MG Motor, owned by Chinese auto giant SAIC, announced its plan for the Indian market in March, 2018. The carmaker confirmed that it will mark its entry in India with an SUV that will hit roads in the first half of 2019. According to a latest report, MG Motor India will introduce the new version of the Shanghai Automotive owned Baojun 530 SUV instead of its own vehicle. The SUV has been developed under the SAIC-GM-Wuling joint venture, and is already on sale in the Chinese market. Here’re five interesting facts about the new Baojun 530.
1. Bigger Than Jeep Compass
MG’s first SUV in India – the Baojun 530 will face heat from cars like Hyundai Creta and Jeep Compass. With respect to dimensions, however, it will be bigger than both of its competitors. While the Baojun 530 (China-spec) is 4,655mm long, 1,835mm wide and 1,760mm tall, the overall length, width and height of the Creta and the Compass stand at 4,270mm x 1,780mm x 1,630mm and 4395mm x 1818mm x 1640mm respectively. Having said that the India-spec version of the Baojun 530 will be exactly similar to the China-spec model in terms of design and dimensions. With 5-seats layout, the Baojun 530 will have more cabin space to offer. Check Out – Upcoming MG Cars in India
2. Heavy Localization
In the company’s China product lineup, the Baojun 530 sits above the Baojun 510. Prices of the SUV range from 78.800 yuan to 119.800 yuan. However, MG Motor India is likely to assemble the SUV at its first manufacturing plant at Halol in Gujarat. The carmaker aims to achieve high-levels of localization (up to 80 percent) for its new SUV. This will certainly help the carmaker to come with competitive pricing. Prices of the Baojun 530 are estimated to start from Rs 14 lakh for the entry-level variant. If launched at this price point, it will undercut its arch rival – Jeep Compass that costs between Rs 15.34 lakh to Rs 21.94 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
3. Bold Design
The Baojun 530 carries bold and aggressive stance, especially at the front end. The SUV features slender projector headlamps with LED DRLs (daytime running lights), sporty grille with horizontal slats and a wise central air dam. However, the India-spec version is likely to get MG’s signature grille and bumpers. Other styling elements include a blacked-out B, C and D-pillars, squared-out wheel arches, multi-spoke wheels, continental tyres, wraparound taillamps, beefy rear bumper and a roof-mounted spoiler. Read – SAIC Maxus D90 Might Come To Challenge Toyota Fortuner
4. Feature Loaded
Interior of the Baojun 530 will be a loaded with lots of goodies. Features such as neatly-designed dashboard and leather seat upholstery enhance its feel and appeal. It also gets an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with WiFi connectivity. The list of features also include a panoramic sunroof, a Harman Infinity sound system, an electric parking brake, side curtain airbags, electronic stability program (ESP) from Bosch, a start/stop engine, LED lenses and an independent rear suspension. What add more its comfort quotient are the 3M sound insulation materials, which are standard across the carline. Read: MG ZS SUV – 5 Things You Should Know
5. Efficient Powertrain
In the Chinese market, the Baojun 530 SUV is being offered with two petrol engines – a 1.8-litre naturally aspirated and a 1.5-litre turbocharged unit. Engine details of the India-spec model are yet to be revealed. Though, it is reported to share its engine with the Jeep Compass – i.e. the Fiat-sourced 170bhp, 2.0-litre diesel unit.
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