The report does not even remotely hint at the use of the 1.6-litre diesel engine employed in the export-spec Jeep Compass, which otherwise could mean MG having decided a Hyundai Creta rivaling B-SUV, possibly the MG ZS, as its first SUV for India. It specifically states that the 2.0-litre diesel engine employed by the Indian-spec Jeep Compass will find its place in MG’s first SUV in the country.

The Jeep Compass’ 2.0-litre Multijet II diesel engine develops 173 PS and 350 Nm of torque. In MG’s line-up, this engine is ideally feasible for something like the MG GS if India is the market under consideration. MG will offer a 1.5-litre petrol engine or a 1.8-litre petrol engine made in-house as an option to the 2.0-litre Multijet II diesel engine sourced from FCA.

Also See: 2018 MG 3 (facelift) spied in Thailand ahead of launch next year

MG will manufacture its vehicles in India at GM’s Halol plant, which it acquired in September last year. It will launch its first model in Q2 2019 (April-June 2019).

[Source: The Times of India]

SAIC Motor has formally announced plans of establishing manufacturing and sales operations through 'MG Motor India'. The company announced that operations would commence in 2019. It will have a fully-owned car manufacturing facility in the country producing a range of cars that will conform to global standards and aligning with Indian regulations, emission norms and driving conditions, it said.

There have been reports in the past of SAIC showing interest towards the Indian market, given that it is expected to be the third-biggest in the world by the year 2020, and where budget-oriented vehicles constitute a bulk of the overall demand. Although the location of the manufacturing facility has not been divulged in the press release, it could be General Motors' Halol plant in Gujarat as SAIC had reportedly signed a deal with the American car manufacturer to buy the plant back in April if certain conditions are fulfilled.

The press release has not revealed the product lineup expected in 2019, but MG Motor has a long lineup of cars in China and other international markets such as the MG ZS, MG GS, MG GT, MG3, MG5, MG6, MG 350 and MG 750. Given the rising popularity of crossovers and SUVs in India, SAIC could consider starting with the MG GS or the upcoming MG ZS in the local portfolio. MG also has access to cars from SAIC's sub-brands Maxus, Baojun and Roewe.

SAIC will be the first Chinese manufacturer to set up operations in India. It is also the newest manufacturer to announce plans for local sales, following Peugeot which has tied up with the CK Birla Group for manufacturing cars in India by 2020.

MG displayed the MG GS among many other models at the 2017 Bangkok International Motor Show. The compact SUV was launched in Thailand last year and could be part of the lineup for MG Motor India.

The MG GS is the company's first SUV model. It is based on a new scalable platform developed specially for SUVs by the British brand's Chinese parent company SAIC. The compact SUV measures 4,500 mm in length, 1,855 mm in width and 1,665 mm/1,675 mm/1,689 mm/1,699 mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2,650 mm. It is available in four different configurations, consisting of two engine models available in two trim levels each.

The base model is powered by the 1.5-litre TGI-TECH turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 124 kW (167 PS) at 5,600 rpm and 250 Nm of torque at 4,400 rpm. This engine is linked to the 7-speed TST dual-clutch transmission. The higher-end model sports the 2.0-litre TGI-TECH turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that develops 162 kW (218 PS) at 5,300 rpm and 350 Nm of torque between 2,500 rpm and 4,000 rpm. This model gets the 6-speed TST dual-clutch transmission, along with an option for an all-wheel drive system.

Also Read: MG brand to enter India, will roll out the first model by 2019

HID headlamps, daytime running lights, 18-inch alloy wheels, LED tail lamps, electric sunroof, leather seats, 6-way power adjustable front seats, keyless entry with push-start button, 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, rear-view (parking) camera, rear parking sensors, electronic parking brake, Stability Control System (SCS), Curve Brake Control (CBC) and Auto Vehicle Hold (AVH) are some of the key features of the MG GS.

SAIC will become the first Chinese automaker to enter India, as per a new report from Economic Times. The Shanghai-based auto giant has registered its MG brand in the country as 'MG Motor India'.

SAIC has appointed Rajeev Chhaba who formerly lead GM India, as the CEO of MG Motor India, and at least seven more people to lead the finance, HR, purchase, IT and other functions. The Competition Commission of India has given the company the approval to acquire GM's plant in Halol, Gujarat. GM is SAIC's partner company in China.

The deal for the Halol plant depends on GM settling the labour issues there. If the deal is done by the middle of April 2017, SAIC can take over the plant as early as the same month and roll out the first vehicle from there in late next year or early 2019. The company is firm on entering in India, and so, in case the deal doesn't take place, it does have a plan to build a new plant.

