-the-air updates. 

The Stingray R will be the first facelifted C8 Corvette to reach Australia, with local pricing for the Stingray, E-Ray and Z06 models to be announced later this year. 

MY26 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray R pricing (plus on-road costs): 

Stingray R additional features over Corvette 3LT:

• Carbon fibre roof
• Stingray R appearance package
• Black rocker panel extensions
• 19-inch front/20-inch rear gloss black wheels with red stripe
• Red brake callipers
• Black exhaust tips
• Engine appearance package
• Red engine cover
• Carbon exterior badges and trim pieces
• Black Nappa leather upholstery
• GT2 seats
• Red seatbelts
• Stealth interior trim with carbon fibre inserts
• Build plate

The first examples of the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray R launch edition will land locally in early 2026.

Hyundai has revealed a new infotainment software system called ‘Pleos Connect’, which is expected to be introduced in future models such as the Tucson and i30 Sedan.

Employing a huge Tesla-style screen that will transform new Hyundai products, the new software is based on the Android Automotive operating system.

Set to feature on the next-generation i30 Sedan (Avante in South Korea and Elantra in North America) first, with the next-generation Tucson afterwards, according to Korea’s ET News, the Pleos Connect system is the first development from Hyundai’s new Pleos software division. 

Pleos Connect will reportedly use a similar user environment to a smartphone and will allow users to operate the screen through a multi-window function with multiple apps simultaneously on one screen.

Pleos Connect will also be equipped with Gleo AI, which is an artificial intelligence that can accurately recognise the user’s voice commands to control the vehicle. It can reportedly process complex requests such as setting a destination and playing music at once, and will naturally respond to questions about various information such as weather and traffic information. 

The system will display on a huge infotainment screen similar to those Tesla and other car makers use, with physical buttons being minimised. But Hyundai has also recognised the need for information being displayed elsewhere than the central touchscreen, so will also install a digital instrument cluster in front of the driver.

Hyundai has also announced that Pleos Connect will be joined by an app store called Pleos Playground, which will allow third-party developers to develop apps for the system for users to download. Hyundai estimates that Pleos Connect will feature in over 20 million cars by 2030.

Hyundai is yet to reveal which cars will be first to feature the new Pleos system, however, the next-generation i30 Sedan is likely to be the first when it debuts sometime in early 2026. 

A new Ti grade of the Nissan Qashqai e-Power hybrid will see $5200 cut from the current price, sitting below the current Ti-L model.

Priced from $47,165 plus on-road costs, the Qashqai Ti e-Power does without features such as Bose audio, a panoramic glass roof and power tailgate compared with the more expensive Ti-L e-Power.

Under the bonnet of the Qashqai Ti e-Power is the same 140kW/330Nm 1.5-litre three-cylinder hybrid set up, which uses the engine as a generator to charge the 1.8kWh battery instead of it directly powering the wheels. It’s rated at 4.8L/100km for combined fuel consumption, and 112g/km for combined CO2 emissions. 

There have been no other updates to the Qashqai model line-up for the 2026 model year.

2025 Nissan Qashqai pricing (plus on-road costs): 

Qashqai Ti e-Power standard features: 

• 19-inch alloy wheels
• Automatic lights and wipers
• LED exterior lighting including adaptive high beam
• Keyless entry with push button start
• Roof rails
• Rear privacy glass
• Heated leather steering wheel
• Leather and faux leather upholstery
• Heated front seats
• 8-way electric driver’s seat with lumbar adjustment and memory functionality 
• Dual-zone automatic climate control with rear air vents
• 12.3-inch digital driver’s display
• 12.3-inch infotainment system with Nissan Connected Car Services
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Satellite navigation
• Wireless phone charger
• 7x airbags
• Autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection
• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane keeping assistance with lane departure warning
• Adaptive lane guidance
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Front and rear cross-traffic alert
• Automatic rear braking
• Intelligent driver alert
• Front and rear parking sensors
• 360-degree camera

The Nissan Qashqai Ti e-Power is now available to order ahead of the first deliveries commencing soon. 

For half a century, the BMW 3 Series has reigned as the definitive compact executive sedan. Since its global launch in 1975, the 3 Series has sold more than 20 million units and set the standard for premium driving dynamics, design, and innovation.

In Australia, it remains the brand’s top-selling model with over 191,000 registered units since VFACTS records began and various awards have accrued to the model over the years.

