Unlike the crossover segment which seems to be popping out new models by the day, the compact 8-seater MPV category has been relatively quiet — surprising considering that one of the country’s all-time bestselling models, the Toyota Innova, is an MPV. The demand is there, yet the number of brands meeting the demand is surprisingly small.
Which is why I feel that the new contender from Ayala Corporation’s automotive arm, Automobile Central Enterprises, has a good shot at changing the game.
Their new MPV is the Maxus G50, and it looks nothing like any MPV in its price range (which starts at a surprisingly low P1,088,000). For one thing, it looks assertive and compelling, as if it can look a four-times-more-expensive Toyota Alphard in the eye without blinking. The G50 is something that would be at home in the driveways and parking lots of hotel-casinos.
It starts with a chrome-embellished grille so big it looks like it could grace an Audi or Lexus. Modern looking LED headlamps, DRLs and distinctive chrome-lined side air intake openings complete the luxury car projection.
The sides are smooth and seamless, with just the right amount of subtle lines, contouring, and sculpting to give the MPV’s side view character and keep it from looking too slab-sided. The windows (with tasteful blacked out window frames) are large, giving occupants a panoramic view out, while the rear doors are so large, you would think the vehicle has sliding doors (it has four conventional-opening doors).
The normally boring rear end of MPVs is rendered in a very upscale manner thanks to upscale-looking taillights that wrap around to the sides and an elegant chrome strip that spans the width of the rear and connects the left and right taillamps. Nice detail touches are seen on the sculpting on tailgate license plate recess and the rear bumper. A rear spoiler mounted on top of the tailgate finish off the very upmarket overall look.
Complementing the haute couture exterior are some of the most fashionable colors ever to grace a sedan or sports car, let alone an MPV — the entry-level G50 1.5 Turbo DCT Pro (P1,088,000) comes in Warm White, Warm Argent, Metal Black and Water Blue. The midrange G50 1.5 Turbo DCT Elite (P1,168,000) comes in Roland Purple, Polar Ash, and Warm White, plus a Deep Golden exclusive to the variant. The top-of-the-line G50 1.5 Turbo DCT Premium (P1,288,000) comes in Roland Purple, Polar Ash, and Warm White.
That pricing puts the most expensive G50 only P40,000 more than the lowest priced Innova with an automatic, the Innova 2.0 E. That’s tremendous value right there.
The G50 ticks off all the boxes that define a compact MPV, and then goes the extra mile by adding more to the total package, such as a turbocharged 1.5-liter gasoline engine, a spacious 8-seater cabin, reverse camera, Park Distance Control, keyless entry, push-start button, Electronic Stabilization Program, and Electronic Parking Brake with Auto Hold for all variants.
A 12” infotainment system, 360-degree view camera, and leather seats are added for the Premium and Elite variants, whereas a panoramic sunroof, mobile wireless charging, LED headlights and power tailgate come with the top-of-the-line Premium variant.
Automobile Central Enterprise, Inc. President Felipe Estrella described how the G50 further enhances the role which Maxus’ line-up of LCVs plays in Filipinos’ lives. “We have recognized the importance of families since we launched our flagship model, the G10 multi-purpose vehicle in 2019. Our other models, the V80 van as well as our pickup, the T60, match the continuously evolving needs and wants of Filipino families. We likewise appreciate the hard work of micro, small and medium enterprise owners. The reliability, efficiency, power and versatility of our products make them ideal for businesses and even essential, life-saving purposes. The G50 is our latest vehicle that caters, again, to the Filipino family.”
Expounding on family, Maxus Philippines General Manager Reginald See said, “The G50 is an MPV that can take in even your extended family members since it’s an 8-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,” he added.
The G50 is covered by Maxus’s warranty coverage of 5 years or 100,000 kms, whichever comes first. Maxus Philippines also offers 24/7 emergency roadside assistance and on-site servicing for corporate fleet accounts.
For more information about the G50, log on to www.maxus.com.ph. Like and follow Maxus Philippines’ Facebook page and Instagram account at @maxusph. Maxus showrooms are located in 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.
