A video of the MG RX5 (Roewe RX5) on Indian roads,
uploaded by MotorWorld India on Youtube. Given the video's quality, it's hard
to distinguish which SUV is undergoing testing, until the last few seconds. The
RX5 was previously snapped last month testing in Pune.
India will soon welcome an influx of Chinese
SUVs manufactured in India that will give products from top manufacturers a new
problem to reckon with. This is courtesy of SAIC establishing its operations here.
One of the SUVs we could expect is the MG RX5 that will go up against the
Hyundai Creta and even the Jeep Compass. It measures 4,545 mm in length, 1,855
mm in width and 1,719 mm in height, and has a 2,700 mm wheelbase.
Some of the standard features fitted in the same
model in other markets include LED headlamps with striking DRLs, 18-inch alloy
wheels, panoramic sunroof, 6-way power driver’s seat, 8-inch touchscreen
infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, 6-speaker audio system with woofer,
electric parking brake and six airbags. Expect high trim levels of the
India-spec model to equip most (if not all) of the features listed.
The RX5 is available with two engine options: a
1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine or a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine.
The former outputs 168 PS at 5,600 rpm and 250 Nm of torque at
1,700-4,400 rpm, while the latter produces 220 PS at 5,300 rpm and
350 Nm of torque at 2,500-4,000 rpm. Depending on the market, transmission
options include a 6-speed manual, 6-speed DCT and 7-speed DCT. An AWD system is
optional in the 2.0-litre variant.
It's unclear if MG will develop a diesel variant by
sourcing a powerplant from another manufacturer or develop one from scratch. In
the segment it's targeting, the higher percentage of units sold are diesel
powered. The RX5, as with other MG cars, will be built at the former GM plant
in Halol, Gujarat.
