The Maxus G50 serves as the brand's 8-seater MPV in the Philippines. It comes available with four variants: Comfort, Pro, Elite, and Premium with all having the same 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine that powers them. Power is sent to the front wheels via a dual-clutch transmission which is standard for most variants under the nameplate. The G50 comes to the country equipped with a 12-inch infotainment system, panoramic sunroof, mobile wireless charging, LED headlamps, automatic airconditioning, leather seats, power tailgate, and a 360-degree camera.
Launch
AC Motors launched the Maxus G50 in 2020 in an online event. The initial launch of the MPV compromised of 3 variants, with all of the models coming powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline motor that is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). Pricing for the vehicle started at P1,088,000 for the Pro variant and P1,288,000 for the top of the line Premium variant. The middle child of the pack is the Elite variant, which has a nice blend of features and value as it goes for only P1,168,000. Maxus Philippines would then later introduce a new more affordable model in the form of the Comfort variant. This comes powered by a smaller 1.3-liter gasoline engine and comes with a few key features removed in order to achieve its new entry-level price point.
Platform, Chassis and Powertrain
The G50 has a unibody chassis with fully-independent front MacPherson struts in the front and a torsion-beam suspension in the rear. Brakes are all discs and lower models will get alloy wheels that are 16-inches in diameter, and top models will get alloy wheels 17-inches in diameter. For all variants, the G50's size comes in at 4,825 mm in length, 1,825 mm in width, and 1,778 mm in height, add a roof rail and the total height is at 1,800 mm. The wheelbase of the 8-seat MPV is at 2,800 mm.
Powering and motivating the G50 is a 1.5-liter liquid-cooled turbocharged inline-4 motor that produces 167 hp and 250 Nm of torque, making for decent performance over naturally-aspirated rivals. The engine is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission that courses the power to the front wheels. With the front-engine-front-wheel-drive layout, the cabin space is maximized and intrusions from exhaust and transmission tunnels are not apparent.
Maxus Philippines later added a new Comfort variant that comes powered by a 1.3-liter turbocharged gasoline engine that produces 161hp and 230 Nm of torque. Unlike the other variants in the model lineup, it comes with a 6-speed manual transmission that sends power to the front wheels.
The G50 comes with electronic power steering, which allows this 8-seat MPV to be piloted with absolute ease. Steering feel is not that apparent, however, the wheel turns with minimal effort, and while bigger than a typical MPV, the 360-degree camera system for the higher trims allow the vehicle to be driven without difficulty. The engine and transmission combo are adequate for most applications and drives. City and highway stints are easy enough to do, however, the weight of the car is carried fine by the 1.5-liter turbocharged motor.
Technology Features
The tech inside the G50 includes an infotainment system that goes up to 12.3-inches in size for the Elite and Premium variants while the Pro gets an 8-inch unit. Mid to high trims get 6-speakers while the base trim gets only 4 for the cabin. The top of the line's and midrange's 12.3-inch screen also serves as the display for a 360-degree camera or a backup camera depending on the variant. Also included are USB, AUX, and Bluetooth connectivity options, wireless charging for the Premium, rear parking sensors, automatic climate control, a keyless entry system with push-start, steering wheel audio controls, and cruise control among other features. The G50 is also equipped with power-adjustable seats for select variants. Top of the line models will get a power tailgate. A feature found primarily in high-end SUVs and crossovers makes its way onto the rather affordable G50.
Exterior
On the exterior. the G50 gets halogen headlamps in the base trims, while top variants get LED projectors. As standard, all models come with daytime running lights (DRLs), but only the top-spec gets automatic headlights. The massive grille in the front is either finished in matte black with silver highlights, or in chrome for the upper variants. The side of the G50 is home to its rather flat and boxy shape and in the wheel wells sits alloy wheels that go up to 17-inches in diameter in varying finishes depending on the trim level. The rear can also be an LED affair, and the boxiness of the car continues. Buff sheet metal and width for up to 3 passengers in the back allow the G50 to look more massive than most cars with comparable price points. Pair that with other inclusions such as a rear spoiler, and the G50 looks a bit more streamlined.
Interior
The interior of the G50 can be had in a variety of finishes. Pro trims will get cloth upholstery, while Elite and Premium variants get leather, with the premium getting a splash of color in the form of red accents all over the seats of the vehicle. The driver can control the infotainment system through various controls found on the steering wheel which is wrapped in nice leather and also has cruise control. Apart from that, the seating configuration for the passengers is in the 2-3-3 layout, which is a break from the traditional MPV's 2-3-2 arrangement. Finally, the premium variant gets a panoramic sunroof that extends all the way to the second row of seats.
Safety
Safety for all variants includes driver and front passenger airbags, 3-point seatbelts for all passengers, electronic stability control, ABS with electronic brake assist, hill hold control, a tire pressure monitoring system, and an engine immobilizer as well as ISOFIX tethers. The top of the line Premium variant gets side airbags which sets it apart from the rest of the lineup.
The Maxus G50 1.3 Comfort is the new entry-level model from the automotive brand that has a lot to offer especially with its competitive sub-P1 million price point.
Caco and crew take a trip to Subic with Maxus Philippines to find out what all the fuss over the G50 was about. Not only did Caco get to test all the space in the car with his antics and bothering Jack and Earl in the process, but everyone was also able to experience just how safe Maxus vehicles can be and just how easy any of the variants are to drive. We got to take a spin in the four-cylinder variants and the base three-cylinder options, and none disappointed.
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