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As the 3 Series turns 50, BMW celebrates a model that has not only shaped its brand but also helped define its segment.

E21: The foundations of a legend (1975–1983)

The first-generation E21 debuted at the 1975 Frankfurt Motor Show. With a design by Paul Bracq, the car established key BMW styling cues like the double-kidney grille, twin headlamps and Hofmeister kink. The E21’s driver-oriented dashboard set a precedent for all future BMWs.

Performance came from 1.6–2.3-litre engines, and in 1977 it became the first in its class to offer a six-cylinder. Lightweight materials and advanced fuel injection systems followed. Motorsport success soon arrived, including in Australia, where it wore liveries like John Player Special.

Trivia: More than 4,500 Baur-converted convertibles were produced. The E21’s angled dashboard became a hallmark BMW feature.

E30: Style, versatility and new heights of racing success (1982–1994)

The E30 expanded the 3 Series family, adding a four-door sedan and convertible. Most notably, it birthed the iconic M3. With up to 175kW and a race-ready chassis, the M3 won globally and even took out the 1987 Australian Touring Car Championship with Jim Richards.

Trivia: The Touring variant began as a home project by a BMW engineer. The E30 also introduced BMW’s first AWD system via the 325ix.

E36: Major advances across the board, and even broader appeal (1990–2000)

The third-gen E36 delivered coupe-inspired styling, improved comfort and more body styles than ever: Sedan, Coupé, Convertible, Touring and Compact. Its motorsport pedigree continued with a Bathurst 1000 win in 1997.

Trivia: The Compact three-door hatchback debuted in 1994. Safety and impact protection also took a leap forward.

E46: Breakthroughs in capability, safety and efficiency (1997–2006)

Offering sharper design, more comfort and tech such as Valvetronic engines, the E46 became a modern classic. Safety improved with standard ABS and six airbags. The E46 M3 CSL remains one of BMW’s most celebrated driver’s cars.

Trivia: The M54 engine was the first all-aluminium six-cylinder in the range. The CSL is widely hailed as an enthusiast favourite.

E90–E93: Embracing modernity (2005–2013)

The fifth generation brought new tech, such as the iDrive system and turbocharged engines. It won World Car of the Year and introduced the first M3 with a V8. Design elements came from the Coupe and Sedan to form a distinctive M3 Sedan.

Trivia: The 335i was the first turbo petrol 3 Series. BMW M also built a fully functioning M3 ute for internal use.

F30–F34: Electrification, personalisation and a model restructuring (2011–2018)

With the F30 came hybrid variants, including the 330e. All engines became turbocharged. Personalisation increased through trim lines and options, while the 3 Series Coupe, Convertible and Gran Coupe split off into the new 4 Series family.

Trivia: The M3 and M4 received their own designations: F80 and F82. The Gran Turismo added practicality with a longer wheelbase.

G20: Epitome of design, refinement and powertrain diversity (2018–)

The current G20 generation features a sleek, modern design and broad powertrain range—petrol, diesel, PHEV, and M Performance. It integrates BMW Operating System 8.5, Curved Display, and Intelligent Personal Assistant. It remains a class leader and Carsales’ 2019 Car of the Year.

Trivia: The G20 combines digital innovation with heritage design cues like short overhangs and twin circular headlights.

Special edition model for Australia to mark 50th anniversary

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To honour the 50-year milestone, BMW Australia has launched the 3 Series 50 Jahre Edition. Based on the M340i xDrive, this collector’s model features Anthracite Metallic paint, carbon-fibre trim, jet black 19-inch wheels and red M Sport brakes. Powered by a 285kW inline-six engine and paired with xDrive all-wheel drive, it’s limited to just 50 units and priced at $127,600. Deliveries will begin in Q4 2025.

From its motorsport pedigree to technological evolution, the BMW 3 Series continues to exemplify what it means to be the ultimate driving machine – now and into the future.

Check the August 2025 of Wheels magazine, on sale July 28, for a more in-depth history of the BMW Series 3 by Andy Enright.

If you’re of the opinion that all new cars are wildly overpriced, then the Chery Tiggo 4 and Mahindra XUV 3XO are about to drive straight through your beliefs.  

The Chery’s value-packed proposition is proving popular with buyers, its 7996 sales so far in 2025 (to the end of June) putting it fourth in the small SUV segment, though its price and size put it closer to the light SUV segment where it would be snapping at the heels of the leading Mazda CX-3. 