SAIC has hired KPMG to conduct the market study, while the work to finalise suppliers is in the hands of Ernst & Young. PricewaterhouseCoopers has was outsourced to study on the cost of the GM plant and it has already finished that work. Chinese publication Yibada reported in December last year that SAIC has established corporate offices in Gurgaon and has received proposals for establishing its manufacturing unit from Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu state governments.

Also See: MG 3 two-tone – Thai Motor Expo Live

MG offers seven vehicles internationally: MG GS, MG GT, MG3, MG5, MG6, MG 350 and MG 750. The rising popularity of crossovers and SUVs in India could make SAIC interested in launching the MG GS or the upcoming MG ZS in the country.

[Source 1: Economic Times]

[Source 2: Yibada]

The MG GS 1.5 Turbo has made its Thai debut at the Motor Expo today. So far, the China-made SUV was sold with a bigger 2.0L Turbo motor. The smaller engine option is available in two variants: D and X, and prices range between between 890,000 baht - 990,000 baht.

The 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol is paired with a 7-speed DCT, generating 167 hp and 250 Nm. In relation, the 2.0L turbocharged four cylinder petrol engine is mated to a 6-speed DCT, producing 218 PS and 350 Nm of torque. Both feature paddle shifters as an option.

The MG GS SUV measures 4,500 mm long, 1,855 mm wide and 1,699 mm high, and has a wheelbase of 2,650 mm.

The design is identical to the model sold in China, featuring a two-part grille; a slim upper grille housing the Morris badge, and a lower mesh grille in the bumper, trapezoidal headlights, LED DRLs, 17/18 inch alloy wheels, angular taillights and roof spoiler.

Inside, top variants come with an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with GPS navigation, push-button start, heated front seats, electronic parking brake, ESP (Electronic Stability Program) and Hill Start Assist.

"The new MG GS 1.5-litre comes equipped with MG’s advanced “inkaNet” technology. We are confident that The NEW MG GS 1.5-litre provide value for money while coming with features that go beyond other SUVs in the marketplace,” Pongsak Lertrudeewattanavong, Vice President of MG Sales (Thailand), said.

The design of the GS closely resembles that of the well-received concept. The front end gets a thin grille housing the octagonal Morris badge, trapezoidal headlights and a two-tone bumper. Moving to the sides, there are dual-tone alloys and blacked-out B-pillar while the rear has a tailgate spoiler, angular tail lights and twin tailpipes. Dimensions of the SUV are 4,500 mm, 1,855 mm and 1,699 mm in length, width and height respectively.

The interior comes with a floating effect for the center console and an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with GPS navigation. Other noteworthy features are push button start, heated front seats, electronic parking brake, ESP (Electronic Stability Program) and downhill driving assistance.

Power to the MG GS is provided by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four cylinder petrol engine generating 220 hp and 350 Nm, and a 1.5-liter turbo four cylinder petrol producing 167 hp and 250 Nm. The former is mated to a 6-speed DCT with the latter being coupled to either a 6-speed manual gearbox or 7-speed DCT.

MG has announced that the MG GS will be launched in UK in 2016.

Although it was unknown whether MG would launch the GS SUV in countries other than China, a new set of spyshots have surfaced from Thailand, another market where the Chinese-owned British company operates in with a plant that makes the MG6 sedan and MG3 hatchback.

The prototype in Thailand may be wrapped in camouflage, but it is expected to mirror the design of the Chinese spec model. The exterior design draws many cues from the MG GS Concept, unveiled at the 2013 Shanghai Motor Show. It is based on the Ssangyong Korando’s platform, while the rear suspension of  is sourced from the Volkswagen Tiguan. The resulting platform has been codenamed “SSA”.

Inside, the GS features an eight-inch touchscreen integrated on the dashboard, while the HVAC controls and other functions are located on a floating center console. It also comes with premium equipment like heated front seats, push button start, and electronic parking brake.

For the Chinese market, the MG GS SUV is offer either with a 1.5-liter turbo with 167 hp and 250 Nm or a 2.0 liter turbo four-cylinder gasoline engine with 220 hp and 350 Nm. It is coupled to a six-speed DCT which routes power through the ON-DEMAND all-wheel drive system. MG claims that the 2.0-liter engine can enable the GS to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 8 seconds.

Also Read: MG 3 in attendance at Thailand Motor Expo 2014

Prices in China range from 160,000 yuan (INR 16.08 lakhs) to 180,000 yuan (INR 18.08 lakhs). It's unclear when MG will launch the GS in Thailand.

