The Philippine sporty sedan segment continues to grow with more affordable options for Filipino car buyers — case in point, the MG GT and the Toyota Vios GR-S.
Both vehicles can provide would-be owners with the practicality of a four-door sedan as well as the performance typically offered by souped-up sports cars. That said, it makes them good choices for people looking to own a fun-to-drive daily driver.
Interested to see what model best suits your budget and your motoring needs? Join us as we pit both cars together in this sporty sedan scuffle.
The MG GT measures 4,675 millimeters (mm) long, 1,842mm wide, and 1,473 mm tall (1,480mm for the Sport variant). Its wheelbase is 2,680mm.
As for the Toyota Vis GR-S, this sedan has an overall length of 4,467mm, an overall width of 1,730mm, and an overall height of 1,475mm. And like the regular Toyota Vios, the Gazoofied version has a wheelbase of 2,550mm.
There’s no doubt that the MG GT is indeed a looker. Its sexy fastback body is further accentuated by minimalist appliques like its blacked-out three-dimensional digital flame grille with a carbon fiber front spoiler flanked by intelligent full LED headlamps.
On its sides are body-colored side mirrors with black trim as well as sporty two-tone Tomahawk alloy wheels.
Rounding off its exterior features are three-dimensional racetrack taillamps and a ducktail spoiler at the rear.
The Toyota Vios GR-S, on the other hand, gets a more pronounced, piano-black, mesh-type grille bordered by three-tier LED headlamps at the fore. It also sports a pair of daytime running lamps and LED fog lamps at the front.
To its side are piano-black sire mirrors with turn signal lamps, piano-black door handles, and 16-inch black alloy wheels.
The rear end of the Toyota Vios GR-S comes with LED combination lamps with line guide and a fin-type antenna.
Further flair is added to the Toyota Vios GR-S by way of a front bumper skirt, side skirts, a rear bumper skirt, and a rear spoiler. And oh, it also gets a “GR” badge at the rear.
Overall, both the MG GT and the Toyota Vios GR-S offer sporty looks — just from different ends of the spectrum. The former exudes a classy European style while the latter has a more aggressive track-oriented appeal. That said, we’re calling this round a tie.
Inside, the MG GT reflects its elegant exterior. Occupants are greeted by the car’s ergonomic fighter jet-inspired cockpit with a Diamond Design dashboard and zero-gravity sports seats.
Also catching one’s attention are the MG GT’s 12.3-inch instrument cluster and 10-inch floating high-definition touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Audio from the infotainment unit is directed to the car’s premium six-speaker audio system.
Finally, the spacious interior offers several creature comfort amenities like three USB ports for handheld devices, rear air conditioning vents, and a power sunroof.
Meanwhile, Toyota gave the Vios GR-S a host of grade-specific appointments. These are seats covered in suede and synthetic leather with red stitching, a leather-wrapped multi-functional steering wheel with paddle shifters, and a shift lever and knob finished in leather with red stitching.
And while its digital screens may be smaller than its rival, they are by no means inferior. Found are an Optitron instrument panel and a 6.75-inch infotainment system, which also boasts Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
The audio system also has six speakers to satisfy car nerds who are also audiophiles.
Both the MG GT and the Toyota Vios GR-S are neck and neck in this round. On that note, it’s going to be a tie.
Powering the MG GT is a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine mated to a seven-speed twin-clutch Sportronic transmission with paddle shifters. This gives the MG GT the power to put out 158 horses with 250Nm of torque.
Toyota, on the other hand, equipped the Vios GR-S with a 1.5-liter powerplant mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. This setup makes 107 horsepower with 140Nm of torque.
Thanks to a more powerful engine, this round goes to the MG GT.
Safety-wise, the MG GT offers a handful of notable features like an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), cornering brake control, an electronic stability program (ESP), and a tire pressure monitoring system.
The Sport variant of the MG GT also comes with lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and intelligent high-beam control.
Not to be outdone, the Toyota Vios GR-S boasts vehicle stability control, hill start assist control, ABS, a rear monitor, and a clearance sonar.
It also gets rear doors with child lock protection and ISOFIX tethers, just in case you’re planning on riding with your mini-me.
In the battle of safety features, the MG GT emerges as the victor thanks to its more robust list of amenities. That said, this round goes to the contender from Morris Garages.
MG GT
MG GT Alpha – P1.015 million
MG GT Sport – P1.193 million
Toyota Vios GR-S
Toyota Vios GR-S – P1.055 million
With two rounds over its opponent, the winner of this sporty sedan scuffle is the MG GT. This car boasts a more powerful engine and a comprehensive list of safety features making it a viable choice for those on the hunt for a sedan that’s a cut above the rest.
But that doesn’t take the Toyota Vios GR-S out of the picture. The Vios nameplate's range-topping variant carries the Toyota emblem, which stands for reliability and dependability. And while the Toyota Vios GR-S might not win against the MG GT in this spec sheet battle, our money is that it will have a good chance if we’re talking about standing the test of time.
Photos from MG and Toyota
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