Mahindra is hoping to capture a significant slice of this action with its new baby, so how does it stack up against Wheels’ current Best Value Small SUV? 

Pricing 

Razor-sharp pricing is key to the appeal of the Chery Tiggo 4 and Mahindra XUV 3XO and there’s nothing splitting them, the entry-level variants costing $23,990 with the up-spec ones $26,990 and both prices are drive away. 

For a limited time, the Mahindra has a slight upper hand with an introductory offer until August 31 of $23,490 driveaway for the XUV 3XO AX5L and $26,490 for the XUV 3XO AX7L. Either way, your new car’s name will double as a very handy secure password.  

For the purposes of this article, we’ll concentrate on the higher-spec variants, so be aware some features may disappear if you go down a rung. 

Chery offers red as standard with other colours an extra $500, whereas it’s white for the Mahindra with other options $495. 

There are slight differences in aftersales coverage, Chery offering a seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty with seven years of roadside assistance, which Mahindra matches bar capping the warranty at 150,000km. 

Servicing for the XUV 3XO is required every 12 months or 15,000km (bar the first at 10,000km) with a capped figure of $1994 for the first six years or 85,000km, whichever comes first. 

Over the same period the Chery costs $1838.79, with the first five visits capped at $289 apiece, required every 12 months or 15,000km. 

Dimensions 

While we wouldn’t recommend either of the Chery Tiggo 4 or Mahindra XUV 3XO for transporting the local rugby club, given their relatively diminutive size both offer reasonable space for four adults. 

The Mahindra is a sizeable 361mm shorter than the Chery, its sub-4m length gaining it a tax concession in its native India, but otherwise the two are virtually identical in terms of size. The XUV’s truncated overhangs will also make it king of the parallel park. 

One thing worth noting in the fine print. On a cursory glance the Mahindra’s 364-litre boot is remarkably similar to the Chery’s 380 litres, which seems incredible given its smaller length, but that figure is measured to the roof rather than the top of the rear seats. Measured in the same fashion, the Chery claims 500 litres. 

*measured to roof

Equipment 

Given their respective price tags, the feature lists of the Chery Tiggo 4 and Mahindra XUV 3XO are incredible: faux-leather trim, alloy wheels, LED lighting, glass roofs, cooled gloveboxes and more. 

It’s not just trinketry, either, with basics like rear air vents often overlooked even in much more expensive cars. 

Powertrains 

Your need for speed won’t be sated here but thanks to the turbochargers attached to their small, four-cylinder petrol engines, the Chery Tiggo 4 and Mahindra XUV 3XO have enough low-end grunt to keep up with traffic. 

The downside of such small engines is they need to be worked a bit harder and fuel consumption is possibly higher than you might expect in day-to-day use, but both are happy on 91 RON fuel. 

*combined claim

Safety 

It’s remarkable that these sharply-priced offerings pack safety equipment that was the preserve of high-end premium machinery not too long ago. 

The Chery Tiggo 4 wears a five-star ANCAP rating with scores of 88 per cent for adult occupant protection, 87 per cent for child occupant protection, 79 per cent for vulnerable road user protection (ie pedestrians) and 85 per cent for safety assist. 

Seven airbags, including a front-centre airbag, are backed by forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane-keep assist and departure warning, adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, blind-spot detection, lane-change assist, rear cross-traffic alert with braking, speed assist and driver monitoring. 

Parking is assisted by rear sensors, a reversing camera and 360-degree monitor, while ISOFIX points on the outboard rear seats and a trio of top tethers are available for securing the kids. 

The Mahindra is currently unrated by ANCAP and while its safety offering is comprehensive, it does lack a few features compared to the Chery, notably the front-centre airbag (for six in total), rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring, though there is an indicator-activated display. 

Otherwise, it still boasts plenty of features, including AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive cruise with stop & go function, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition and more. Both cars also offer tyre pressure monitoring, which is handy for early identification of leaks. 

Technology 

Once again, the technology offerings of the Chery Tiggo 4 and Mahindra XUV 3XO defy their price and positioning. Both offer a pair of 10.25-inch screens for infotainment and driver instrumentation, wireless smartphone mirroring (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) and charging and digital radio. 

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It’s worth noting that neither offers native satellite navigation, but we suspect few buyers will even know, instead using the maps functionality through their phone. In the higher variants there are branded premium stereos, and the Mahindra has a 65W USB-C port capable of charging larger electronic devices like laptops. 

