MG Baojun RS-3 Compact SUV – What To Expect?
Buoyed by excellent response for Hector, MG Motors is now gearing up for the launch of 4 new SUVs in India over the period of 1-2 years. The company will launch the eZS pure electric SUV in December 2019. MG has also showcased the India-spec models at the 2020 Auto Expo, including the Hector 7-seater and the Maxus D90 7-seater premium SUV. What’s more interesting is that the company is also readying an all-new compact SUV, which will be slotted below the Hector.
For people not in the know, MG Motors and Baojun are owned by the Chinese SAIC Motor Corporation. The Hector SUV is basically the re-badged version of the Baojun 530 SUV, which is on sale in China. Baojun has recently introduced the RS-3 compact SUV in the domestic market. It is expected that the India will get the re-badged version of the RS-3 compact SUV in the country. This SUV will directly rival the Hyundai Creta, Nissan Kicks and the Kia Seltos.
We believe that the re-badged version of the MG compact SUV could debut at the 2020 Delhi Auto Expo. Earlier this year, the Baojun 510 compact SUV was spotted testing in India. The new RS-3 has replaced the 510 SUV in the Chinese market, which suggests that the India will get the re-badged RS-3 in our market.
In terms of proportions, the Baojun RS-3 compact SUV is 4,305mm in length, 1,748mm in width and 1,597mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2,550mm. The new model’s dimension is quite equivalent to the Kia Seltos (4,315mm x 1,800mm x 1,645mm and 2,610mm wheelbase). The new model is expected to have a ground clearance of around 200mm to suit the needs of Indian roads.
The Baojun RS-3 compact SUV looks quite promising, featuring a large trapezoidal grille and two-tier headlamp setup. While the slim LED Daytime running lights are positioned on top, the main headlamp and fog lamp are placed lower on the bumper. It gets wider and thinner air-dam along with faux-skid plate. Black plastic cladding can be seen all around the body, giving it a tough look.
The new SUV gets dual-tone body paint with contrasting roof and spoiler, strong belt line running across the length to meet the tail-lamps, and squared-off wheel arches. A-, B- and C-pillars are painted in black. The rear profile looks equally aggressive, featuring roof-integrated spoiler, split headlamp setup with LED DRLs, black lower bumper with faux skid plate and chrome bar connecting the LED tail-lights. The SUV also gets a large electric sunroof.
The Baojun RS-3 gets clean and clutter free cabin, featuring a large free-standing touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity and Internet option. It is equipped with the latest version of Baojun’s connectivity system, which integrates mobile connectivity and in-vehicle features. Users can locate and lock/unlock their vehicles, turn on the air-conditioning, and more remotely via their smartphones. The new model also gets voice recognition system along with over-the-air upgrades.
The Baojun RS-3 also features Bosch’s driver assistance system. The SUV also gets advanced adaptive cruise control system, which can be activated at a speed of up to 130kmph. It is powered by a 104bhp, 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine matched with a continuously variable transmission or a six-speed manual gearbox.
