2020 Maxus G50 1.5T Elite

Let me cut to the chase right here and say that if you want an MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) with the most bang for your buck, it would be highly irresponsible of you to not give the Maxus G50 a long and hard look. I’ll tell you why.

It’s very pretty for its status as a people mover. Most MPVs, especially first-generation models, look plain and generally aren’t flashy. Granted that the G50 has taken learnings from its competitors, it still did a magnificent job on its first attempt.

Classified as a minivan in its country of origin, it’s longer than most of its competitors but what it does with that bigger body is what makes it stand out.

Aside from its size, what really gives it presence is its fascia. The chrome grille that occupies much of the nose is such a shiny eye magnet flanked by slim halogen headlamps (with daytime running lamps). It cuts perfectly into the large shapely bumper with air intakes on either side and a lip at the bottom.

There’s a faint character line to highlight the side panels and roof rails on top but its most impressive exterior feature, and probably the implementation in the segment, is the ‘floating roof’ effect with its large windows and chrome garnish tracing the daylight opening.

The rear isn’t a letdown either. It comes with a rear spoiler, a chrome garnish connecting the slim wraparound taillights, and a curvaceous tailgate paired with a very fancy looking bumper (with reflectors and chrome accents).

It’s hard to find fault in something with a design this good. It cut through a square body fashionably and is probably the only model in this segment that can do à-la-Will Smith and say, “I make this look good”.

Keyless entry and a Push-Start system are standard on all three G50 trims so that’s great accessibility right from the get go plus, ingress is a little easier compared to the D60 as this is set just a little lower to the ground.

Leather seats are plain black with white trim and while they’re already cushy, a bit more bolstering would be nice and could really up the level of ride comfort.

The cockpit’s layout is very easy on the eyes and comes with several silver accents for added styling. Most surfaces are soft to the touch and the equipment conforms to modern design, which obviously makes everything feel somewhat premium.

Techies are going to love the 12.3-inch touchscreen. It’s perfectly mounted on the center stack and mobile devices can either connect via Bluetooth or on any of the two USB ports in front. It sends audio to six speakers and displays info regarding the status of the automatic climate control system.

It's a very spacious cabin that can fit eight people, although it could get a little cramped for whomever is in the middle seat. The third row has a 60:40 fold-flat configuration, the second row has a 60:40 split. It’s very thoughtful of the designers to put cup/bottle holders and air vents even in the third row.

Looking at its size and knowing it weighs about 1.5 tons made me skeptical about the small 1.5L four-cylinder turbocharged engine. Thankfully, the output of 169 PS and 250 Nm of torque delivered quite the performance on the G50.

Launch is quick, vigorous and isn’t feeble and while the seven-speed dual shifts smoothly and almost imperceptibly, it has a very audible grunt when pressured because of the lack of displacement, which means a little bit of engine noise snuck in the cabin as it roared past 2,000 rpm. Fortunately, it is matched by a burst of speed to make all the ruckus worth it. Fuel consumption in mixed conditions is 8.5 km/l.

Handling is very light considering the heft so it feels fun to take around even on small streets. As it is a tall vehicle, cornering isn’t very good but noise, vibration, and harshness levels are very low, which means ride comfort is high for a new model.

For its introductory price of P1.288 million (SRP is P1.338 million), the 2020 Maxus G50 1.5T Elite a great MPV. While it may have its shortcomings, it’s still a true people or cargo mover with modern amenities buyers seek and topped off by an awesome design.