Conclusion 

There is an element of “can’t go wrong” here. The Chery Tiggo 4 and Mahindra XUV 3XO will leave you with plenty of change from $30,000 parked on your driveway, have long warranties, bulging equipment lists, plenty of safety equipment and they even look pretty good, too. 

While the Chery has a few more features and greater grunt (albeit with a greater thirst), picking between these two may simply be down to your space requirements.  

The Mahindra’s compact dimensions come at the expense of luggage space, but then it might be the perfect size to sneak into the spot right outside your house in the tightly packed inner-city street. 

The Hyundai Venue is the most obvious rival, but if you’re not wedded to the idea of an SUV, the Suzuki Swift is similar in size and price and much more frugal. The Chery and Mahindra also offer an interest brand-new alternative to used examples of the Mazda CX-3, Toyota Yaris Cross and Skoda Kamiq. 

Porsche has offered the world a first glimpse of its upcoming all-electric Cayenne SUV, putting a camouflaged prototype through its paces during a film shoot at England’s iconic Shelsley Walsh hill climb.

The prototype set a new benchmark, breaking the previous SUV record by more than four seconds on the historic course.

Driven by Gabriela Jílková, development and simulator driver for the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team, the Cayenne Electric impressed with a 31.28-second run up the narrow, 914-metre course, which features gradients as steep as 16.7 per cent. Notably, the vehicle hit the 60-foot mark in just 1.94 seconds –performance territory typically reserved for purpose-built single-seater race cars on slick tyres. The Cayenne, by contrast, was fitted with standard summer tyres.

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Much of the prototype’s composure was credited to Porsche Active Ride, the new chassis system engineered to keep the vehicle flat and controlled under hard braking, acceleration, and cornering. “I felt completely confident at all times,” Jílková said after her run. “The active suspension gives the Cayenne enormous stability and precision.”

Michael Schätzle, Vice President of the Cayenne Product Line, explained that while final tuning continues, the record-setting prototype featured production-level drivetrain and suspension components. He emphasized that electrification is enabling Porsche to push SUV performance to unprecedented levels. “The Cayenne Electric will set new standards – without compromising practicality.”

To prove that point, Porsche also demonstrated the prototype’s towing capabilities. During filming with British TV personality Richard Hammond, the Cayenne Electric towed a 100-year-old vintage car – over two tonnes – plus trailer, from Hereford to Hammond’s garage. With a maximum towing capacity of up to 3.5 tonnes, Porsche says the new EV matches traditional combustion-engine SUVs in utility.

The Cayenne Electric is the second all-electric SUV from Porsche and is designed to continue the nameplate’s legacy of versatility, long-distance comfort, and off-road prowess. With a global launch still to come, the vehicle’s capabilities are being showcased in stages.

Its next public appearance is set for the Goodwood Festival of Speed, from July 10 to 13, where the same camouflaged prototype will be on display.

As of mid-2025, Australia’s people mover market is experiencing a resurgence, with several models gaining popularity among families and transport services. According to the latest VFACTS data, 7087 people movers have been sold in the first six months of 2025, versus 6279 last year.

Here are the top five best-selling people movers in Australia in the first half of 2025, with the Kia Carnival again leading the pack.

1. Kia Carnival – 5,173 units

The Kia Carnival continues to lead the segment, with 5,173 units sold in the first half of 2025, accounting for 82.3 per cent of the segment. This ocntrasts with 4572 Carnivals sold for the same time last year, a 13.1 per cent rise. Its enduring popularity is attributed to its spacious interior, advanced safety features, and a range of powertrains, including petrol, diesel, and hybrid options. The recent introduction of more affordable hybrid variants has further broadened its appeal.

2. Hyundai Staria – 565 units

The Hyundai Staria, with its futuristic design and versatile configurations, secured the second spot with 565 units sold. Available in various trims, the Staria offers both petrol and diesel engines, catering to families and commercial users alike.

3. Ford Tourneo – 376 units

The Ford Tourneo has made a notable entry into the market, selling 376 units. Known for its practicality and comfort, the Tourneo offers flexible seating arrangements and modern features, appealing to both families and businesses.

4. Lexus LM – 163 units

In the premium segment, the Lexus LM has garnered attention with 163 units sold. This luxury people mover offers opulent interiors and advanced technology, targeting customers seeking comfort and exclusivity.

