MG Motor India to Launch Starlight 560 SUV to Rival Mahindra XUV 7XO and XEV 9S

We informed you earlier that JSW MG Motor will introduce multiple vehicles with hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric powertrains. A new media report claims that the company will enter into the plug-in hybrid segment, and will launch India’s first mass-market PHEV. The company plans to launch 6 new vehicles in the country in the next couple of years. 

MG Motor - Wuling Starlight 560 SUV

The brand’s upcoming product will be an all-new SUV with both EV and PHEV derivatives, and is expected to rival the Mahindra XEV 9S and the XUV 7XO. Codenamed 520, the new MG SUV is expected to be based on the Wuling Starlight 560 SUV which is on sale in the Chinese market as the Xinguang and in the Indonesian market as the Wuling Eksion. This SUV is available in 5-and 7-seat layout, and India is expected to get the 7-seater derivative. 

In terms of proportions, the new MG Motor India measures 4745mm in length, 1850mm in width and 1755mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2810mm. The Starlight is 50mm longer than the Mahindra XUV 7XO, and sits on 60mm longer wheelbase. 

The plug-in hybrid version comes fitted with a 1.5-litre petrol engine that produces 106hp and 130Nm, and a 20.5kWh battery pack with a front electric motor. The combined power and torque output stands at 197hp and 230Nm, respectively. As per the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC), the SUV offers an all-electric range of 100km, and with 52-litre fuel tank, the SUV offers a range of 1100km. The hybrid is claimed to achieve 0-100kmph in 9.7 seconds before hitting an electronically limited top speed of 170kmph.

The electric model is packed with a 56.7kWh battery pack with a front-axle-mounted electric motor rated at 136hp and offers 200Nm of torque. It is claimed to offer a CLTC range of 500km on a single charge. Using a DC fast charger, the battery can achieve 30-80 percent charging status in 20 minutes. 

Source - AutoCarIndia