MG makes 7-seat SUV ownership attainable as families face affordability gap

• MG says families deserve more value for money as median new-car prices rise 58% in ten years, against just 2% growth in household disposable income
• Purchase price and running costs lead priorities, while almost nine in ten (88%) would rethink an aspect of their next car to bring it within budget
• Extra storage, family holidays and carrying relatives or friends are key reasons for wanting a larger or seven-seat car

New research from MG Motor UK has revealed a stark affordability gap in the family-car market. Combining an independent consumer survey by Opinion Matters with marketplace insights from Autotrader, the UK’s largest automotive marketplace, the research shows median new-car prices have risen 58% in ten years, while household disposable income has grown by just 2%. Consumer opinions underline the affordability gap as one in three drivers (34%) say new cars are much less affordable than ten years ago.

MG says families deserve more value for their money. With the MGS9 PHEV, it is putting that position into practice, making seven-seat SUV aspirations more attainable by delivering the space, comfort and technology larger families need at a more accessible price.

Ahead of the Autumn Budget, the survey of 2,000 UK drivers found that six in ten (62%) say new cars are less affordable than ten years ago. Almost half (46%) would love a new car but living costs or purchase prices make them think twice.

MG says the findings make the case for judging value by the whole package. Purchase price (61%) and running costs (56%) lead buying priorities, compared with manufacturer (26%). Almost nine in ten drivers (88%) would rethink at least one aspect of their next car to bring it within budget, including 41% who would consider a different manufacturer.

MG encourages buyers to compare passenger and luggage space, equipment at the quoted trim price and everyday running costs to see what their budget can deliver. Its approach to seven-seat SUV value puts those priorities first, making aspiration attainable through the whole package.

Marketplace data shows 54% of new SUV stock is priced at £40,000 or above, while 92% of MG’s new SUV stock is below £40,000. The MGS9 PHEV Comfort starts at £34,210 on the road - £5,790 below the £40,000 mark. For that price, families get seven-seat space, plug-in hybrid capability and generous must-have standard equipment. With prices less than £40,000 OTR, the MGS9 PHEV range also avoids the Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) Expensive Car Supplement (ECS), equivalent to £2,200 over five years at current rates, adding a further ownership-cost benefit to its seven-seat package. The MGS9 PHEV is backed by MG’s seven-year/80,000-mile warranty, whichever comes first.

David Allison, Director of Product and Planning at MG Motor UK, said: “This is a wake-up call for the family-car market. At MG, we believe families should not need to pay a premium for a practical seven-seat SUV that works for daily life. Making that aspiration attainable means delivering the space, comfort and technology people really need, at an accessible price. The MGS9 does exactly that, with seven seats and plug-in hybrid driving from £34,210.”

The research also showed that the affordability gap has clear age and gender patterns. More than two thirds (69%) of female drivers say new cars are less affordable, compared with just over half (56%) of men. More than seven in ten (72%) of drivers aged 55 and over say new cars are less affordable, the highest result of any age group.

Beyond the price tag, the survey showed how a family car needs to work for everyday life. More boot or storage space (31%) and family holidays or longer journeys (30%) lead the reasons for wanting a larger or seven-seat car, while 24% cite needing a vehicle big enough for travelling with extended family or friends. For seven-seat SUV buyers, MG says value means finding the right combination of space, equipment and ownership costs for their lifestyle and budget.

The MGS9 demonstrates what that budget can buy. Its luggage capacity is 332 litres with all seven seats in use, rising to 1,026 litres with the third row folded for holiday luggage or larger loads like sports equipment. Seven full-sized seats, with room for adults in the third row, give families flexibility to carry extra passengers.

For longer journeys and family holidays, plug-in hybrid capability combines petrol driving with up to 62 miles of electric-only WLTP range when fully charged, giving flexibility across daily journeys and trips away. Heated front seats, a panoramic roof, tri-zone climate control and a 360-degree reversing camera are all standard on Comfort variants, adding everyday convenience and a touch of luxury to the package. The striking 12.3” infotainment screen is complemented by physical buttons for quick access to key controls, such as air conditioning.

Ian Plummer, Chief Customer Officer at Autotrader, the UK’s largest automotive marketplace said: "The research shows car buyers want space and efficiency without premium markup and with the MGS9 rapidly surging to become one of the most popular plug-in hybrids on Autotrader, MG seem to have delivered on that. By offering 7-seat versatility and plug-in efficiency at an attractive price point, the MG S9 aligns genuine capability with real-world affordability and the data shows car buyers have responded positively.”

MG’s UK registrations grew almost twice as fast as the overall new-car market in September: 23.7% against 12%. A record 18,026 registrations made MG the UK’s fourth best-selling brand that month. September also marked its sixth consecutive month of record sales for the corresponding calendar month.