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. This time, however, MG's hero product will be an EV, and in hatchback body style no less. The MG4 electric hatchback will be the British carmaker's most important unveil, 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 to be brand's halo model at Auto Expo
MG's showstopper 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, Hector Plus facelifts price announcement
While MG is expected to showcase the Hector and Hector Plus facelifts prior to the Auto Expo, the company will be announcing prices for both SUVs at the motor show. Both SUVs will come with a comprehensive midlife 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 cars 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 the existing 1.5-litre petrol and 2.0-litre diesel engines.
MG Air EV to debut in concept form
The two-door Air EV was one of the most highly anticipated launches at the Auto Expo, but Autocar India can now confirm that MG will only be previewing the compact EV through a concept, perhaps in near production guise. A market launch in the first quarter of 2023 is 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 2.9m 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. There could be displays of some of its classic icons, future technologies, models from its global line-up, future concepts, as well as experience centres.
Click here to check the visual story on MG's 2023 Auto Expo preview.
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