5. Volkswagen ID. Buzz – 154 units

The all-electric Volkswagen ID. Buzz combines retro styling with modern electric vehicle technology. With 154 units sold, it appeals to environmentally conscious consumers looking for a unique and spacious vehicle.

The people mover segment in Australia is evolving, with a mix of traditional and electric models catering to diverse consumer needs. The Kia Carnival‘s continued success underscores its strong all-round offering, accounting for its near blockout of this segment, while a range of other brands attempt to differentiate themselves and battle for increased market share.

Check the August 2025 of Wheels magazine, on sale July 28, for a more in-depth comparison of people movers on sale in Australia.

In the Australian new car market it’s said that without a large seven-seat SUV in your line-up, you may as well not bother selling cars here given their enduring popularity. Until now, MG was one such brand but that’s now been fixed with the arrival of the new MG QS – launched with keen pricing, a spacious cabin and a long list of features to establish a foothold in the seven-seat SUV segment.

Here we assess whether the new MG QS is worth consideration over more expensive big names, such as the Toyota Kluger and Hyundai Santa Fe?

Price and equipment:

For now, there are two QS models in Australia: the entry-level Excite and upper-spec Essence, the latter of which is equipped with all-wheel drive. 

MG QS pricing (drive away): 

MG QS Excite standard equipment:

• 20-inch alloy wheels
• Dusk-sensing automatic LED headlights
• Rain-sensing automatic wipers
• Silver roof rails
• Heated/auto-folding mirrors
• Keyless entry with push button start
• Electric tailgate
• Panoramic sunroof
• Leather steering wheel
• Tri-zone automatic climate control
• Normal, sport and eco driving modes
• Cloth upholstery
• 8-way electric front seats
• 12.3-inch digital driver’s display
• 12.3-inch touchscreen with live services
• Access to the MG iSmart app (12-months’ complimentary access)
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Satellite navigation
• AM/FM/DAB+ digital radio
• Bluetooth calling and audio streaming
• 8-speaker sound system
• Normal, eco and sport driving modes
• 5x USB ports

MG QS safety features: 

• Seven airbags (including a front centre unit)
• Autonomous emergency braking
• Adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist
• Lane keeping assistance
• Adaptive lane guidance
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert with braking
• Driver attention monitoring
• Traffic sign recognition with intelligent speed assist
• Rear parking sensors
• 360-degree camera
• Rear automatic braking
• Door open warning
• Tyre pressure monitoring

At the time of writing, the QS is yet to be tested by ANCAP for a safety rating. 

MG QS Essence model adds:

• All-wheel drive
• 21-inch wheels
• Front parking sensors
• 12-speaker Bose sound system
• LED front fog lights
• Auto high beam
• Wireless phone charger
• Black leather upholstery (light colour optional) 
• Heated and ventilated front seats with driver’s memory
• Heated steering wheel
• Auto-dimming rear mirror
• Extra driving modes: snow, custom and off-road

Interior, practicality and bootspace:

MG’s cabins have come a long way in just a few years. The new-generation ZS, for example, gives off a far more expensive and higher quality vibe than the model it replaced. The QS is no different, with an impressive cabin that looks and feels expensive – certainly more than its keen pricing would suggest.

Throughout the cabin are quality leather trimmings, tasteful – but obviously faux – woodgrain trim and tight-feeling switchgear that feels good to touch. Front seat comfort is excellent, with ample adjustment in the driver’s seat – finally under-thigh angle adjustment in a Chinese car! – and effective heating and cooling. The driving position offers a lot of adjustment as well, while the view out is good thanks to big windows and mirrors, and a good quality 360-degree camera.

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The QS range uses a dual 12.3-inch screen set up, with one for the driver’s display and one for the infotainment system. Using the same software as the smaller HS – though not the newer system that’s used in the newer MGS5 EV – the QS’s screens are crisp and easy to use. The driver’s screen is configurable as well, allowing users to select a few views, including a map.

Regardless of model chosen, the touchscreen has plenty of features such as live services, sat-nav with live traffic, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, DAB+ digital radio and even handy menus to – for example – find the nearest MG dealership, check the weather or call roadside assistance. We also quite like the physical buttons below the screen for features such as fan speed, turning the AC to auto and a home button, but the 12-speaker Bose sound system in the Essence could be punchier.

Storage solutions in the MG QS are excellent, with a seemingly endless supply of cubbies to store life’s various trinkets. That includes a large tray underneath the centre console, a box underneath the central armrest, big door bins, big cup holders in the centre console and a sectioned tray at the foot of the dashboard with a wireless phone charger and second tray for a phone.

