First MG model in India could be a C-SUV, to get Jeep Compass’ diesel engine - Report

22/03/2018 - 11:12 MG GS, MG Sagar Parikh

MG could enter India with a C-SUV, something unusual for a market with a relatively limited demand for C-segment models. This speculation is based on a report from The Times of India that says that MG will offer its first SUV in India with the Jeep Compass’ diesel engine.

Jeep Compass 2.0 diesel engine bay review — The Jeep Compass’ 2.0-litre Multijet II diesel engine develops 173 PS and 350 Nm of torque.

The report does not even remotely hint at the use of the 1.6-litre diesel engine employed in the export-spec Jeep Compass, which otherwise could mean MG having decided a Hyundai Creta rivaling B-SUV, possibly the MG ZS, as its first SUV for India. It specifically states that the 2.0-litre diesel engine employed by the Indian-spec Jeep Compass will find its place in MG’s first SUV in the country.

The Jeep Compass’ 2.0-litre Multijet II diesel engine develops 173 PS and 350 Nm of torque. In MG’s line-up, this engine is ideally feasible for something like the MG GS if India is the market under consideration. MG will offer a 1.5-litre petrol engine or a 1.8-litre petrol engine made in-house as an option to the 2.0-litre Multijet II diesel engine sourced from FCA.

MG GS front three quarters left side at 2017 Bangkok International Motor ShowMG GS front three quarters left side at 2017 Bangkok International Motor Show — MG will offer a 1.5-litre petrol engine or a 1.8-litre petrol engine as an option apart from the 2.0-litre Multijet II diesel engine in its first SUV in India.

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MG will manufacture its vehicles in India at GM’s Halol plant, which it acquired in September last year. It will launch its first model in Q2 2019 (April-June 2019).

[Source: The Times of India]