MG Motor India At Auto Expo 2020: What To Expect

Auto Expo 2020 is around the corner and all eyes on the latest entrant in the Indian carmarket, MG Motor. The carmaker is currently riding the wave of success thanks to the Hector and is looking to expand with new models. Keeping with the trend, the British marque is expected to showcase four new SUVs at India’s largest motor show. These models are also likely to be launched in India in the coming months. Have a look at them here:

MG Maxus D90: 

The Maxus D90 SUV, which is already on sale in China, is likely to be rebadged and sold as an MG in India. If it comes to the expo, it could become the centrepiece of MG's display. However, we expect it to receive slight changes over the Chinese model to make it more suited to the Indian market. The D90 looks like MG’s answer to the Ford Endeavour, Toyota Fortuner and Mahindra Alturas G4. It is expected to be offered with both diesel and petrol engine options. Speaking of which, MG is likely to offer the D90 with the 2.0-litre diesel engine that develops  215PS and 480Nm. MG has been testing the Maxus D90 in India for some time now and we expect it to launch it later in the year, with prices estimated to start from Rs 30 lakh (ex-showroom). 

MG Hector 6-seater: 

The MG Hector’s 6-seater variant is expected to debut at Auto Expo 2020. Its main highlight is the aircraft-style captain seats for middle row occupants. Further, it’ll come with third-row seats to make it a direct rival to the Mahindra XUV500 and the upcoming Tata Gravitas. The 6-seater Hector will also come with revamped looks for further differentiation and is expected to get a new name as well. It’s likely to be offered with the Hector’s powertrains, albeit with upgrades to meet BS6 emission norms. The Hector 6-seater is expected to be priced around Rs 1 lakh more than the Hector (Rs 12.48 lakh, ex-showroom India). 

MG ZS EV: 

The ZS EV will be MG’s second SUV for India. It is expected to be launched at Auto Expo 2020. We recently drove the ZS EV and came away pretty impressed. The talking point of the ZS EV is its electric heart that develops 143PS and 350Nm. It draws power from a 44.5kWh battery pack and MG claims it’ll offer a real-world range of 340km. Other talking points about the ZS EV include its lengthy feature list, i-SMART EV 2.0 connected car technology, and a well-finished interior. The only missing piece in the puzzle -- its price -- is expected to be revealed at the event. 

Baojun RS-3:

The recently unveiled Baojun RS-3 is a mid-size SUV from MG's parent SAIC. It could be one of the SAIC products that is likely to be rebadged and brought to the expo. If launched, it’ll rival the popular Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta. The RS-3 takes styling influence from the Hector with a big grille, split-headlamps, and squared-off wheel arches. Just like the Hector, it comes loaded with features like connected car technology. Powering the RS-3 is a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine that develops 105PS of power and 135Nm of torque. Transmission options include a 5-speed manual and a CVT. If launched in India, expect the RS-3 to be offered with a diesel engine as well. 

These are the four new SUVs that are likely to be showcased by MG Motor India at Auto Expo 2020. Apart from that, MG could also showcase various international models like the HS Crossover, the GS, the MG 3 hatchback and the MG 6 sedan. Further, the manufacturer could showcase special/limited editions of the Hector that could soon be launched in India.