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The second row of seating in the MG QS is quite comfortable and spacious, with ample room for three adults thanks to a wide cabin and flat floor. Amenities include a third zone of climate, big door bins, a central armrest with cupholders, two USB-C charging ports and two map pockets – though no heated seats or inbuilt window shades. The second row of seating folds and slides easily for third row access, more so than the Kia Sorento.

MG sells the QS as a proper seven-seater and not a ‘5+2’ as do some rivals like the Sorento, and the third row is fine for two adults around the six-foot tall mark, with good legroom (especially with the middle seat slid forward) and headroom as well. In addition, there are also air vents, cup holders and a USB port.

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Behind the third row of seating is a healthy 203 litres of space, with some under-floor storage for storing the cargo cover and tyre changing tools. Fold the third row and 517 litres is on offer (likely to the window line) and folding the second row increases that to 1052 litres (again, that’s likely to the window line and not including the space above that). Underneath the QS is a space-saver spare.

Performance and fuel economy:

For now, the MG QS range uses a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine making 153kW of power and 360Nm of torque. Mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, the QS Excite is front-wheel drive, while the Essence is all-wheel drive.

MG claims that the QS Essence will use 8.8L/100km of 95RON premium unleaded fuel, and in our testing skewed towards urban driving used 11.3L/100km. Its claimed CO2 emissions are 198g/km, and it features a 65-litre fuel tank.

On the road:

MG’s recent run of impressive products from behind the wheel continues with the QS because it offers up a refined and comfortable driving experience with few faults. We expected the ride quality to suffer thanks to the QS Essence’s huge 21-inch alloy wheels, but thanks to its adaptive suspension, it actually rides quite well and is quite comfortable no matter the surface.

In some ways, it feels slightly European from behind the wheel: the ride is taut but comfortable and displays good body control. Being a large almost-two tonne SUV, the MG QS is not the world’s best handling car but it feels confident in the bends thanks to its steering weighting and nimble – for its size – chassis. The QS also has excellent refinement with little in the way of road noise, even at highway speeds.

Even though it’s been detuned compared to the 178kW/392Nm outputs in its home country, the QS’s engine is more than punchy enough for most. MG doesn’t list where peak torque occurs, but like most modern turbocharged engines, it feels relatively early in the rev range. The nine-speed automatic transmission is generally intuitive, though there’s no manual mode to increase engine braking. While we like the QS’s engine, a hybrid option would be great as it can be thirsty.

Like the MG HS that it sits above, the QS’s active safety features are a big improvement on a lot of MG products of the past, though some features such as the lane keeping assistance and speed limit warning were still too sensitive in our testing. We’d also love to see the ‘MG Pilot Custom’ mode from the S5 added to the QS so it’s easier to adapt features to a driver’s taste with each drive.

Service and warranty:

The QS range is covered by a seven-year/unlimited km warranty that’s extendable to 10 years/250,000km if serviced through an MG dealership. The QS’ roadside assistance lasts as long as the warranty, so minimum seven years and maximum ten in total.

The QS’ service intervals are once-yearly/every 15,000km and five years/75,000km of servicing costs an expensive $3442 for the Excite and $3618 for the Essence. The yearly amount ranges from $688 to $723 on average for the first five years and for buyers planning to keep it for over five years, the six-year/90,000km service alone costs a massive $2526 for the Excite and $2920 for the Essence. 

Verdict: Should I buy an MG QS?

Overall, the MG QS is definitely worth consideration over more established rivals such as the Kluger and Santa Fe. MG has largely hit a home run with the QS and that’s thanks to its spacious and upmarket-feeling cabin, comfortable and refined driving experience and a strong value equation that sees it offering a similar level of equipment to a Toyota Kluger Grande – which costs around $40,000 more once on-road costs are added into the equation.

Granted, the Kluger features a hybrid drivetrain and costs a lot less to service, but the QS is larger, more spacious and better finished. Really, our complaints are minor: add in a more responsive and more efficient hybrid drivetrain, cheapen the expensive service pricing and remove the ‘Ultimate’ side badging. Importantly, the QS has broadened MG’s local line-up and entering such a popular segment will no doubt improve its sales even further.

MG QS rivals: 

• Toyota Kluger
• Kia Sorento
• Hyundai Santa Fe

MG QS specifications: