The Auto Expo 2023 will be MG Motor’s second appearance at the biennial auto show. In its previous showing, MG’s stand at the Auto Expo was decidedly focused on SUVs with models such as the Gloster, Hector Plus and Astor making their India debut, but this time, MG's hero product will be an EV, and a hatchback no less. The most important unveil from the British carmaker will be the MG4 electric hatchback, along with facelifted versions of the Hector and Hector Plus SUVs. Here’s a preview of all that you can expect from MG Motor at the upcoming Auto Expo 2023.
MG4 EV - halo model
MG's showstopped at the motor show will be the MG4. This new electric hatchback has already gone on sale in some international markets, but it’s still being evaluated for India. The MG4 is a born electric vehicle that's based on parent company SAIC’s modular scalable platform. Unlike the Air EV, this is not a small hatchback. It measures 4,287mm in length and has a wheelbase of 2,705mm, which makes it almost the same size as the MG ZS EV sold here. It’s also stylish looking with crossover design cues that seem inspired by the Cyberster roadster concept. If launched, it is likely to get two battery pack options delivering a WLTP range of up to 452km.
MG Hector and Hector Plus facelift
While a market launch is already expected before the Auto Expo, the Hector and Hector Plus facelifts will be on display for the public at the motor show. Both SUVs will come with a comprehensive midcycle makeover, featuring a completely new front and rear fascia. The more substantial change is on the inside with a completely revised dashboard and a massive 14-inch touchscreen – the largest among any mass-market car in India. MG is also adding its ADAS tech to the facelifted versions of both SUVs. However, there won’t be any changes to the powertrain line-up, which means it will continue with existing 1.5-litre petrol and 2.0-litre diesel engines.
MG Air EV to miss out on Auto Expo debut
The two-door Air EV was one of the most highly anticipated cars at the Auto Expo, but surprisingly, MG is not bringing the compact EV to this Auto Expo, Autocar India can confirm. However, a market launch in the first quarter of 2023 is still expected to be on the cards.
The radically styled two-door EV will be positioned as a premium commuter, and is based on the Wuling Air EV that’s already on sale in Indonesia. Measuring only 2.9 metres in length, it will be among the smallest cars on sale in India. The equipment list won’t be small though, with MG expected to bring features like twin 10.25-inch screens and connected car tech. It will get an LPF cell battery sourced from Tata AutoComp and sources tell us that the compact EV should do between 200-250km on a single charge. It will be launched in 2023, and prices are expected to be higher than the Tiago EV.
Apart from this, MG will also have its existing line-up of Gloster, Astor and ZS EV on display. The latter two were recently facelifted for international markets, although they are not expected to make an appearance at the upcoming Auto Expo. MG, like at the Auto Expo 2018, could have a decidedly British theme for its stand along with displays of some of its classic icons, future technologies, models from its global line-up, future concepts as well as experience centres.
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from Autocar Indiahttps://cdni.autocarindia.com/ExtraImages/20230103011721_MG%204%20EV.jpg
