Will these MG cars come to India?
MG Company’s pavilion was also very active in this expo. I looked for MG’s Air EV. But, instead of showcasing several new cars, the eHs, MG4 and Euniq 7 FCE MPV were the first three cars that caught the attention of many. Apart from this, MG also introduced an updated version of the Hector SUV with a price list. Let’s see what.
MG 4 Electric Hatchback
Unwheeling globally in July 2022, the MG 4 is MG’s electric hatchback. It builds on MG’s parent company SAIC’s modular scalable construction.
The MG 4 has almost the same length/width/height dimensions as MG’s ZS electric SUV. As it runs globally to Volkswagen’s ID.3 electric hatchback, the MG 4 blends in an attractive design.
Inside there were 2 touch screen infotainment systems. It was also floating. Namely, a floating touch screen. An interesting design – the center console has a rotary dial and a wireless charging pad! Other features include 360-degree camera, ventilated seats and ADS.
In the international market, the MG 4 runs in rear wheel drive with 2 battery packs. A smaller 51kWh pack that delivers 170bhp and a larger 64kWh battery pack that delivers 203bhp. Both run on a single motor. Its torque is 250Nm.
MG claims a range of 350 km for the small battery and 452 km for the large battery under the WLTP drive cycle. It also has a 150kW DC fast charger as an extra option.
Euniq 7 FCE (Euniq 7 Fuel Cell MPV)
This unique was different to look at. This is MG’s discovery of hydrogen. Like all hydrogen cars, it emits water from the exhaust.
It is a compact MPV in a large van style. It had a high nose, a chrome-filled grille, flanked by slim headlights and triangular air dams that were lowered. The classroom was huge. Ah, there were sliding doors. So, you don’t have to worry about someone knocking over the door when you open it. Its LED tail lights, connected by a chrome strip, are a beauty. MG showcased it in dual tone blue and white. Globally, the model is sold under SAIC’s Maxus brand.
Since it is a big car, I thought it must be a 7 seater. Yes, this Euniq 7 comes in 2+2+3 seating option. That’s why Euniq 7. Captain seats in the middle. The interior features a premium dashboard, free standing touch screen, large panoramic sunroof, ADAS level, digital cluster.
MG hasn’t talked about powertrains so far. This hydrogen car is running on 201bhp power in the international market. MG claims that it takes just 3 minutes to fill the entire car with hydrogen fuel containing 6.4 kg of high-pressure hydrogen gas. Also, MG claims a range of 605 km on a single tank.
If this MG Euniq 7 comes to India, our local parties will celebrate! But MG is tight-lipped about bringing it to India!
MG Hector Next Gen and Hector Plus
MG introduced the Hector SUV with many changes. The jewel-encrusted grill is large and fresh. Chrome work is on the rise. Otherwise the slim headlights are the same! The connecting strip on the back side LED is new. The rear bumper has also been updated.
MG also showcased a model called Hector Plus. It is a 6 and 7 seater model. It also had the same design as the new Hector. Both had 18-inch alloy wheels.
Most of the changes are internal in both. MG was the first to offer a large touch screen. Now a 14-inch larger touchscreen is integrated into the dashboard. Wow, the dashboard has completely changed. The AC vents were D-shaped. Finished in Faux Wood with Faux Aluminum Trim. The only minor difference between the two is that the Hector Plus comes in a black-peach dualtone. If it has a black – silver interior finish, it’s a Hector. Both mix at Adas level.
Both have a 1.5 liter petrol engine. The 6-speed manual and CVT automatic gearboxes are available. 143bhp of power and 250Nm of torque. Earlier this engine was offered with a 48V mild hybrid option. This is not the case with these facelift models. MG has also ditched the 7-speed DCT gearbox.
These models are powered by the same 2.0L diesel engine found in the Harrier, Safari and Compass that produces 170bhp and 350Nm. What, only 6 speed manual.
MG has positioned the Hectare from Rs 14.73 lakh ex-showroom to Rs 21.73 lakh for petrol and Rs 19.06 – 21.51 lakh for diesel.
This is Hector Plus 6 Seater – Rs.20.15 – 22.43 Lakhs, Diesel – Rs.20.80 – 22.21 Lakhs… Hector Plus 7 Seater model Petrol – Rs.17.50 – Rs.22.43…. Diesel model – Rs 19.76 lakh to Rs 22.21 lakh is also available.
eHS SUV
There is strong demand for the MG eHS SUV in the European market. It is a plug-in hybrid SUV from MG. MG has positioned it above the MG Aster segment. Looking at it, it was just like looking at the ZS EV. The interior is full of MG’s trademark design and features. The eHS combines a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, connected car tech features, and ADAS technology.
Under the bonnet is a 1.5 liter turbo charged petrol engine. Its power is 160bhp of power and 250Nm of torque. This engine has a 120bhp electric motor. It gives a combined output of around 254 bhp. Its electric motor gets power from a 16.6kWh battery. This powerful battery makes this car a pure electric car as well. It claims a range of 52 km as per the WLTP driving cycle. If it comes to India, it will be the first of MG’s global models to be available in our country.
Mifa 9
MG had parked one more car in its pavilion than the Kia Carnival next gen. The car called ‘MIFA 9’ was interesting to look at. Note its name extension. Maximum, Intelligent, Friendly and Artistic – these are all MIFA. The Mifa is a compact MPV with a square shape. The design is a bit striking. The LED DRL that extends from this end of the car to that end is beautiful. Everything from the heavy chrome work, the lower air dams, the rear diffuser, are all classic.
Its length is above 5 meters. 5,270 mm long. The width is exactly 2,000 mm. Height 1,840 mm. Its wheelbase of 3,200 mm is also the most in the segment. Wow, it’s bigger than the Kia Carnival. Yes, it is a 7 seater MPV. The low end will have a bench seating arrangement. It has luxurious captain’s seats in the middle at the top end. So, there is also a 6 seater option. Mifa 9 had a large touch screen. Oh, the dashboard is all over the place. So much. The 2 spoke steering wheel is a beauty.
As far as the powertrains are concerned – there is an electric motor that produces 245bhp of power and 350Nm of torque. MG says its top speed is 180 kmph. They have given a large battery pack of 90kWh. Its WLTP certified driving range is around 440 km.
MG laughs blankly at news of when this too will come to India. Apart from these, MG also displayed several other cars such as Roewe eRX5, Marvell R, eMG6, MG5 at this expo.