[Image Source: Headlight Mag]

Last month MG had previewed the GS SUV via their website, revealing the crossover's final exterior design. Now though, the company has released photos of the car's interior, which gets an eight-inch touchscreen on the floating center console with GPS navigation, among other infotainment features.

The pictures also reveal that the MG GS has heated front seats, push button start, and electronic parking brake, ESP, downhill driving assistance, and all-wheel drive.

The exterior draws heavily from the MG GS Concept, unveiled at the 2013 Shanghai Motor Show. Since parent company SAIC once had a controlling stake in Ssangyong, MG found it possible to base its crossover on the Ssangyong Korando's platform, while the rear suspension of the GS SUV is based on the Volkswagen Tiguan. MG has called the resulting platform “SSA”.

The MG GS SUV will be offered with either a 1.5-liter turbo with 167 hp and 250 Nm (to join in at a later stage) or a 2.0 liter turbo four-cylinder gasoline engine with 220 hp and 350 Nm. It will be coupled to a six-speed DCT, and use the ON-DEMAND all-wheel drive system to transfer drive. MG also says the 2.0-liter engine-powered car can accelerate to 100 kph from standstill in 8 seconds.

Also read: 2014 Colombo Auto Show – MG 6

The price of the MG GS is expected to begin at around 120,000 yuan (INR 12.26 Lakh) and max out at 160,000 yuan (INR 16.35 Lakh). At the moment, it’s unclear whether MG will sell the GS SUV outside China.

Competitors: Ford EcoSport, Honda XR-V, Nissan Juke, Peugeot 2008
Expected Price: 120k – 160k Yuan (INR 12.26 - 16.35 lakhs)
Launch Date: Before July 2015

2015 MG GS SUV - Image Gallery

[Source - PCAuto.com.cn]

On its website, MG has revealed the first official images of their upcoming crossover, the MG GTS, which will go on sale in the Chinese market in the first half of 2015.

The exterior design draws heavy design cues from the MG CS Concept, which was unveiled at 2013 Shanghai Motor Show. It sits on the current Ssangyong Korando platform, since parent company SAIC once had a controlling stake in Ssangyong. According to a Chinese report, the rear suspension of the GTS SUV is based on the Volkswagen Tiguan and MG has called the resulting platform "SSA".

MG has not revealed the interior shots of the GTS SUV, but expect it to have some resemblance to the Korando's.

During the launch, the MG GTS SUV will come with a 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine with 220 hp and 350 Nm. It will be coupled to a six-speed DCT, and use the ON-DEMAND all-wheel drive system to transfer drive. MG also says the car can accelerate to 100 kph from a standstill in 8 seconds.

Later on, a 1.5 turbocharged four-cylinder unit will join the line-up, with reported outputs of 167 hp and 250 Nm, fitted to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox, say Chinese reports.

Also See: MG 6 displayed at the Colombo Motor Show

The vehicle's price is expected to begin at around 120,000 yuan (INR 12.26 Lakh) and max out at 160,000 yuan (INR 16.35 Lakh). At the moment, it's unclear whether MG will sell the GTS SUV outside China.

Competitors: Ford EcoSport, Honda XR-V, Nissan Juke, Peugeot 2008
Expected Price: 120k - 160k Yuan (INR 12.26 - 16.35 lakhs)
Launch Date: Before July 2015

MG GTS SUV - Image Gallery

MG is currently working on a crossover that draws influence from the CS Concept that was unveiled last year at the 2013 Shanghai Motor Show.

Called the MG CS, its based on the Ssangyong Korando's platform and looks almost identical to the concept model. It features a Renault-esque front face that proudly wields the MG badge in the center, and is flanked by large headlamps.

Under the hood, the MG CS is expected be powered by a 2.0-liter turbo petrol engine capable of producing 204 bhp. The power will be transferred to the front wheels via a six speed manual or automatic gearbox. For the U.K. market, the MG CS will also offer a 2.0-liter diesel motor that outputs 173 bhp and 360 Nm of torque.

Currently owned by SAIC Motors of China, the new MG has failed to recapture the essence of its former British glory. Its model lineup includes the MG 750 (or the Roewe 750 in other markets), MG 6 sedan and the MG 3 hatchback.

With sales in the slump, MG is counting on the production version of the CS crossover as well as an upcoming “MG Roadster” to score profits in the highly competitive market.

Also read: MG 6 sedan showcased at Colombo Motor Show 2014

The Ssangyong Korando crossover was studied for the Indian market by parent company Mahindra but being a 5-seater with a pricetag of a 7-seater hindered its launch in the sub-continent.

[Images from Auto Home]