The new MG SUV arriving in India next year debuted
as the new generation Chevrolet Captiva at the 2018 Bogota Motor Show in
Colombia last week. In all, there are four different versions of the SAIC-GM-Wuling’s
third SUV: Baojun 530, Wuling SUV (name TBA), Chevrolet Captiva and MG SUV (name
TBA). The India-bound, MG-branded version is the only one that isn’t out yet.
The Baojun- and Wuling-badged versions have the same
design, while the Chevrolet-badged version has a different grille design with
three horizontal slats in a familiar Chevrolet-style. The MG-branded version has
significant changes that make it recognisable as an MG. Interestingly, the
changes planned for our market include interior refinements as well, to make
the SUV look upmarket. Moreover, while the original model is strictly a
five-seater, an 8-seat version is under consideration for the Chinese-owned
British marque.
The Chevrolet-badged version employs a 1.5-litre
turbocharged petrol engine that produces 147 hp and 230 Nm of torque. This
engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The Indian-spec,
MG-branded version will come with FCA’s 2.0-litre MultiJet II turbocharged
diesel engine coupled to an AT and a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine (168
hp/250 Nm) paired with a 7-speed AT.
While the Baojun 530 is already on sale in China,
the Wuling- and Chevrolet-badged versions are expected to be received in their
respective markets next year. The MG-badged version is undergoing India testing
and will reach showrooms in the second quarter of 2019 (April-June 2019).
Prices could range from around INR 12-16 lakh (ex-showroom).
