MG enters 4x4 ute wars with high-tech MGU9
Chinese car maker MG confirms three-variant lineup and pricing from $55,000 for its new U9 dual-cab ute, which features an optional expandable cargo bay.
The latest challenger to emerge in the lucrative 4x4 ute segment, the MGU9 will be offered in a three-variant lineup comprising the Explore, Explore X and Explore Pro.
Pricing starts at a competitive $55,000 for the Explore, rising to $65,000 for the Explore Pro. Pricing for the Explore X was not released.
This makes the entry-level MGU9 more expensive than the cheapest Ford Ranger ($50,880) and Toyota HiLux ($50,420) 4x4 dual-cab models, but at this price the Ranger and HiLux are ultra-basic workhorses, where the MGU9 is expected to be considerably better equipped, with the base grade likely to be comparable to $60,000 variants of the category heavyweights.
MG claims its new workhorse has been benchmarked for the Australian environment, offering the robust strength expected of a ute, while integrating advanced technology and the premium comfort of a modern SUV.
The cabin of the MGU9 appears particularly impressive, boasting high-quality finishes, versatile multi-fold seating, the latest in infotainment and connectivity and up to 32 storage spaces.
In an unusual move, the rear seats can be folded completely flat, enabling a seamless cabin-to-tub pass-through when partnered with the optional Smart Hatch feature, which is available only on the top-of-the-line Explore Pro.
The Smart Hatch feature includes a fully retractable rear cabin window, providing users with unrestricted access between the cabin and tub when the rear seats are in the lowered position.
Additionally, when the rear seats are lowered the front passenger seat can be folded backwards, creating an extended, flat surface that provides a comfortable bed-like resting position.
Elsewhere, a striking aircraft-inspired gear selector adds to the cockpit-like feel of the cabin, which also features an impressive twin 12.3-inch screen display, and roomier accommodation than its key rivals, thanks to overall dimensions that are larger than the likes of the Ranger and HiLux but smaller than full-size American trucks like the RAM.
MG has previously confirmed that its new ute will feature an Australian-engineered multi-link rear suspension, which is another key point of difference with its mostly leaf-spring, live axle rivals.
The innovations don’t extend to the MGU9’s powertrain, however, which is a conventional 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel driving through an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The engine develops a claimed 164kW/520Nm, which puts the MGU9 ahead of both the Ford Ranger’s bi-turbo diesel four-cylinder (154kW/500Nm) and the Toyota HiLux’s 2.8-litre turbodiesel (150kW/500Nm).
MG’s move into the dual-cab 4x4 ute space is strategically timed, with the brand recently forging its way into ninth spot in national new vehicle sales for the month of August, one of a record four Chinese brands now in the Top 10.
Dual-cab 4x4 utes are famously one of Australia’s biggest selling vehicle types, and last year accounted for 229,219 of the total 1,237,287 new vehicles sold in Australia, making the segment second only to medium SUVs.
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