The Baojun RS-3 Could Be MG Motor India’s Rival For The Kia Seltos

• The RS-3 is priced between Rs 7.2 lakh to Rs 9.3 lakh in China.
• The mid-size SUV is smaller than the Seltos.
• It comes with connected features, voice recognition and a Bosch-sourced driver assistance system.
• The RS-3 makes use of a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine.

Most of us know that the MG Hector is basically a rebadged version of the Baojun 530 sold in China. Baojun, which has a variety of cars in its China lineup, has now added a new mid-size SUV called RS-3. It was launched in China with a plethora of connected features and a price tag between RMB 71,800 and RMB 89,800 (Rs 7.2 lakh to Rs 9.3 lakh). Can we expect MG Motor India bring it over here to take on the Kia Seltos, the recently unveiled 2020 Hyundai Creta and the Tata Harrier? The RS-3 is available across four models and makes use of a 1.5-litre petrol engine. Meanwhile, the Hector is doing well in the market attracting over 38,000 bookings since its launch in June. 

The Baojun RS-3 is 4305mm long, 1748mm wide and 1597mm high, positioning it below the Seltos when it comes to dimensions. Powering the SUV is a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine which is expected to produce 105PS and 135Nm of torque mated to a CVT or a 6-speed manual gearbox. 

The RS-3 shares the same design language as the Hector, with a split headlight setup and a large grille. The side profile and the squared-off wheel arches reminds us of the Hector while the rear end design also gets a split tail lamp setup which we are not sure of. The cabin follows a clean design theme with the major highlights being the Audi-esque aircon vents, flat-bottom steering and tastefully designed seats.

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Baojun is offering a host of connected features with the RS-3. It comes equipped with the carmaker’s latest connectivity feature which enables the user to unlock the vehicle, turn on the air-conditioning and other features from their handheld devices. The RS-3 also get an advanced voice recognition system which supports over-the-air upgrades. Apart from this, the RS-3 also gains a Bosch-sourced driver assistance system and adaptive cruise control. 

MG’s second offering for the Indian market, the MG ZS electric vehicle, will be revealed shortly, with a launch slated for early 2020. MG might bring in the RS-3 to India, especially considering the fact that the Seltos is doing exceptionally well for Kia.