MG Motor has officially announced that it will launch the first model in the Indian market in 2019. The company will start its innings with an all-new SUV. It was speculated that the MG ZS SUV could be the brand’s first model in India. However, new media reports claim that the brand will launch a re-styled and re-engineered version of Shanghai Automotive owned Baojun 530 SUV in the Indian market. Testing of the SUV has already been commenced.
The Baojun 530 was first unveiled in China in March 2018. Measuring 4,655mm in length, 1,835mm in width and 1,760mm in height, the 530 is bigger than the Jeep Compass. However, report suggest that the company is targeting a price that will undercut the Hyundai Creta. Speaking to AutoCarIndia, a source in MG Motor India said, “We extensively studied all the brands in the SAIC stable and found that our sister brand Baojun offered exactly what was needed for the Indian market with the 530 SUV”. He further added that “the Indian version will be very different from the Chinese one and we plan to re-engineer it extensively with a strong dose of MG’s DNA”
In terms of styling, the Baojun 530 gets a bold exterior design, stylish grille which is integrated with high-mounted DRLs and slender LED headlights. Squared-out wheel arches and a blacked-out D-pillar gives it a sporty stance. The India-spec model is likely to get some changes in the form of new grille and bumpers. Inside the cabin, the Baojun 530 compact SUV gets a dual-tone colour scheme. It also gets a touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity. Also See – MG ZS SUV – 5 Things You Should Know
The Chinese-spec model is available with two petrol engines – 1.8-litre naturally aspirated and 1.5-litre turbo-charged. The India-spec model is likely to be powered by a Fiat-sourced 2.0-litre MJD diesel engine that produces 170bhp and 350Nm of torque. The new SUV will have high-level of local components and will be manufactured at SAIC’s plant at Halol, Gujarat.
