MG Motors has more Affordable future cars for India

MG Motors started their innings in India with SUVs. We saw Hector and then ZS EV. These SUVs will also feature Gloster full-size SUVs and later MG Hector Plus. Perhaps the only break in their SUV lineup will be the G10 MPV which is set for the future. The point to note is that MG is only operating at the premium and executive end of the market with its premium cars.

According to Rajiv Chaba president and MD MG Motor Car in India, MG wants to strengthen its position in the market as a premium brand. However, after establishing themselves at the premium end of the market, they have the intention of coming down. Following these sleeves of SUVs and G10 MPVs, MG Motors' next pair of products will be more affordable and appeal to a wider audience.

After Gluster and the G10, MG Motors' next product will be the ZS Petrol SUV, which is essentially a rival to the Hyundai Creta. It will be the facelifted version of the overseas-sold ZS SUV that will arrive in India and will be powered by 1.0 and 1.3-liter petrol engines. The 1.0L three-cylinder petrol engine gives 111hp and 160Nm of torque while the 1.3L unit gives an impressive 125hp and 230Nm of torque. Interestingly, the 1.3L unit also has a turbocharged version which also cites an impressive number of 163 bhp and was recently launched in China. This could push the ZS slightly ahead of the competition like the new Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos.

While the MG G10 will be a premium product meant to rival the Kia Carnival, MG Motors has another affordable MPV to rival the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and Mahindra Marzo. Its name is MG 360M and was showcased at the 2020 Auto Expo. The MG 360M measures 4,615mm in length and is longer than both the Ertiga and Marazzo. The Ertiga in comparison measures 4,395 mm in length.

The MG 360 M has a wheelbase that is 10 mm longer than the Hector. That should allow for more space on the inside and it can be powered by a 1.5-liter turbo-petrol found under Hector's bonnet. It is also likely to get the same gearbox option as well as a choice of 48V mild-hybrid system for better fuel economy. A 2.0L diesel engine from Hector can also make its way to the 360M. With fewer players in this segment, MG feels that this will not be a very difficult business case for 360M.

In addition, MG India is also seriously looking at a 3- or 4-seat version of the E200 EV, also shown at Auto Expo. It is basically a smart-sized car with a length of less than 2.5 mm and MG says it can sell in India for Rs 10 lakh. With increasing products and increasing versions, MG also plans to build a second plant in India or buy an existing one.

But apart from the products, MG also intends to focus on aftersales service, total cost of ownership and resale value. They want to deliver the same standards as Maruti and Hyundai in this regard. As they enter the market segment, the competition will definitely get tougher and where a strong brand is likely to help.