MG’s first SUV in India might be the Columbian Chevrolet Captiva

MG has already begun testing their all-new SUV, the first MG to be launched in India and from the test-mules, it is evident that it is none other than the Baojun 530 SUV which is sold in China. The same SUV is also sold as the Chevrolet Captiva in the Columbian market and has been developed by the SAIC-GM conglomerate.

At 4655mm, the MG SUV, is bigger than premium SUVs like the Hyundai Tucson and the Jeep Compass and for that matter, it is also bigger than the upcoming Tata Harrier SUV which is just over 4.5 metres in length. The styling of the 530 is strikingly similar to the Tata Harrier with the LED DRLs forming the eyebrow-like strip and the bumper-mounted headlamps flanking the wide grille. Given its size and the flared wheel arches, the MG has all the potential to impress Indian buyers.

Being the flagship MG SUV in the country, it will get all the bells and whistles which include 360-degree parking camera, sunroof, power seats (possibly), power mirrors, cruise control, dual-zone climate control, et al. The mules have been spotted with a Volvo-like vertical touchscreen and might not get the same layout as the international model for the Indian market. Also, the SUV is rumoured to be powered by the 2.0-litre Fiat-sourced turbo-diesel and we expect it to develop somewhere around 140bhp to 150bhp of power.

MG seems keen on pricing it aggressively and we estimate it to be in the Rs 16 lakhs to Rs 20 lakhs ex-showroom price range which pits it against the Compass while undercutting the Tucson.