By Kap Maceda Aguila

MAXUS PHILIPPINES last week digitally launched the G50, a compact eight-seater multi-purpose vehicle (MPV).

In a release, the company said that the nameplate, which now takes its place as the fourth vehicle in the British heritage brand’s local lineup, features “modern design, spacious interior, superior features, and value-for-money pricing across the compact and subcompact MPV segments.” It positions the MPV for “young entrepreneurs and up-and-coming corporate managers who need not just an all-in-one vehicle, but also a ‘more-in-one’ MPV.”

Arguably the biggest value proposition that Maxus is proffering in the G50 is its more affordable pricing relative to segment competition. “The G50 is loaded with features that other compact MPVs do not have with an attractive price that will rival most subcompact MPVs,” said Automobile Central Enterprise, Inc. President Felipe Estrella in a speech.

Under the hood is a turbocharged 1.5-liter gasoline engine delivering 167hp and 250Nm. Across all variants, this power plant is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. All G50 trims get a reverse camera, park distance control, keyless entry, push start/stop button, electronic stabilization program, and electronic parking brake with auto hold. The Premium and Elite variants receive a 12-inch infotainment system screen, 360-degree-view camera, and leather seats; the Premium adds a panoramic sunroof, mobile wireless charging, LED headlights and power tailgate.

Speaking in the virtual press launch, AC Industrials CEO Arthur Tan described the G50 as a “game-changer” in a “very special niche.” He added that Maxus may not be as well known in this country, but the 124-year-old brand is produced by SAIC, the largest auto manufacturer in China. “(They) get to produce vehicles in the most advanced car manufacturing facilities in the world. Testament (to this) is the warranty period, and the quality of the product — something that everybody, I hope, would be able to see and appreciate.” The executive pointed to “changing transportation needs” of the country, and how auto brands need to deliver the “right product, right service and right customer experience.”

For his part, Mr. Estrella declared that it’s about “matching needs and wants,” saying that the G50 is ideal transportation for “businesses and even (for) essential life-saving customers… (along with) logistics, health, agriculture, construction, transport and others.”

Maxus Philippines General Manager Reginald See joined, “The G50 is an MPV that can take in even your extended family members since it’s an eight-seater. It’s ideal for long road trips and family picnics. The great thing about this is that it has the price of a subcompact MPV.”

The G50 — measuring 4,825mm x 1,825mm x 1,778mm — comes in three variants with the following pricing: 1.5 Turbo DCT Pro (P1.088 million), 1.5 Turbo DCT Elite (P1.168 million), and the 1.5 Turbo DCT Premium (P1.288 million).

Maxus Philippines reported that the G50 1.5 Turbo DCT Pro comes in Warm White, Warm Argent, Metal Black and Water Blue; the G50 1.5 Turbo DCT Elite in Roland Purple, Polar Ash and Warm White, plus the Deep Golden exclusive to the variant. The G50 1.5 Turbo DCT Premium is also available in Roland Purple, Polar Ash and Warm White.

The MPV is backed by a five-year/100,000-km warranty (whichever comes first), plus 24/7 emergency roadside assistance and on-site servicing for corporate fleet accounts.

For more information, visit www.maxus.com.ph. Like and follow Maxus Philippines’ Facebook page and Instagram account at @maxusph. Maxus showrooms are located on Sheridan in Greenfield District Mandaluyong, Quezon Avenue along Quezon City, Pedro Cayetano Boulevard in Taguig South, Madrigal Business Park in Alabang, North Reclamation Area in Cebu City, Mandurriao in Iloilo City, Araneta St. in Bacolod City, and Pueblo in Cagayan de Oro City.

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