New MG SUV Spied In India; Could Rival Hyundai Creta

• MG Motor’s third SUV for India will be a Creta rival.
• Based on the spy shots, it seems that it will be a rebranded version of the Baojun 510.
• The SUV is expected to be launched here in the second half of 2020.
• It will be the third SUV in the company’s lineup after the Hector and the yet-to-be-name all-electric SUV.

While we get ready to welcome MG’s first product for India, the Hector SUV, spy shots of what could be its third product here are already on the interwebs. While the Hector targets the Jeep Compass, the smaller SUV will target another segment favourite - the Hyundai Creta.

Spy shots suggest that the new SUV will be based on the China-based Baojun 510. The MG Hector is a rebadged and rebranded Baojun 530, so it’s no surprise that the company is picking products from the SAIC’s (group company that wons both MG and Baojun) pool for its India lineup again.

The Baojun 510’s potential Indian competition includes the Hyundai Creta, Kia SP-based SUV, Maruti Suzuki S-Cross, Nissan Kicks and others. Here’s how it compares to them in terms of overall dimensions:

The SUV could be offered with the same powertrains as the Hector in India, albeit slightly detuned. This would include a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder turbo-petrol and a Fiat-sourced 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder, turbo-diesel. MG could offer both the engines with automatic transmissions to make it more attractive. After all, the Hector’s petrol engine will be paired to a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission. Here’s how the Baojun 510’s petrol motor compares to the competition:

The Baojun 510 is not offered with a diesel engine internationally, but here's how the competition stacks up:

The Baojun 510 seems very well specced for an SUV priced in the ¥ 68,800-76,800 (Rs 7.30 lakh-Rs 8.15 lakh) bracket in China. Features include a panoramic sunroof, 4-way electrically adjustable driver seat, tyre pressure monitor, 8-inch touchscreen display and, four airbags as standard. Will MG be able to dethrone the Creta in India? We will have to wait more than a year for the answer.

Spy shots courtesy Autocar India